At age 50, after quitting smoking, Susan Fairchild found herself at 240 pounds; more than 100 pounds over her ideal weight. As a result, she developed metabolic syndrome – a combination of diabetes and high blood pressure, cholesterol and triglycerides. She tried all the diets – Jenny Craig, Nutrisystem, Sugar Busters, Weight Watchers (three different times) – and a dozen others. Nothing worked.
Twenty years passed.
Not knowing what to try next, Susan listened to her cardiologist when he recommended she attend a bariatric surgery weight loss information session hosted by Northern Arizona Healthcare’s Weight Management Clinic. In June 2017, she had gastric bypass surgery with Robert Berger, MD.
“He is remarkable,” Susan said of Dr. Berger. “He did a fantastic job and I’ve had no problems.”
She added that the personal support she received from program leaders and staff at the Weight Management Clinic gave her the confidence and security to go through the weight-loss surgery process.
“The people are the crux of why the program works,” she said. “If you follow what they say, step by step, you’re going to be successful. What’s expected is all laid out for you at every stage – the bariatric surgery Bible – and that gives you the confidence you need.”
A little over a year later and 100 pounds lighter, Susan said her metabolic syndrome has disappeared. She’s been able to stop taking the long list of medications she was on before she lost the weight. Another bonus: She can find clothing that fits and wear it with confidence.
“I can do anything and everything now,” she said. “I feel like I’m 35 instead of 70 when I get down on the floor to play with my grandchildren or go to a Zumba class. This has given me the energy I had as a young woman. It’s really been a godsend.”