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"I am living life"

One man's story of successful weight loss surgery

Michael Baptiste and his daughter.

It has been well publicized that obesity is the No. 1 preventable cause of death today. But Michael Baptiste did not need to read the newspaper to know that — he was living it.

At about 318 pounds, the West Wareham resident was an insulin-dependent diabetic, needing up to five shots a day to regulate his blood sugar. He also had sleep apnea, which left him with high blood pressure. He had no energy and felt sick all the time.

Like so many, Baptiste's efforts in dieting had met with poor results. He researched bariatric surgery on the Internet and came to the conclusion that despite the surgery's risks, he had a better chance with surgery than with all of his health problems.

"My doctor told me that I was at risk for massive heart attack, stroke and dialysis. I knew I needed to do something," he said. Once he learned about the program at Tobey, he contacted Dr. Rayford Kruger, who directs the program.

"Our Bariatric Surgery Program strictly adheres to the guidelines set forth by the Department of Public Health and the American Society for Bariatric Surgery," Dr. Kruger said.

The program at Tobey includes a lengthy and exhaustive presurgical evaluation, education on the procedure and its risks and the support of a team that includes a physician's assistant, dietitian, clinical psychologist and social worker. After surgery, patients attend a postsurgical support group and lifelong follow-up with the physician.

Rayford Kruger, MD

Dr. Kruger and his colleague, Thomas Streeter, MD, FACS, have received extensive education and invited other expert surgeons to Tobey to instruct and observe the program's staff. Nurses and other program team members also have received extensive training.

"The surgical method we chose is less invasive and carries fewer operative risks than others," said Dr. Kruger. "The new equipment in Tobey's 'i-suites' makes the procedures even safer. The i-suites were designed for this type of work."

Baptiste underwent surgery on June 1, 2004.

"I was never nervous," Baptiste said. "I knew this surgery was the tool I needed to get me started on permanent weight loss."

Dr. Kruger explained that viewing the surgery as a "tool" is key to success in the program.

"People who undergo this surgery have to develop a different relationship with food," Dr. Kruger said. "They must develop a lifelong determination to maintain a healthy weight."

Four months after the surgery — and 86 pounds lighter — Baptiste has the energy and enthusiasm he used to only dream of. His family now claims that they can't keep up with him.

These days, Baptiste is enjoying the simple pleasures that most people take for granted, like buying clothes off the rack and taking his 6-year-old granddaughter fishing.

"I was 54 in November and I feel like I am 25," he said. "I don't use any insulin anymore. My blood pressure is normal and I am living life. I would have the surgery again in a minute."

Originally published in Your Health Matters, Winter 2005.

More Information ~ FREE Seminars

Southcoast Hospitals has been designated a Center of Excellence by the American Society for Bariatric Surgery

Free educational seminars are held every month on gastric bypass surgery for morbid obesity.

• First Wednesday of each month
  7 p.m.
  The Cape Codder
  1225 Iyanough Road & Bearse's Way, Hyannis

• Second Tuesday of each month
  6:30 p.m.
  Medical Library on the first floor
  Tobey Hospital
  43 High Street, Wareham

• Second Wednesday of each month (beginning May 13, 2009)
  7 p.m.
  White's of Westport
  Colonial Room, 66 State Road, Westport

• Third Tuesday of every month
  7 p.m.
  Southcoast Center for Women's Health
  300 Faunce Corner Road, North Dartmouth

• Fourth Tuesday of each month
  6:30 p.m.
  Medical Library on the first floor
  Tobey Hospital
  43 High Street, Wareham

Please call 508-295-3900 for further information and to register for the free seminar.

Important Note to Patients

Like any major surgery, major abdominal surgeries such as procedures to treat morbid obesity bring a significant risk of complications. It is important to remember that those afflicted with morbid obesity may have additional elevated serious risks, or co-morbidities, including diabetes, hypertension and severe pulmonary issues, which can cause further complications during this or any surgical procedure. This surgery is only performed after patients participate in a lengthy screening and orientation process that involves their families and all of their existing health care providers, including their primary care physician. Patients are also required to undergo medical counseling and engage in health and lifestyle practices that are designed to reduce co-morbidities to whatever extent possible.

You should always contact your Primary Care Physician to discuss any questions or concerns related to your medical history and options for choice, particularly if you are planning to undergo any surgery or partake in a new medical regimen.