Until her late 20s, Jenifer Dewsenberry was average size. At that point, however, things began to change. “I had personal problems in my life that started this,” she said. “I know I handled my personal situation — my mental health — the wrong way. I dealt with happy and sad times with food.”
Over the years Jenifer tried countless different ways to lose weight, but none worked for long. She continued to gain, until she reached her highest weight — 442 — where she stayed for a decade.
During this time, Jenifer considered fast food drive-throughs her biggest weakness. “It was too accessible. You can get a little here and a little there — and before you know it you have quite a bit of food,” she explained. “Every new item they came out with, I had to have it. And I regretted it the minute I ate it.”
As time went by, however, Jenifer learned healthier ways to deal with the problems in her life. “Around five years ago, I felt I was mentally healthy,” she said. “I felt I knew better how to deal with all of my demons. I realized then that I wasn’t hurting anyone but myself in how I was dealing with things.”
At this point she decided to look into bariatric surgery to help her control her weight. “I started looking into different doctors that performed the surgery, but I found out my insurance wouldn’t cover it.”
Knowing she had to do something, however, Jenifer began using a diet supplement and lost 50 pounds. “I was power walking and doing really well,” she said. A stress fracture sidelined her progress, however, and she slipped back into her old habits.
In February of 2003, a major, life-changing event altered Jenifer’s perspective — she was diagnosed with breast cancer. Zane Prewitt, MD, performed the surgery, which was followed by chemo and radiation.
Jenifer Dewsenberry before (inset) her surgery and one year after - 215 lbs. lighter!
A few months before her diagnosis, Jenifer helped her son deal with the death of his father. The thought of something happening to her as well was very difficult for both of them. As she battled the cancer, Jenifer decided she would no longer allow any obstacles to stop her from losing weight and becoming healthier.
“After the cancer, I realized I can’t control the things that are in God’s hands, but this [my weight] I could control. This was in my hands. The time was right and I made the choice. My only concern at that point was HOW I was going to do it.”
While dealing with the cancer, Jenifer learned from Dr. Prewitt’s nurse that he was performing bariatric surgery at Community Memorial. Because she already trusted him, it seemed like a natural fit for her. Because of her cancer treatment, she was told to wait to have the surgery, but because of her insurance, she couldn’t wait too long. “They were going to discontinue the coverage for the procedure, so we had to proceed as soon as possible.”
Jenifer had bariatric surgery at CMH on July 20, 2004. “My experience in the hospital was great — I love this place!” she said. “From the doctors to the nurses to the aides to the people who came in and brought my food to the people who washed the floors. Everyone was kind and friendly.”
Following surgery, Jenifer took advantage of the help for her ‘next steps.’ “I had looked into other programs for this surgery, and I know people who have gone there,” she explained. “Not one of those programs has the follow-up and support that the CMH program does.”
In addition to the surgery component, the CMH Bariatric Program includes pre- and post-surgery nutritional counseling, psychological counseling, an exercise component at the hospital’s Sport Medicine Center and a support group. “I have to be an active participant to make this work, but I know that the success is also due to the support available through Community Memorial.”
Jenifer enjoyed the exercise sessions that were part of the follow-up so much that she joined the CMH Sports Medicine Center and now works out three to four times a week. She regularly attends the support groups and enjoys sharing and learning with other program participants.
Jenifer has also made the choice to eat “healthy rather than to obsession.” She has changed her eating habits, for example choosing fish (without breading) instead of steak, and making sure she has enough daily protein. “I’m constantly aware of what I put in and how much I put in. I’m very content with that because of the results.” She has also given up her dedication to the “clean plate club,” accepting that its ok to throw away food if necessary.
Now, just over one year after the surgery, Jenifer is 215 pounds lighter than when she started, and she is much more comfortable with herself. “My life is so much happier now that I don’t panic anymore. Little things like the size of a chair. Forgetting something upstairs and having to go back for it. Little things like that are so much more pleasant now. I can also do all the wonderful things — go to the baseball games, go to the theater or a movie or a restaurant — without panicking.”
The changes she has undergone haven’t changed her relationship with her son, however, because they had always been very close. “He was too young to remember me healthy, though. He was anxious to see what I would look like, because I was always a bigger person in his memory.”
To anyone considering bariatric surgery, Jenifer has advice based on experience. “Look at all the options. Is this really for you? Look at the risks and check out different programs. Make sure you have support, not only from the medical team, but from your family and friends.”
And to those who decide it’s not right for them: “If you don’t choose this you’re not a failure. Find another way. Even if you lose 10 pounds or 20 pounds, its better than putting that weight on.”
Looking back, Jenifer knows she made the right choice. “It’s not right for everyone, for a lot of different reasons. But it was right for me. I was at the end — I had tried so many different ways to lose weight without success. I just didn’t know where to begin anymore. So when this opportunity came, I thought — I have to reach for it.’ And I knew I would be in very good hands with Dr. Prewitt.”
Jenifer continues to work at her healthy new lifestyle. She says she has a little ways to go to reach her ultimate goal, but is enjoying trying to get there. In the mean time, she wants to help other people find the same happiness. “If my story affects one person, and helps them become healthy, I will be very happy for them!”
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