In November 2008 — nearly four and a half years after her bariatric surgery — Jenifer Dewsenberry is beaming with enthusiasm, having lost 257 pounds and reaching her weight-loss goal.
What keeps Jenifer motivated and on track?
“I never want to go back,” she said. “I used to deal with happy, sad — everything with food. I made bad choices. Now, my everyday happiness keeps me going.”
Jenifer attributes her success, in part, to the team in the Bariatric Program at Community Memorial Hospital. “The program is fantastic,” she said. “I checked others, but this is the best. I couldn’t have accomplished this without Dr. Prewitt and Barb Taggart, the exercise program, the support group and my family and friends.”
Dr. Zane Prewitt performs surgeries in the Bariatric Program, and Barb Taggart is a registered dietitian and coordinator for the Bariatric Program. Dr. Prewitt is a member of the American Society of Bariatric Surgery.
Since her gastric bypass surgery, Jenifer has attended most of the monthly support group meetings for Community Memorial bariatric patients. “Many people in the group were dealing with diabetes and heart problems, but their health has improved so much since their surgery.
“When you choose to have the surgery, there’s so much involved. You need to stay mentally on track. The program prepares you for everything that’s ahead after surgery — the foods you need, how to prepare them, how much to eat — they touch on everything. That’s why it’s so successful. And they’re constantly improving on it.”
Perhaps Jenifer’s greatest success was coping with a personal event in her life earlier in the year. “I didn’t turn to food at the worst moment in my life,” she said. “Now that’s success! I was so proud to tell Dr. Prewitt and Barb.”
Jenifer admits that her surgery wasn’t a cure-all. “It’s a struggle every day,” she said. “Food is on my mind all the time.”
But more than anything, Jenifer hopes her success will encourage others struggling with obesity. “I want to give hope to others,” she said. “If I can help just one person, then that will be enough.
“You can be successful, but you have to put effort in it. This is not an easy way out; there’s no magic wand. But it’s an investment in yourself, and you need to care about yourself. This surgery can work if you want it to.
“After losing weight, you still have everyday struggles, but you deal with them in a much different way. Now, I celebrate living.”
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