Surgical Weight Loss
Stepping into a New Life with Bariatric Surgery
When carrying around extra weight, experiencing all that the world and life has to offer can be difficult. That’s why Jennifer DesLauriers decided to turn to Bayhealth’s Bariatric Program for support and trade in the baggage that weighed her down for plane tickets and a new, adventurous life.
Before starting her weight loss journey, DesLauriers had difficulty living day-to-day life. “I couldn’t even get off the floor, I was very immobile and had arthritis,” DesLauriers said.
Through the support of Bayhealth’s Bariatric Program, DesLauriers has been able to step confidently into a new life. “I have recently traveled to Punta Cana and Alaska. Both of those trips were amazing because I had nothing to hold me back. In Punta Cana I snorkeled and dove off of a boat. I could walk forever, I don’t get tired and I have so much energy now,” she continued.
DesLauriers began her weight loss journey in February of 2022. At the end of December 2022, Bayhealth General and Bariatric Surgeon Theodoros Katsichtis, MD, performed DesLauriers’ robotic assisted vertical sleeve gastrectomy repair of hiatal hernia. During a vertical sleeve gastrectomy, a thin, vertical sleeve is created by using a stapling device. The new sleeve is about the size of a banana. A sleeve gastrectomy changes signals within the body; resulting in decreased hunger and increased feelings of satisfaction or fullness after meals.
Committed to the long-term health of the community he serves, Dr. Katsichtis likes to build strong and lasting relationships with his patients. He performs endoscopic and laparoscopic surgeries and has clinical interests in robotic surgery and bariatrics, including vertical sleeve gastrectomy, gastric bypass, and duodenal switch, as well as abdominal hernias.
DesLauriers said her “why” behind her life-changing adventure was her daughters. “My two daughters do not have kids yet; I want to be around long enough to watch them have children. At that time in my life, I couldn’t even imagine trying to keep up with little kids. I also didn’t want my daughters to have to look after me, I want them to be proud of me,” continued DesLauriers.
While finding inspiration through her two daughters, DesLauriers’ gym family from Breakthrough Personal Coaching and Wellness provides her with much needed motivation, support and accountability. “I have come to the realization that I have to be motivated and consistent because I am never going back to the way I was. It is a slippery slope; it is so easy to fall back into old ways, such as not going to the gym or staying on the meal plan, I just know that I have to be disciplined,” she stated.
For physical activity, DesLauriers attends semiprivate weight lifting classes and participates in high-intensity interval training at Breakthrough. While exercising consistently has proven to be beneficial within her journey, nutrition and a new mindset have also proven to be important aspects of her journey.
“I meal prep – I prep a lot of veggies and try to focus on protein. I cook for my family and I know what I can eat so I modify what I cook to make it fit for me. I also track everything I consume and have a daily calorie limit,” said DesLauriers.
Bayhealth’s Bariatric program has also become a source of support for DesLauriers throughout her weight loss journey. She has had regular visits with Bayhealth’s Bariatric Program Coordinator Patty Deer, MSM, BSN, RN, CNOR, CBN, who has helped to provide her with a new perspective on life. “She sends out many recipes, coupons, and tip sheets to help all of her patients. She always tells me how proud she is of me and how well I have done,” DesLauriers continued.
Through any life-changing journey, support and inspiration are incredibly valuable. Thanks to the support that DesLauriers received throughout her journey, she is driven to help inspire others. “I would like to do a part-time coaching role in the future to inspire others,” she said. “With the help of Bayhealth’s Bariatric team, my experience has been lovely and I would recommend it to anyone. This program is amazing, it saved my life.”
Considering embarking on your own weight loss journey? Visit Bayhealth.org/Surgical-Weight-Loss to learn more about Bayhealth’s Bariatric Program.
Before starting her weight loss journey, DesLauriers had difficulty living day-to-day life. “I couldn’t even get off the floor, I was very immobile and had arthritis,” DesLauriers said.
Through the support of Bayhealth’s Bariatric Program, DesLauriers has been able to step confidently into a new life. “I have recently traveled to Punta Cana and Alaska. Both of those trips were amazing because I had nothing to hold me back. In Punta Cana I snorkeled and dove off of a boat. I could walk forever, I don’t get tired and I have so much energy now,” she continued.
DesLauriers began her weight loss journey in February of 2022. At the end of December 2022, Bayhealth General and Bariatric Surgeon Theodoros Katsichtis, MD, performed DesLauriers’ robotic assisted vertical sleeve gastrectomy repair of hiatal hernia. During a vertical sleeve gastrectomy, a thin, vertical sleeve is created by using a stapling device. The new sleeve is about the size of a banana. A sleeve gastrectomy changes signals within the body; resulting in decreased hunger and increased feelings of satisfaction or fullness after meals.
Committed to the long-term health of the community he serves, Dr. Katsichtis likes to build strong and lasting relationships with his patients. He performs endoscopic and laparoscopic surgeries and has clinical interests in robotic surgery and bariatrics, including vertical sleeve gastrectomy, gastric bypass, and duodenal switch, as well as abdominal hernias.
DesLauriers said her “why” behind her life-changing adventure was her daughters. “My two daughters do not have kids yet; I want to be around long enough to watch them have children. At that time in my life, I couldn’t even imagine trying to keep up with little kids. I also didn’t want my daughters to have to look after me, I want them to be proud of me,” continued DesLauriers.
While finding inspiration through her two daughters, DesLauriers’ gym family from Breakthrough Personal Coaching and Wellness provides her with much needed motivation, support and accountability. “I have come to the realization that I have to be motivated and consistent because I am never going back to the way I was. It is a slippery slope; it is so easy to fall back into old ways, such as not going to the gym or staying on the meal plan, I just know that I have to be disciplined,” she stated.
For physical activity, DesLauriers attends semiprivate weight lifting classes and participates in high-intensity interval training at Breakthrough. While exercising consistently has proven to be beneficial within her journey, nutrition and a new mindset have also proven to be important aspects of her journey.
“I meal prep – I prep a lot of veggies and try to focus on protein. I cook for my family and I know what I can eat so I modify what I cook to make it fit for me. I also track everything I consume and have a daily calorie limit,” said DesLauriers.
Bayhealth’s Bariatric program has also become a source of support for DesLauriers throughout her weight loss journey. She has had regular visits with Bayhealth’s Bariatric Program Coordinator Patty Deer, MSM, BSN, RN, CNOR, CBN, who has helped to provide her with a new perspective on life. “She sends out many recipes, coupons, and tip sheets to help all of her patients. She always tells me how proud she is of me and how well I have done,” DesLauriers continued.
Through any life-changing journey, support and inspiration are incredibly valuable. Thanks to the support that DesLauriers received throughout her journey, she is driven to help inspire others. “I would like to do a part-time coaching role in the future to inspire others,” she said. “With the help of Bayhealth’s Bariatric team, my experience has been lovely and I would recommend it to anyone. This program is amazing, it saved my life.”
Considering embarking on your own weight loss journey? Visit Bayhealth.org/Surgical-Weight-Loss to learn more about Bayhealth’s Bariatric Program.