Stacy Jones has been a nurse for 30 years and has seen the medical world from various perspectives and specialties. While working as a pre-op nurse in our Cincinnati market, Stacy learned about bariatric surgery and met Mohamed Dahman, MD, one of Mercy Health’s bariatric surgeons.
She thought about the surgical procedure, but, as Stacy says, “Life seemed to get in the way.” Eventually, Stacy decided that she had to take the necessary steps to a healthier life.
Stacy’s path to bariatric surgery
Initially, Stacy started with the non-surgical bariatric program but wasn’t getting the results she wanted. During this time, she was also studying to become a certified bariatric nurse and, in August of 2021, began as the metabolic and bariatric surgery program coordinator at Mercy Health – Anderson Hospital and Mercy Health – Fairfield Hospital.
Through her experience, Stacy learned that obesity can contribute to many comorbidities, including 13 different cancerous malignancies. Her brother had also recently passed away from cancer. She didn’t want her obesity to lead to cancer if there was something that she could do about it.
Taking the leap
In August of 2022, Stacy embarked on her bariatric surgery journey, including meeting with dieticians and completing further testing and health evaluations. Despite her extensive medical knowledge, she felt a mix of nerves and excitement.
“I told my husband if I continue on this course, I’m going to die. I was overweight. I was unhealthy. My knees were in pain,” she candidly shares.
Her decision led her to Yasir Khan, DO, who performed her bariatric surgery in November of 2022. The procedure, lasting only two hours with an overnight hospital stay, marked the beginning of Stacy’s transformation.
“Bariatric surgery is another tool to help you,” she emphasizes, acknowledging the multifaceted approach required for true health.
A life-saving discovery
During her surgery, a cancerous tumor was discovered on Stacy’s pancreas.
“Dr. Khan was absolutely amazing,” Stacy recalls.
He connected her with Shyam Allamaneni, MD, who performed a nine-hour surgery in February of 2023, removing the pancreatic mass and her gallbladder. Remarkably, Dr. Allamaneni was able to save many of her organs that were initially at risk.
“To have both Dr. Khan and Dr. Allamaneni in the Mercy Health system is amazing and life-saving,” Stacy remarks with gratitude.
Recovery and lifestyle changes
Post-surgery, Stacy committed herself to her health with renewed vigor.
“I was able to completely stop my blood pressure medication. Within weeks, my knees felt better, I was sleeping better and I just felt so much better,” she notes.
Key to her recovery was mobility.
“It was really important to get up and walk, which helped me feel better and made my recovery so much easier,” she adds.
Stacy’s transformation was not just physical but also deeply lifestyle-oriented. She took advantage of Mercy Health’s offer of a free gym membership for three months, which included special classes for bariatric patients.
“Along with having the surgery, lifestyle changes, including incorporating exercise and doing all the follow-ups with the surgeon, helps keep me accountable,” she advises.
She underscores the importance of dedicating the first year post-surgery to one’s health journey.
“Give yourself the first year and commit to it. Everything after that is easy,” she says.
Education and support
Educating her family and friends about her surgery was crucial.
“My family and close friends had many questions and their own concerns,” Stacy says.
Sharing educational videos about the surgery and obesity helped garner their support, which proved instrumental in reaching her goals.
Stacy’s journey serves as an inspiration for others considering bariatric surgery and highlights the critical role of support systems in achieving health and wellness. For anyone contemplating bariatric surgery, Stacy’s advice is clear: embrace the journey with commitment and be open to learning. The rewards, as her story shows, can be life-saving.
Learn about the bariatric and medical weight loss services we offer at Mercy Health.
