Woman’s weight loss journey helped along at Sanford Health

“I never thought that I could feel as healthy or as good as I do now. I mean, I’ve run 5Ks and 10Ks for the past two years and never thought in my life that I would be able to do it. “

Cassandra Altringer of Killdeer, North Dakota, didn’t always feel this good. A few years ago she weighed 302 pounds. Then she decided to make some changes.

“I wanted to lose weight because I just felt like shit. I couldn’t go under 228. come [lbs.] on my own. For some reason I just couldn’t, “said Altringer. “I had already changed my lifestyle. So I measured food, I ate healthier, I worked out every day. When I had the operation, I now train half the time. “

On May 13, 2019, Altringer had an operation at Sanford Health in Bismarck.

“This is Cassie’s procedure: a gastric sleeve resection, once again laparoscopic, with small incisions and cameras,” said Dr. Bree Dewing, a weight loss surgeon at Sanford Health in Bismarck. “Basically, we separate a large part of the stomach that is removed, creating this narrow stomach pouch that helps patients feel full faster and be less hungry during the day.”

Not a quick fix

Two years after her procedure and the woman who once weighed over 300 pounds. now weighs almost half – 152 lbs. to be exact. And while the surgery helped reduce her weight, she wants everyone to know that it wasn’t a cosmetic choice.

“I think people don’t understand that this isn’t a quick fix,” said Altringer. “What I’ve particularly noticed over the last year is that if I don’t eat or go to the ball as I normally am or should be, my weight will go up in a week or two.”

That’s why Dr. Dewing that weight loss surgery is not a “cure” for obesity, but rather a tool for those struggling to get below a BMI of 40 or a BMI of 35 for other diseases, but still sticking to a BMI of 35 healthy Diet and exercise program.

“Cassie’s definitely a superstar patient,” said Dr. Dewing. “This is just a classic example of how patients can get really great results when patients use the instrument properly.”

The trip goes on

The first year after weight loss surgery is known as the golden time, when it is especially important for patients to develop healthy habits. Because of this, Sanford continues to provide support long after the procedure is complete, just like Dr. Dewing with Cassandra.

“I still ask her questions about my carbohydrates, how many calories do I eat, is that okay? Can I consume this? “Said Altringer.” So you really helped me with my education and helped me stay on the ball, especially with regard to nutrition. “

Still, weight loss surgery is not for everyone. Even Altringer says she waited until she felt she had enough information and was really committed to change.

“If you do it for the wrong reasons, you won’t be able to maintain this healthy lifestyle, you know? So I would say, especially to anyone who thinks about it, it has to be something you do to make you feel better and be healthier. And if not, then it might be something you need to revisit. Because if I had the surgery two or three years earlier I really don’t think I would have been fine, and I don’t think I was emotionally at a point in my life where I would have done well, like I still do it now. “

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Posted in Bismarck, Healthy Living, Weight Loss

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source https://dailyhealthynews.ca/womans-weight-loss-journey-helped-along-at-sanford-health/