Dena’s Story: How One Decision Changed Everything
To learn more about your options and first steps for weight-loss visit ebaptisthealthcare.org/weight-loss or call 448.227.6250.
Dena’s Story: How One Decision Changed Everything
Dena’s weight had fluctuated for years, but it never affected her health—until the COVID-19 pandemic. Long hours at a demanding desk job and poor eating habits led to steady weight gain.
“We couldn’t go anywhere during the pandemic. Staying active was harder, and the stress made it worse,” Dena said. Even with healthier eating, she wasn’t seeing progress and felt uncertain about pursuing weight‑loss surgery.
Meanwhile, her daughter Danielle was also struggling with her health and chose to have weight-loss surgery at Baptist in October 2023. Seeing her daughter’s success in real-time pushed Dana to consider the surgery for herself.
“Watching my daughter take the leap toward drastically improving her health really encouraged me,” Dena explained. “I made my initial appointment with the Baptist team and immediately felt encouraged by their level of care.”
Finding the Right Path
Before surgery, Dena met with bariatric surgeon James Cassiano, M.D.* and the Baptist Weight-Loss Center team to determine the best weight‑loss option and complete the required evaluations. Dr. Cassiano walked her through the differences between the gastric sleeve and the gastric bypass. While her daughter chose the bypass, Dena decided the gastric sleeve was the right fit for her.
“He sat with me and drew out the differences between the gastric sleeve and the gastric bypass so I could really visualize what to expect,” she said. “I was worried about my age and the medications I was taking, but he took his time and walked me through everything.”
Preparing for a Life Change
For nearly a year before her surgery, Dena worked with dietitians to develop healthier eating habits.” They start preparing you early so you can learn how to eat better before surgery,” she said. Those small changes helped her lose about 15 pounds before the procedure.
She also met with therapists to prepare her for the emotional aspects of lifestyle changes. “They even talk to you about situations like sitting at holiday meals,” Dena said. The care team went over restrictions, alternatives to traditional holiday foods and eating in social settings. “They really prepare you for what to expect in specific life situations.”
In the final month before surgery, she followed a strict diet plan, including a one-week liquid diet immediately before the procedure.
Surgery and Recovery
Dena noticed improvements almost immediately after surgery. “My recovery was about four days in the hospital and back to work after two weeks,” she said. “The first thing I felt was inflammation going down, and it just kept improving.”
She felt fully supported by her care team. “Dr. Cassiano* was honest with me about what to expect and incredibly kind before and after surgery,” Dena said. “He made sure I was ready to go home and encouraged me at every follow-up.
A New Relationship With Food
After surgery, Dena’s relationship with food shifted significantly. “Your taste buds change — you don’t want the bad stuff anymore,” she said. She continued her liquid diet at first, then slowly added foods back in.
She still meets regularly with Baptist dietitians, who guide patients long after surgery. After two years of biannual visits, she now follows up yearly and can call anytime she needs support.
Non-Scale Victories
Routine bloodwork revealed Dena was anemic before surgery, and the Weight-Loss Center team addressed it with iron infusions to ensure she was healthy prior to the procedure.
Dena’s biggest wins go far beyond the scale. She no longer needs medication for blood pressure or allergies. She is now excited to travel comfortably, stay active and play with her grandkids.
Even simple moments feel different now. “Trying on clothes is actually fun,” Dena said. Sometimes she still pictures her old self — until she sees a recent photo and realizes how far she’s gone.
A Support System Every Step of the Way
Dena says the encouragement from her care team and family made all the difference. “The whole team — the physician’s assistant, nurses, the dietitians — everyone was kind and encouraging,” she said.
Her husband of 23 years has been her steady supporter. “He loved me at any size, no matter what,” Dena said. “He never treated me any differently, but he’s happy to see me healthier and feeling better.”
Encouraging Others to Take the First Step
For people considering weight-loss surgery, Dena offers one simple piece of advice: start the conversation. “Talk to a dietitian while you’re assessing your options,” she said. “Just learn what’s available.”
For her, that single decision to explore bariatric surgery made all the difference. “It truly changed the direction of my life, and I am so thankful I made that first appointment.”
Dena shared her story to let others know they are not alone. To learn more about your options and first steps for weight-loss visit ebaptisthealthcare.org/weight-loss or call 448.227.6250.
*Dr. Cassiano is an independent physician and not employed by Baptist Health Care.
