Finding Hope with Sleeve Gastrectomy Surgery at CentraCare

Growing up in Sartell and moving to St. Paul, Faith Schlecht pursued a career as a preschool teacher, a job she loved. Despite her fulfilling career and close-knit family, Faith's weight had always been a source of distress.

From her early teens, she found herself struggling with diet after diet, exercise routines that left her exhausted and countless methods of losing weight, including personal training sessions. Despite her best efforts, the weight always seemed to come back. She felt trapped in a never-ending cycle of hope and disappointment.

Each day was a new challenge, not only physically but emotionally. The frustration of not seeing lasting results took a toll on her self-esteem and overall wellbeing. Faith knew she needed a permanent solution, but she did not know where to start.

Her breaking point came after a particularly discouraging doctor's appointment. Faith's physician informed her that her weight was not just a cosmetic issue but a significant health concern. She also came to find out she had polycystic ovarian syndrome and insulin resistance. It was a wake-up call that propelled Faith to seek a more effective and sustainable solution.

A Turning Point with CentraCare Weight Management

After college and the pandemic, Faith moved back home and decided to take control of her health. Determined to make a lasting change, Faith began researching weight management options. This led her to discover CentraCare Weight Management. After reading numerous success stories and understanding their comprehensive approach, Faith felt a glimmer of hope.

She met with compassionate professionals like Jessica Daniels, CNP, and Lynn Schoenberg, LD, RD, who understood her struggles, were committed to helping her find the right path and provided unwavering support. After thorough consultations and evaluations, the team recommended bariatric surgery as a viable option for Faith. It was here that she first heard about sleeve gastrectomy, a procedure that could potentially transform her life.

Sleeve gastrectomy is a type of bariatric surgery that involves removing a portion of the stomach. This not only limits the amount of food that can be consumed but also helps reduce hunger by affecting hormones that regulate appetite. For Faith, this procedure offered a promising solution to her long-standing struggles with weight.

Despite concerns about her age and doubts from others, Faith remained steadfast in her decision. "I was determined to make a change," Faith said. "I had my own insurance now, and I made sure it covered bariatric surgery. I knew this was what I wanted to do."

Faith chose to have surgery at CentraCare due to its excellent reputation and accreditation by MBSAQIP as a national bariatric surgery center of excellence. The program offers bariatric surgery in St. Cloud, Monticello and Willmar. The knowledgeable and supportive staff made her feel confident in her decision as did the positive experiences she had during her initial consultations.

In April, Faith underwent the procedure. The surgery, combined with weight loss medication and lifestyle changes, led to a remarkable transformation. Faith lost 130 pounds, with 90 pounds shed post-surgery. She regained her energy and zest for life, feeling lighter both physically and emotionally.

The CentraCare Difference

Faith's positive experience with CentraCare underscores their holistic approach to weight management. "We treat obesity as the complex disease it is," said Jessica. "We recognize that weight reduction is not only about calories in and calories out. Many patients face metabolic dysfunctions such as insulin resistance or leptin resistance, which can complicate weight loss efforts."

For Faith, the staff's genuine care and understanding, coupled with their emphasis on addressing emotional and hormonal factors, set CentraCare apart. She appreciated the honesty and support she received, feeling truly seen as a person rather than just a number on a scale.

Life After Surgery

Today, Faith feels like she has reclaimed her life and says the surgery was the best decision she ever made, giving her the freedom to live without the physical and emotional burdens of excess weight.

"At CentraCare, we shift the focus from just scale victories to celebrating overall health improvements, including enhanced mobility, reduced pain, better sleep and improved mental health," said Jessica. "Faith's journey exemplifies this holistic approach. From her first consultation, she was motivated to improve her whole self, and she did this beautifully by making significant lifestyle changes."

Faith encourages others facing similar struggles to take the leap and explore their options with CentraCare. She emphasizes the importance of researching and reaching out for support, as CentraCare offers numerous options tailored to individual needs. "A lot of people ask me about my story. If they are interested, I tell them to just reach out to CentraCare because you don't know where it might take you," Faith said. "I feel like I have my life back, and I have so much more energy. It has been amazing."