Bariatric surgery helps Jen lose weight, reclaim life
“I’m just existing,” Jen recalled thinking that day. “I’m not really living.”
While she watched her nieces and nephews playing, Jen sat in a lawn chair, painfully aware she couldn’t join in the fun.
That moment stuck with her, along with a photo from that day. In her own eyes, she saw exhaustion, sadness and a longing for change.
It became Jen’s “before” picture and the start of a life-changing journey.
“I honor the person I was,” Jen said. “She chose to change and I’m so grateful.”
A lifelong struggle that led to surgery
Jen had struggled with obesity since high school. Over the years, she tried countless ways to lose weight, but it always came back.
After that family get-together in 2023, Jen connected with her care team in the Allina Health medical weight loss program, including nurse practitioner Amy Wetzel, CNP, MSN, and dietitian Megan Whichello, RD/LD, MS.
“This is a very vulnerable thing to talk about,” Jen said, referring to her weight. “They are very safe humans to have open, honest, vulnerable conversations.”
“Every person’s weight-loss journey is unique,” Amy said. “When patients feel safe being candid about experiences, we can create a plan that is both realistic and sustainable.”
Jen decided to give medication one more shot, this time using injectable medicine. When that didn’t work, she and her team began discussing a surgical solution.
“I recommended Jen have a conversation with one of our bariatric surgeons,” Amy said. “My philosophy is that more information leads to better decisions, and learning directly from a surgeon can help patients understand the risks and benefits of surgery.”
“Surgery, along with regular follow-up in a lifestyle aftercare program, often delivers the lasting results many patients have worked so hard to achieve,” Megan added.
Jen took Amy and Megan’s advice and connected with Juan Jose Blondet, MD, an Allina Health bariatric surgeon. Together, they discussed options and decided on a procedure that involved the stomach and the intestines.
“Jen had what’s called the duodenal switch,” Dr. Blondet said. “The procedure reduces the size of the stomach and reroutes part of the small intestine to help take off and keep off weight.”
Jen started preparing for surgery in July 2023. Since the surgery would change Jen’s body and lifestyle, she needed to be ready — physically and mentally. She met with dietitians, psychologists and other specialists.
“I had a whole team behind me,” she said. “I felt very supported along the way.”
In December 2023, Dr. Blondet performed bariatric surgery that has since transformed Jen’s world.
"Jen was very brave, committed to changing her life, and really put effort into making necessary changes,” Dr. Blondet said. “She worked very hard preparing for surgery and proved to be an excellent candidate. It was a pleasure working with Jen to help her achieve her goals."
New lifestyle, new weight, new outlook
Following surgery, Jen dealt with a short-term case of gastritis, an inflammation in the stomach, which was resolved with a prescription and dietary changes. Meanwhile, the weight started to come off.
One unexpected side effect was a temporary loss of hunger sensation. Because part of her stomach was removed, Jen’s hunger hormones were temporarily affected. For more than a year, she didn’t “feel” hungry, so she had to set reminders to eat.
“The body goes through many changes after surgery, and it can be challenging to stay in a good headspace to manage it all,” Megan said. “Jen and I had an open dialogue about strategies, such as adding certain foods and prioritizing specific nutrients to help keep her full.”
Jen says her hunger cues have returned, and now, when she gets a craving, it’s for fresh food rather than chips or sweets.
“I crave blueberries,” Jen said. “My tastes have definitely changed.”
As she marks the second anniversary of her surgery, Jen has lost more than 200 pounds and is now at a healthy weight for her body size. But she says her transformation goes far beyond the scale.
“It’s wild how things have changed — and for the better,” Jen said.
These days, Jen eats smaller portions and avoids foods high in sugar and fat. She tracks her food and drink intake to ensure she’s getting enough protein and water. She also takes daily vitamins.
She wasn’t a big drinker before, but after surgery, even a small amount of alcohol makes her feel tipsy, so she’s chosen to avoid it altogether.
Jen’s heart rate and blood pressure have improved, and she no longer needs a CPAP machine for sleep apnea.
“There are so many other things,” Jen said. “I think maybe the biggest is that I can move without pain.”
Earlier this year, Jen and her fiancé went hiking in Maple Grove, got lost and ended up walking seven miles. She says that before surgery, she couldn’t walk half a mile without hurting. Now, she walks, hikes and even jogs a little.
Advice for others who struggle with weight
Jen attributes much of her success to her care team, especially Amy and Megan. They’ve been with her from the start and throughout every part of her journey.
“Those two are my peeps,” she said. “I lucked out. I have such a good team.”
“We’re here to support patients in any way we can,” Megan said. “It is absolutely a team effort.”
“Jen’s story is a wonderful example of how persistence, openness and trust in the process can create meaningful and lasting change,” Amy added. “She deserves recognition for the commitment she showed every step of her journey.”
Jen says she’s sharing her story to give others hope.
Bariatric surgery isn’t for everyone, and it’s not an easy fix. It takes commitment, lifestyle changes and hard work. But Jen says it can work when a person who’s struggling with weight is ready for change.
“Decide for yourself — not for anyone else,” Jen said. “Listen to your body, talk to your care team and be ready to do the work.”
In the end, Jen’s journey wasn’t only about losing weight. It was also about reclaiming her life. And she’s done both.
She’s no longer watching from the sidelines at family get-togethers. She’s joining the fun, laughing and living.
“I feel good in all the ways — physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually,” Jen said.
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