in focus:  Weight Management

WEIGHT LOSS SUPPORT AND SUCCESS Jeanine Rybak never really let it show, but being overweight bothered her a lot. “I was embarrassed,” said Jeanine. “Every time I went out, I felt like everyone was staring at me and judging.” One day, she’d finally had enough. She was tired of being a bystander in her own life. Tired of not wearing a bathing suit to the beach and of not going bowling because she was embarrassed to walk down the lane — afraid everyone would be looking at her.
“I was sick of being overweight. I wanted to feel good. I wanted to be healthy," said Jeanine.	Jeanine Rybak has lost 130 pounds after weight-loss surgery.
"I'd heard about the Duluth Clinic Weight Management Program and the excellent results people got and how great the doctors in the program were.  So, I attended one of their informational seminars. It was one of the best things I’ve ever done for myself.”	Overcoming barriers to weight loss Being active at any size

A little over two years ago, Jeanine had gastric bypass surgery.

"Surgery isn’t the answer for every person, but I can tell you that it was the correct decision for me,” said Jeanine. “I wish I would have kept a journal, because it was a journey full of support and surprise. The surgery was easy and losing weight was easy with the incredible support I got. I want people to know that it’s possible to take control of their life and come out on the other end being a participant in life. I also want them to know that the journey never ends and support is always there when you need it.”

Dr. Walter Medlin, director of the Duluth Clinic Weight Management Program, advises anyone considering weight-loss surgery to attend an informational session.

"Most people operate on a lot of misconceptions about weight-loss surgery,” said Dr. Medlin. “We go over those misconceptions at these sessions. We also talk about the different options available to people thinking about surgery, the lifelong support they will get from us, insurance questions they may have, and how we can help them get ready for surgery.”

The Weight Management Program at the Duluth Clinic is also available for those who do not choose to have weight-loss surgery.

"If a person decides not to have surgery, we support them through medical weight management,” said Dr. Medlin. “They see an internist or family medicine doctor who sometimes prescribes medications for appetite control. We also help them keep food logs, learn food awareness and how to safely increase their activity level.”

Jeanine has lost 130 pounds since her weight-loss surgery. Last summer, she bought herself a bike. She now goes to the beach in a bathing suit. She started bowling and this past winter she bought herself a pair of ice skates, the first pair she’s had in over 30 years.

"I want people to know that weight-loss surgery is incredibly effective and really changes lives,” said Dr. Medlin.