One patient’s story: Bariatric surgery helped her lose weight and more

Jul 15, 2020

Ashley Lorenzen was skinny growing up. She was an active kid in high school, but she started to see changes in college when she was less active.

Soon she was not able to do certain things like she could before. She had a hard time fitting into amusement park rides and was winded when walking. Ashley also noticed that she was not ovulating correctly, so she and her husband were not able to get pregnant.

She was trying everything to lose weight, but nothing worked. Eventually at 360 pounds, she attended a bariatric surgery informational session at Marshfield Clinic Health System and decided to make a drastic change. She had the roux-en-y gastric bypass procedure on February 23, 2015 and has made incredible progress since.

Watch this video to see Ashley’s amazing journey with losing weight, bariatric surgery and improving her overall health.

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6 responses to “One patient’s story: Bariatric surgery helped her lose weight and more”

Nancy Block

Sep 30, 2020

I have spoken to my primary physician and we think this would work well for me. I have had sleep apnea for over 20 years, I now have diabetes and high blood pressure. I am five feet tall and weigh 194 pounds. I have Security Health Insurance and the surgery I get would need to meet all Medicare guide lines for them to help with the cost. Please tell me how to proceed .

Reply
1. Jacob Zipperer
  
  Sep 30, 2020
  
  Nancy, thank you for reaching out, our team would gladly help you.
  
  There are two ways to get started, you can either ask your primary care provider to send the Bariatric Surgery Team a referral OR you can call the Bariatric Surgery Coordinator, Lynz Jordan: 715-221-7422 get started and ask more detailed questions then.
  
  Reply
Laurie A Schneider

Jul 16, 2020

Ashley I also weighed 360 pounds when I had my gastric bypass surgery. I was living in FL at the time. I am now back in Wausau. I am 40 pounds from my goal weight, but had my surgery In 2006. Wish there was a support group here for people like us.

Reply
1. Jacob Zipperer
  
  Jul 16, 2020
  
  Hello Laurie,
  
  Thank you for reading Shine365! Marshfield Clinic Health System does offer Bariatric Surgery support groups in our service area.
  
  Thank you and I hope that helps,
  Jake
  
  Reply
GG

Jul 16, 2020

I had a lady tell me you can't be over 60 for this type of surgery, is that true?

Reply
1. Jacob Zipperer
  
  Jul 16, 2020
  
  Hello and thank you for reaching out,
  
  Our program at Marshfield Medical Center does not have an age limit. There are many people over the age of 60 that have had surgery and have been wonderful candidates that are able to improve their health. However, you should always check with your insurance. They may have some restrictions for the procedure.
  
  Thank you and I hope that helps,
  Jake
  
  Reply