As she watched her son graduate from West Virginia University, Becky Offenberger struggled to find a comfortable position in her Coliseum chair. As someone who fought obesity most of her life, she endured her discomfort for the remainder of the ceremony, only to wake up the next morning with severe bruising around her waist and hips. This moment triggered Offenberger to reach out to the WVU Medicine Medical and Surgical Weight Loss Center, as she began her journey to a healthier way of living.

Throughout her life, Offenberger, an ambulatory services trainer at WVU Medicine Camden Clark Medical Center in Parkersburg, tried diets and medication to help control her weight. Unfortunately, nothing worked long-term. She also experienced severe back pain and required pain blocks for relief. Walking for even a few minutes at a time was incredibly painful, and she would become short of breath. However, she often blamed these health issues on her back, not on her weight.

She reached her breaking point in the spring of 2023 after her son’s graduation. After seeing her bruised body from trying to sit in her seat, Offenberger said, “The light bulb just came on.” She knew she needed to do something about her weight.

After conducting some research, Offenberger decided to attend the WVU Medicine Bariatric program’s free, online informational session conducted by Salim Abunnaja, M.D., a surgeon at the WVU Medicine Medical and Surgical Weight Loss Center.

During the informational session, Offenberger learned about obesity as a chronic disease, society’s unhealthy habits, the different types of bariatric surgeries offered by WVU Medicine, and the importance of sustainable, long-term, healthy dietary changes, followed by a question-and-answer period.

“The information session is very valuable to me, and I think it’s very important for patients because it puts all the patients at ease,” Dr. Abunnaja said.

Informational sessions are conducted by Abunnaja or his fellow bariatric surgeons Nova Szoka, M.D., or Lawrence Tabone, M.D., and are the first step patients should take if they are interested in the program because they can listen and ask questions without making any commitments.

Offenberger felt an immediate connection with Abunnaja, who she said was knowledgeable and made her feel very comfortable. She decided to take the next step, which was an office visit with multiple providers for a full physical workup.

All patients in the bariatric surgery program meet with the surgeon – typically the surgeon with whom they had their informational session for best continuation of care – for a detailed medical history and physical exam. Next, a bariatric nurse reviews program requirements, followed by an encounter with a dietitian. Finally, patients are sent for bloodwork, x-rays, and any additional testing deemed necessary.

“Patients that come to us will benefit in one way or another, even if they don’t go through the program,” Abunnaja said, adding that more than 200 health conditions are linked to obesity. “They get some basic education about nutrition. They get screened for diabetes, for sleep apnea, for high blood pressure, and so on. We have some of our patients that think of us as a second primary care doctor.”

Leading up to her surgery, Offenberger lost 35 pounds, adopted a healthier diet, increased her water intake, and began walking, all to shape her mindset for her new lifestyle. Prior to her surgery, she also underwent additional cardiovascular and psychological testing.

Offenberger had a sleeve gastrectomy, which removed about 70 to 80 percent of her stomach. The surgery, performed laparoscopically, makes the stomach much smaller, but it also induces hormonal changes in the body to promote weight loss by helping to decrease hunger.

One year following her surgery, Offenberger has lost 155 lbs.

“I’m off all my medications that I was taking,” she added. “No more pain blocks.”

However, it’s been hard work, which she continues to this day. “I track all of my food, all of my water,” she said. She pays attention to her body’s signals of when she’s full, exercises daily, and takes the stairs at work.

Although she’s happy with her journey, Offenberger said surgery isn’t for everyone, and it’s best to follow the advice of doctors and do what’s best for your situation. She noted that Abunnaja told her during the informational session that surgery was an aid to help her lose weight, and that she had to put in much of the difficult work herself.

She stressed, however, that she received an incredible amount of support from the WVU Medicine Bariatrics team, and she couldn’t have made it as far as she has without their help.

“I just want congratulate the team, Dr. Abunnaja, all of his staff,” she said. “They all told me that they would be here to take care of me throughout my journey, and they definitely have. They’re just so amazing. I always felt like I was put above everyone else. What a wonderful experience and wonderful program.”

Abunnaja said that while it’s difficult to predict how well patients respond biologically to surgery and how compliant they are with a surgical procedure, in Offenberger’s case, “both lined up very well, and she had an excellent outcome.”

Offenberger now feels like she’s in a much better place for the rest of her life.

“It’s not just about the number on the scale,” she said. “It’s about how I feel – stronger, healthier, and full of energy. Everyday tasks feel easier, and my confidence has soared. I finally feel like the best version of myself. If you’re thinking about making a change for your health, know that it’s worth it. I’m living proof that transformation is possible – and it feels amazing.”

For more information on WVU Medicine Bariatrics, visit WVUMedicine.org/Bariatrics.