Not many people can point to the precise day their life changed. But Theresa Luddenwold will never forget the impact of June 17, 2021, the day her oldest brother passed away from stage 4 esophageal cancer. Steve, who worked as a chef without health insurance and ignored his own health while putting everyone first, died about three weeks after his diagnosis.
Steve’s death caused Luddenwold to look at her own life. As a 56-year-old, she was morbidly obese, weighing 391 pounds, with comorbidities like hypertension, severe osteoarthritis and joint pain.
Luddenwold could barely stand for more than 10 minutes, and walking short distances or even talking winded her. Because of the weight, she was not actively participating in her life and could not share moments with her family.
Luddenwold one day said, “What in the hell am I doing to myself? I will no longer be willfully ignorant of my health issues. I want to live.”
Luddenwold met with her primary care doctor Kathleen Cordeiro, MD, after the funeral to get help and embark on a two-year journey to hit a goal weight of 163 pounds, a 228-pound loss in weight.
With Dr. Corderio’s help, Luddenwold started what she calls a “keto light program,” where she stopped eating white flour and white sugar but added some fruits and veggies and made sure all liquids were sugar free. This was in preparation to see John Linn, MD, an esteemed specialist in bariatric and general surgery with Endeavor Health. By the time of her appointment with him three months later, Luddenwold had lost 35 pounds.
Dr. Linn asked Luddenwold several questions during the initial visit, but the most memorable for her was: “What is your goal?”
As a native East Coaster, Luddenwold wanted to go apple picking, something she often did growing up with her siblings. That was good enough for Dr. Linn, and together, they developed a plan that included the decision to have Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) laparoscopic surgery.
“I had to prove to myself, the doctors and insurance company that my way of thinking could change,” Luddenwold said. “I was an emotional eater and so depressed, so I had to find ways to not transfer my addiction and to face my emotions.” She lost a total of 62 pounds before the surgery and passed the required physical and psychosocial testing.
While she admits her decision to have RYGB laparoscopic surgery was drastic, she views it as the last chance that saved her life.
Surgery
RYGB is a laparoscopic surgery, where small incisions are made in the abdomen. During the procedure, the surgeon staples off the upper section of the stomach into a pouch, leaving it about the size of an egg. The surgery reduces the amount food one can eat and decreases fat, calorie, vitamin and mineral absorption. Patients lose weight by eating less and absorbing fewer calories.
Dr. Linn noted the surgery carries a very low risk of complications and very few side effects. He said the surgery helps patients overcome two major challenges. First, it helps them lose tremendous amounts of weight. Second, and perhaps more importantly, it helps patients maintain a new, healthy weight without the challenges of weight regain that are so difficult to overcome without surgery.
Surgical candidates must meet physical and psychosocial requirements, quit smoking, make healthy food and beverage choices, and be committed to weight loss and a healthy lifestyle. It is essential to work with a comprehensive healthcare team during this process.
Accountability
As part of her accountability after surgery, Luddenwold meets with a dietitian, Marisa Spiegel RDN, LDN, every three months and has appointments with Cassandra Snitowsky, APN-CNP, the lead APP for Endeavor Health Medical Group, Department of Surgery, specializing in obesity medicine and bariatric surgery, every three months.
Luddenwold lost an additional 167 pounds after the surgery with this routine follow-up program and starting anti-obesity medication therapy.
“Working with Cassie, I finally get it,” said Luddenwold. “I’m listening to my body. When I feel full, I stop eating. I still go out with friends and family, and I have no problems. I ask for a box right away to take home most of my meal, knowing these choices are better for me. I have birthday cake, but just a small piece to have a taste. I’m having more fun socializing now.”
Results
Luddenwold once needed a size 32/36 for clothes, and now she wears a size 8. She no longer requires hypertensive medication. She gets cortisone injections in her knees every six months and, at this point, does not need knee replacement surgeries. She can shop in any store. She can fit in airplane seats and go on trips. She can go for walks. She can cross her legs. And yes, she can go apple picking.
Luddenwold is thrilled for her daughter, Maddy, to start college this fall. Through the weight loss, Luddenwold believes she became a role model for her daughter, showing Maddie how to be a strong woman prioritizing herself.
Luddenwold admits she has a new life with her husband, Brent, a natural, active athlete. She said they rarely could do activities together, but now she can go for walks, bike rides or other adventures — with a renewed sense of togetherness.
Everyone’s weight loss path is different. Reach out to Endeavor Health weight loss experts who can accompany you on your path to health and wellness.
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