Patient Stories
Patient Testimonials
At WakeMed, we understand that bariatric surgery is a big decision. Hearing from patients who have undergone a bariatric surgery procedure can help prospective patients understand our process, outcomes and what to expect from bariatric surgery.
Patient Testimonial - Gretchen
Patient Testimonial - Tanisha
Stories From the Blog
November 10, 2022
Alexis Harris Gets Her Teen Confidence Back Through WakeMed Children's Pediatric Weight Management
Bubbly and extraverted, Alexis Harris loves listening to music and making TikTok dance videos — similar to many teenagers. Thrice exceptional (diagnosed with ADHD, autism and a learning disability), she lights up when asked about her school — East Wake High, favorite subject — math, and hopes for the future — advocacy. Alexis plans to […]
December 20, 2023
Surviving and Thriving After Tragedy Bentleys ESG Weight Loss Journey
At WakeMed, we provide patients from all walks of life with life-changing, state-of-the-art treatments to advance their health care. The Advanced Gastrointestinal Center at WakeMed Cary Hospital is one of our centers where we specialize in top to bottom care for the entire digestive system — from the esophagus to the colon — we diagnose […]
May 27, 2022
A New Beginning After Bariatric Surgery Jamie Michaels Story
Obesity impacted every aspect of Jamie Michael’s life, from numerous health issues to isolation from loved ones. Eventually, with the help of his primary care provider, Marie Debnam, MD, Jamie determined that medical intervention was no longer an option; it was necessary. So, on January 15, 2021, Jamie underwent gastric bypass surgery. “I decided to […]
May 4, 2022
139 Pounds Down and Counting — Kristina Plane's Duodenal Switch Story
Losing weight is tough and the busier life is — with work, family and more — the harder it is t...
December 24, 2023
It Takes a Village: Tanya Blue's Cardiac Arrest Story
Back to work from Thanksgiving break and eager to get her students focused and on track before winter break — Tanya Blue was in her second grade classroom at a private school in Knightdale, NC, administering a spelling test. Then, the unexpected happened. “It was December 1, 2023. I remember standing in front of the […]