Bariatric Surgery: A Personal Journey of Passion and Purpose

In 2010, when my hospital administration approached me about stepping into the realm of bariatric surgery, it wasn't a path I had envisioned for myself. I had built a reputation for my skills in minimally invasive surgery and had initiated a robotic surgery program in South Dakota. However, as fate would have it, the retirement of a bariatric surgeon created a void that needed filling, and my name came up.

Initially, I hesitated. Bariatric surgery wasn't in my immediate plans, but as I delved deeper, I discovered something meaningful – the ability to not just treat diseases, but to profoundly impact patients' lives and health outcomes. This realization sparked a passion within me that grew exponentially over the years.

As I immersed myself in the field, I witnessed firsthand the transformative power of bariatric surgery. I took pride in developing and enhancing the bariatric program, leveraging my expertise in minimally invasive and robotic techniques to offer patients the best possible care. Becoming involved nationally, training surgeons in robotic bariatric surgery, further fueled my dedication to this specialty.

What resonated most was the tangible impact on patients' lives. It wasn't just about weight loss; it was about improving their overall health and quality of life. Studies showed that patients undergoing bariatric surgery lived 7 to 15 years longer, experienced significant reductions in cancer risk, and saw resolution of various medical issues. These statistics weren't just numbers; they were a testament to the life-changing potential of bariatric surgery.

However, despite my passion and dedication, I faced challenges within my hospital program. There was a disconnect in understanding the vision I had for the program. It became increasingly clear to me that in order to achieve my goals, I needed to align myself with institutions that shared my vision and values.

This realization led me to Texas. I have been here for a year, forging relationships with patients and hospitals, seeking out those that were aligned with my commitment to excellence in bariatric surgery. Now, I am proud to be affiliated with multiple hospitals that share my patient-focused, comprehensive, and compassionate approach.

From Baylor Medical Center Frisco to Methodist McKinney Hospital, each institution embodies the values I hold dear. Together, we strive to provide patients with the highest standard of care, offering a range of surgical options tailored to their needs.

Also, this is the reason I aligned myself with Dr. Keli McCalman at Inspire Bariatrics in McKinney Texas. We share the same vision and have created a clinic which is warm and inviting with team members who are dedicated to you, the patient.  Each patient is treated individually according to their goals and needs. Multiple surgical and nonsurgical options are available and will be discussed with you. The move to Inspire Bariatrics has resulted in the culmination of my vision for bariatric surgery.

My journey into bariatric surgery wasn't one I had planned, but it has become my passion. It's about more than just performing surgeries; it's about making a meaningful difference in the lives of my patients. And as I continue on this journey, I am grateful for the opportunity to pursue my passion and purpose every day.