Norma Hufnagel — Bariatric Surgery Patient Success Story
Taking Control of Her Life
For years, Norma Hufnagel struggled to lose weight and live a healthy lifestyle.
After several unsuccessful attempts — and facing a future of diabetes, worsening back pain, and even a liver transplant (the result of a fatty, poorly functioning liver) — Ms. Hufnagel knew that she couldn’t win her weight loss battle alone.
She needed help — and needed it fast.
A Life-Changing Solution
At the recommendation of her primary care physician, she attended a surgical weight loss seminar at UPMC St. Margaret.
She knew that this wasn’t a quick fix — that she needed to commit to healthy lifestyle changes — but that it could give her the help she needed not only to lose weight, but also to save her life.
It wasn’t long after this session that Ms. Hufnagel made one of the healthiest decisions of her life — to have gastric bypass surgery.
Shortly after her surgery, the pounds began to drop.
More remarkably, medical tests confirmed that her liver had recovered from the damage it had sustained, only three short months after surgery.
Over time, her back pain diminished, and blood tests showed no signs of diabetes.
“This can truly be a life-changing event with reversal or improvement of serious comorbid conditions and an improved quality of life,” says Mark Zelkovic, MD, FACS, bariatric surgeon, Pittsburgh Bariatrics at UPMC St. Margaret.
Winning Her Battle
It’s been nearly three years since Robert Quinlin, MD, FACS, medical director of bariatric surgery, Pittsburgh Bariatrics at UPMC St. Margaret, performed gastric bypass on Ms. Hufnagel.
Today, she stands 125 pounds lighter and remains passionate about helping others who are on their journey to weight loss and weight management.
“It’s exciting because I continue to attend support group meetings and mentor others who are in various stages of their journey,” she says.
Maintaining her new lifestyle isn’t always easy, which is why she’s thankful for Pittsburgh Bariatrics’ comprehensive approach to weight loss.
Through the support of an experienced team of dietitians, exercise physiologists, nurses, psychologists, and plastic surgeons, Ms. Hufnagel is confident in her ongoing success.
“If a roadblock occurs, it’s reassuring to know that support is only a phone call away. I never feel alone,” she emphasizes.
(Note: This patient's treatment and results may not be representative of all similar cases.)