Dusting off the Reins

After receiving care from Enloe Health Bariatric & Metabolic Services, Dusty Steele can ride her beloved horse again.

Nearly eight years had passed since Dusty Steele could ride her horse, Pistol. Steele’s beloved saddle — a high school graduation gift from her grandmother — was left unused.

Steele was physically limited, weighing more than 300 pounds. But after undergoing bariatric surgery in 2021, the mother of three shed 188 pounds within a year.

The moment she hoisted herself atop her horse, she immediately noticed 6 inches between her stomach and the saddle horn. Overjoyed by the achievement, Steele couldn’t help but cry.

“It was such an incredible feeling,” she said. “I can’t express how life changing surgery has been. I ride now every chance I get.”

Making the Change

Steele is one of many patients from across the North State who has received care from Enloe Health Bariatric & Metabolic Services.

The 43-year-old decided to get bariatric surgery after every fad diet was unsuccessful and pain in her left hip plagued her daily life.

“I couldn’t function. I couldn’t spend time with my kids. It was a horrible time in my life,” she said. “That was part of what helped me. I had to literally reach rock bottom.”

It wasn’t until an eyebrow appointment that Steele learned of bariatric surgery from her esthetician, who shared that she had bariatric surgery and lost 100 pounds.

“I immediately called Dr. Simchuk’s office and made an appointment before I chickened out,” Steele said. “I decided to have the surgery because I was really overweight for a long time. I needed a solution.”

The Benefits of Bariatric Surgery

Erik Simchuk, M.D., has 20 years of experience in bariatric surgery. He’s witnessed many patients have their lives transformed for the better.

“The benefits of bariatric surgery are stupendous,” Dr. Simchuk said. “One might trade an entire list of medications for diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, blood thinners and have that all go away for one bariatric vitamin.”

Bariatric surgery is minimally invasive as well. Dr. Simchuk said operations are done laparoscopically through an incision that’s the width of a pencil. Patients usually stay one night in the hospital and can return to their daily lives as soon as they get home.

“Bariatric surgery is generally as safe as having your gallbladder removed or your appendix taken out, if not safer,” Dr. Simchuk said. “Bariatric Centers of Excellence, like ours at Enloe Health, have a great track record of safe and reliable outcomes.”

Candidates for bariatric surgery include individuals with a body mass index (BMI) of 35 who have a medical condition related to their weight, or have a BMI of 40 or more. Bariatric surgery can also be covered by insurance.

The Right Time

Dr. Simchuk and his team performed Steele’s surgery in July 2021. The welcoming atmosphere was the kind of comfort Steele needed.

“Dr. Simchuk has been wonderful since the very first day I walked into his office crying,” Steele said. “I’m so grateful for the care that I received from Dr. Simchuk and from Enloe Health. The entire process was incredible. They’re all so kind and compassionate and caring. They’re still taking care of me.”

Six months after surgery, Steele’s hip pain melted away. She no longer needed to take medication and she found herself having more energy.

“To see a person get their life back can sometimes be overwhelming and bring tears to your eyes,” Dr. Simchuk said.

Steele, a lover of horses, can now enjoy the hobby she has loved since she was a child. “I never thought I could feel like this,” Steele said.

Learn more about Enloe Health Bariatric & Metabolic Services.