Bariatric Weight-Loss Surgery Program Patient Reaches Goals With Local Care

Christine Mousseau used to be unhappy with her life.

Because of her weight, she had trouble with daily tasks like going upstairs or getting down on the floor. Mousseau, 57, said she also lost the energetic demeanor she was known for.

“I didn’t feel good. It was really hard,” Mousseau said.

On New Year’s Eve in 2023, Mousseau went out with a friend who had recently received weight loss—also known as bariatric—surgery at Cheshire Medical Center. Her friend’s success story, coupled with Mousseau finding out she was going to be a grandmother, made her look into the surgery for herself.

By that May, she would go in for the procedure through Cheshire’s Bariatric Surgery Program.

Benefits of a weight-loss plan

Our nationally accredited program offers weight-loss surgery, which permanently alters the stomach or small intestine to help patients lose excess weight. This works by restricting how much a patient can eat, reducing the absorption of calories and suppressing appetite. 

Surgery, however, is only the first step in a patient’s weight loss journey. 

Patients are set up with a coordinated team of specialists that include a licensed psychologist, dietician and patient navigator to assist every step of the way. Additionally, Cheshire offers a pre- and post-surgery virtual support group for patients to ask questions and share personal experiences.

A weight-loss plan that includes bariatric surgery has many health benefits, including improving diabetes, eliminating sleep apnea, controlling high blood pressure and improving symptoms of joint disease, such as arthritis. These treatment plans can help you lose 40% to 70% of excess body weight over two to three years.

Team-based care fosters success

Our program’s comprehensive nature was a huge part of Mousseau’s success. 

She participated in the support group, which allowed her to find a mentor to help her through the program. Mousseau added her nutritionist was a “lifesaver,” helping her through the challenging first few weeks after surgery of adjusting to her smaller stomach.

“Your comfort is food. Everything is food,” she explained. “By doing this, you learn how to find [other] comforts and improve your whole life by feeling good about yourself again.”

Mousseau also stressed how important it was that she could access this care locally. She is unable to drive, so being able to take the bus or walk to her appointments “was really amazing.”

“If I had to go outside the area, it would’ve been hard for me,” she said.

Now, two years after her procedure, Mousseau is feeling better than ever. She is busy spending time with her 2-year-old grandson, Carter, working part-time at the Keene State College Dining Commons and, overall, living a more fulfilled life.

“It’s an incredible journey and well worth it,” Mousseau said. “I would recommend it to anybody.”

To see if bariatric surgery is right for you, get a free consultation by calling 603-354-5476 or contacting your primary care provider.