A “New Me”

The Sierra Providence Bariatric Center’s “New Me” fashion show took place this past Saturday at the Foundation Room inside the Mills building downtown.  The yearly fashion show showcases men and women who have been transformed by the Bariatric program and have lost great amounts of weight of sometimes 100 pounds and way more.  The evening had different members of the Bariatric program showcasing different clothes as well as the speaker mentioning how much they have come along in the program.

Dr. Clapp who is the medical director of the Providence Bariatric Center said that it is a lifestyle change more than just a procedure.  Dr. Clapp said there is about a 85% success rate with this kind of surgery and a lot depends on the patient and their dedication to continuing to eat healthy and live an active lifestyle.  Dr. Clapp also said that the hospital has dietitians on staff for Bariatric patients to use way after the procedure.

CEO J. Eric Evans was on hand to give more insight on the program and its benefits.  Evans stated that it wasn’t just a one time involvement from past patients.  Evans said that patients from 7 years ago were still participating in the fashion show and being apart of the small community of patients that are also a friendly support group.

Many of the patients we spoke to kept talking about the great support the wide array of services the program has.  The most common thing heard from everyone was that this is a lifelong challenge and complete lifestyle change.  The effort that comes from these people in their lives was a perfect reason for  this fashion show which was a great night to show off and glow in their hard work.