Ayer Resident Enjoys Multiple Health Benefits Following Surgical Weight Loss at Emerson Hospital

At 5’3” and 245 pounds, Dennis Auger of Ayer was tired of struggling to do simple, everyday tasks such as putting on his socks and shoes. And he was physically tired, with added complications of type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure.

The 67-year-old Vietnam veteran, who dieted unsuccessfully for years, did extensive research into surgical weight loss, what to expect from the different procedures and how to live a long, healthy life. After consulting with David Lautz, MD, FACS, medical director of the Emerson-Mass General Weight Loss Program in Concord, Auger knew the right choice for him was laparoscopic gastric bypass, a minimally invasive procedure that both limits the amount of food one can ingest by decreasing the size of the stomach, and causes some malabsorption of calories and nutrients by rerouting  a small part of the gastrointestinal tract..

Dr. Lautz, who is board-certified in surgery and has performed weight loss surgery for more than 10 years, has vast experience in performing bariatric surgery, including gastric bypass, gastric banding and sleeve gastrectomy.

“Each operation has its own personality, as well as risks and benefits. Our job is to educate patients, answer their questions and let them decide if bariatric surgery is appropriate for them,” he said.

Dr. Lautz is one of 12 surgeons who were asked to join the Governing Committee of the American College of Surgeons Bariatric Surgery Center Network, which accredits bariatric surgery centers of excellence nationwide. Emerson achieved Level 1A accreditation in 2010.

After Auger’s surgery on Aug. 26, 2013, he said he was “amazed” that he didn’t require any pain medication. He spent two nights in the hospital, and then chose to walk out to his car rather than use a wheelchair after being discharged.

Auger, who has slimmed down to 179 pounds, said the toughest part of the experience has been drinking protein-rich milkshakes to ensure that he gets all his nutrients. He no longer consumes alcohol and is careful not to overeat.

“Sometimes I’d push it to one more forkful, but that’s all it takes to disrupt the system,” he said. “What little discomfort I’ve had has been well worth it. I dropped the weight, and I did it quickly.”

Most importantly, Auger is benefiting from improved health. His blood pressure medication was cut from two pills a day to one, and he no longer takes insulin. He is also enjoying a noticeable increase in energy.

“There were so many things I couldn’t do, or that were a struggle before. Now I jump out of bed in the morning with a spring in my step,” he said. “My results have been so fabulous, and I feel so much better. I’m happy with myself, my appearance. I look younger, and I feel younger. I’d recommend surgical weight loss to anyone who is overweight and has problems. I think it’s that good.”

In fact, Auger’s improved health is consistent with the benefits that can be obtained with weight loss surgery. According to Dr. Lautz, co-principal investigator on a National Institutes of Health clinical trial at the Joslin Diabetes Center, studies have shown that 80 percent of individuals with diabetes can stop taking medication after having weight loss surgery. In addition, many patients are better able to control or eliminate other related medical problems, including hypertension and sleep apnea.

While Dr. Lautz has received numerous awards in recognition of his commitment to his profession, his primary emphasis remains the care of his patients.

“To offer those who have struggled with their weight for their entire life a treatment option that can resolve many of the medical problems, greatly improve their quality of life and let them be treated like anyone else in society is enormously rewarding for me and my staff,” he said. “My goal is to provide the highest possible quality bariatric surgical care in a supportive environment.”

For more information about surgical weight loss, call the Emerson-Mass General Weight Loss Program at (978) 287-3532 or visit www.emersonhospital.org/surgicalweightloss.