After trying to lose weight for years, Cameron Waters says our Healthy Lifestyles Center and bariatric surgery changed his life.
Cameron Waters has always been an active kid and loved sports. At the age of four he started playing soccer, football and basketball to keep his body moving. Despite all those activities, he kept gaining weight as he got older.
“Cameron had been struggling with his weight since an early age,” explained his mom Joannitie Waters. “We tried so many programs, diets and exercise for years, but nothing was working.”
“No matter what I tried, I could never lose weight,” remembered Cameron. “I tried many things but could never lose weight or the weight would just come back.”
When adolescent weight loss surgery is an appropriate option
After years of trying and not succeeding, he wondered if surgery could be the answer.
“It was Cameron’s idea to look into bariatric surgery for weight loss,” said, Joannitie. “I did some research to determine who did adolescent weight loss surgery in our area and learned about CHoR’s Healthy Lifestyles Center. After meeting with the team there, I was definitely on board.”
The Waters visited the Healthy Lifestyles Center for the first time in December 2023, when Cameron was 13, and that’s when they said their new journey officially began. That journey included driving 1 hour and 40 minutes each time they had to meet with their doctor, nutritionist and counselors, which they said was worth the trip. Cameron also logged his food every day in a fitness and diet tracking app and continued to exercise.
“I knew we were making the right decision and this was going to improve Cameron’s health,” Joannitie remembered.
“When I began my treatment, I met with each member of the care team,” explained Cameron. “During each meeting they would tell me what they will be helping me with and explained to me that the entire program is a model for a healthy lifestyle.”
Becoming a good candidate for bariatric surgery takes some time and dedication.
“Patients who have severe obesity, meaning they’re really at least 120% above the 95th percentile for their weight are candidates,” said Dr. Lanning, our chief medical officer and Cameron’s surgeon. “But they also must be part of a multidisciplinary program that helps the patient and family lose weight with non-surgical support. We’re talking about not only medical experts, but dietary experts and psychologists, who provide support for at least six months before we entertain the idea of surgery.”
A team supporting Cameron in his weight loss journey
For Cameron it was 11 months. His care was guided by his nurse navigator Alisha Reynolds, who set up appointments with endocrinology provider, Stephanie Joyce, dietitian Sonya Islam, and counselor Dr. Laura Caccavale. He met with them for nearly a year before scheduling surgery with Dr. Lanning.
Cameron said he knew bariatric surgery was just one part of his weight loss journey and the team made sure he and his family knew what the process would entail.
“We meet with our patients and families to talk about the surgery so they know exactly what to expect,” explained Dr. Lanning. “We also prepare them with a liquid diet that’s high in protein and in some cases adjust their medications.”
When it comes time for the surgery itself, it is minimally invasive and doesn’t require a long stay in the hospital.
“Most patients can go home the following day,” said Dr. Lanning. “The procedure is done laparoscopically or even robotically, so that means small incisions. Patients don't have a lot of discomfort afterwards and they're out actually up and walking literally when they recover from the anesthesia and are back doing most activities within a few days of going home.”
Cameron says this journey was right for him.
“My life post-surgery is better than my life prior to the program,” Cameron revealed. “The things I had wanted to do but couldn’t because of my weight are now achievable. I am able to play sports without feeling short of breath or sluggish and I now know how to maintain weight unlike before.” He went on to say, “This program has changed my life for the better and I wish more kids knew about it.”
And his proud mom could not be more grateful.
“Meeting with CHoR’s Healthy Lifestyles Team was truly a blessing,” said Joannitie. “Their dedication to their patients and families is amazing and they kept me informed every step of the way.”
As for the providers, she wanted to make sure they knew how appreciative she was.
“Thank you for your exceptional kindness and the positive impact you have made in my son’s life. Your commitment to your patients is truly inspiring.”
Learn more about our Healthy Lifestyles Center and take a video tour.
Listen to Dr. Lanning’s podcast to learn more about teen bariatric surgery.