Fad diets and weight-loss programs often promise results, but for Lisa Lokken, the weight always came back. After years of trying and failing, Lokken opted for a permanent solution: bariatric surgery.
“I tried many different programs—exercise, Weight Watchers, Nutrisystem—lose the weight, gain it back, lose it again, and gain even more,” Lokken said.
Last summer, her weight began interfering with the activities she loved, like traveling and being outdoors. She realized it was time for a drastic, lasting change.
“It was sort of that, ‘Alright, what am I going to do now?’ I needed something permanent that focused on maintenance,” she said.
With the help of her team at Aurora BayCare Bariatric Surgery Lokken found success.
“Bariatric surgery provides the most durable long-term weight loss,” said Dr. Daniel McKenna, a general and vascular surgeon. “It also improves conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, and sleep apnea, and increases quality of life and life expectancy.”
The procedure reduces stomach capacity and helps regulate hunger, but it requires commitment. “It impacts what you eat and do for the rest of your life,” Dr. McKenna explained.
Lokken lost 40 pounds before surgery and 120 pounds total. She joined a support group at Aurora BayCare Bariatric Surgery and embraced the resources available.
“That was the piece I was missing—support, access to a nutritionist, and seeing others on the same journey,” she said.
Her advice: “Stick with it, even if it’s uncomfortable or embarrassing. It works.”