‘Doctor Duke is a lot more than just about losing weight’

Gone are the stretch pants and XXL t-shirts. She has fun clothes shopping with her daughter – and actually buying an entirely new wardrobe. She now wears makeup and styles her hair.

It’s all a first-time experience for Heidi Verba.

“I’m a whole different person. A brand-new me. And it feels fabulous,” said Heidi, 42, who lost more than half her weight – going from 271 pounds to 130 pounds – after undergoing gastric bypass surgery two years ago by Dr. D'Arcy Duke, director of bariatric surgery at the Conemaugh Health System.

“Losing all that weight has been life-changing,” she said. “Your mindset is a lot different when you’re heavy. You're sweating all the time; not comfortable with yourself. It’s hard to walk; hard to talk. You’re always tired and just kind of get by. Just existing.

“I was expecting a change because of the gastric bypass, but nothing like this. I’m doing things I’ve never done before,” said the lifelong Vintondale resident. “I wasn’t even this small in high school. I have so, so much energy that I can even keep up with my husband and two teenagers. I feel incredible. I’m loving everyday life. I look and feel so much better, and people are noticing it all the time.”

Sure, over the years, Heidi lost weight. But she always gained it back, plus some. “I lost weight on my own, but it wasn’t healthy,” she said. “I’d starve myself. Then I tried the injections, but the weight loss never lasted.

“I feel proud of myself now. But this is just the start. I love the new me. And I’m committed to staying this way.”

The reason she believes centers on Dr. Duke. Long-lasting results of bariatric surgery Dr. Duke conducted on two of Heidi’s friends convinced her.

“I live close to Route 22. So, I could have just as easily gone to Pittsburgh for the operation. But it’s all about Doctor Duke. She’s amazing; just amazing. She and her team made everything so easy. They educated and guided me through every minute of it,” she said. “I wasn’t one bit nervous the day of the operation because I knew exactly what was going to happen – before, during and far after the surgery.”

It’s about so much more than just losing the weight.

“They provide me with comprehensive care. Not only pre- and post-surgical care. But also, ongoing psychological, exercise, nutritional and dietary support. And they keep me focused on changing old habits and sticking to new, healthy ones,” she said.

“They're always just a phone call away. If I have to leave a message, they’re always back to me within the hour. As wonderful as the initial outcome of the surgery was, Dr. Duke is a lot more than just about losing weight.”