Type 1 diabetic experiences relief from gastroparesis through bariatric surgery at Henry Ford

Mandi has been a Type 1 Diabetic since she was 8 years old. Along with the many effects that diabetes can have on one’s health, Mandi began to experience gastroparesis, or partial paralysis of her stomach, in 2010. For 13 years, she lived with frequent nausea and severe abdominal pain, which landed her in the hospital usually once a month for about five days to get hydrated and back to proper nutrition levels.

“It was like I was on a routine once a month to every other month. I was constantly nauseous, but there were times when I could tell it was getting much worse and I had to go to the hospital. I just couldn’t take it anymore,” said Mandi.

Mandi knew something needed to change.

After getting treated at another local health system for many years, Mandi decided to get a second opinion at Henry Ford Health. She first met with Dr. Kellie McFarlin, who found that Mandi would be a great candidate for bariatric surgery. So, she was referred to Dr. Jeffrey Genaw.

“Gastroparesis is a horrible disease and is a very difficult problem to treat. Because the stomach is not emptying properly, many of these patients experience nausea and vomiting pretty much constantly. Many either lose weight from lack of nutrients or gain weight because the foods they can actually stomach and keep down aren’t necessarily healthy for them,” explained Dr. Genaw.

After meeting with Dr. Genaw, Mandi got bariatric surgery in December 2022. She admitted, “For the first four months after surgery, I was full of regret. My A1C was good and I was managing my diabetes well, but I still felt pretty nauseous and felt very restricted with what I could eat.”

Dr. Genaw recalled, “After following up with Mandi several weeks after surgery, she let me know that she wasn’t feeling much better yet and was feeling discouraged. I believe in the power of positive thought. So, I was trying to be as encouraging to her as possible.”

Then one day, four months after having surgery, Mandi woke up and she noticed she was feeling a lot better than she had felt in a long time. This began what would now be her new normal.

“I have 13 years of making up to do.”

After having bariatric surgery and a lifestyle change, Mandi lost 112 pounds but explains that she only has gained good things in her life. She follows a low carb, low fat diet and prioritizes protein and whole foods. She gets a minimum of 15,000 steps per day and strength trains.

Mandi is a part-time caregiver for her dad, who has Parkinson’s disease. She also volunteers at the local animal shelter by walking dogs and takes care of animals at a local farm. When she isn’t there, she has four dogs and a multitude of chickens of her own to tend to.

“I feel like I am on a happy drug every day. I feel like I have 13 years of making up to do. I can make plans to go places and I’m much more social now,” she explained.

Mandi wants people to set aside the stigma that getting bariatric surgery is the “easy way out” and said, “If moderation worked, we would not have been obese. I want others to understand the incredible things that can happen when you just go for it, get over the cravings, and challenge yourself to be the healthiest you.”

“Thanks to my care team, I’m the happiest and healthiest I have been in years. I Am Henry.”