As the regional disaster manager for the American Red Cross based in Quincy, Amanda Venvertloh leads a team that uses the qualities of patience, persistence and passion to help people get back on their feet after a flood or tornado.
Those qualities also helped improve her own life.
After the birth of her second child, Amanda found it difficult to lose weight gained during pregnancy.
“I had put on about 80 pounds,” she said. "Even though I was exercising and trying to eat right I could not seem to take the weight off. It was impacting a lot, including my energy level and quality of sleep. I just did not feel good.”
For the next 16 years, using commercial diets and prescription weight loss medications, Amanda patiently, persistently and passionately worked to lose the weight and keep it off. She had successes, but they were temporary.
Amanda’s weight would eventually reach 238 pounds. Medical tests showed her blood sugar levels were climbing. With a family history of diabetes and congestive heart failure, Amanda knew she could not give up her fight.
“I was very concerned that If I didn’t do something to get my weight and health under control, I was potentially not going to be around as my kids got older and they have kids. I wanted to get healthier.”
Now what?
Amanda’s next step on her weight loss journey led her to surgeon Fernando Bonanni, Jr., MD, MBA, FACS, FASMBS, board certified bariatric surgeon and medical director of the nationally accredited Blessing Bariatric Institute.
“I was very impressed with his credentials and his manner,” Amanda said of Dr. Bonanni. “He was kind, but he was direct. He gave me real answers and was very patient. I felt like he was the right fit for me. He was going to be the one to guide me through this process and continue on to a better life.”
The Blessing Bariatric Institute offers three surgical procedures. With the support of Dr. Bonanni, Amanda chose the biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch procedure. In short, the procedure reduces the size of the stomach and shortens the small intestine. Results include the stomach feeling full faster, food moving through the small intestine more quickly so the body absorbs fewer calories; reduction of hunger hormone production and a rebalancing of gut hormones that reduce hunger.
“The duodenal switch is the most effective surgery for weight loss and addressing diabetes,” Dr. Bonanni said. “To achieve those benefits, patients must commit to a regimented diet and supplement program, and to lifelong follow-up.”
“Success after bariatric surgery depends on a patient’s commitment to understanding the disease of morbid obesity and taking an active role in achieving long term health and happiness,” Dr. Bonanni concluded.
Amanda understood the importance of her participation in this process.
“My biggest concern was getting my head into the mental space to adjust to a complete lifestyle change. It’s not just the surgery. Dr. Bonanni says surgery is a tool, not a complete fix. The lifestyle change requires adjusting the kind of food and the portions you eat.”
“Over the course of several months the team did everything they could to prepare me and make sure that I was ready to make the changes for the rest of my life to keep the weight off. They had my best interest at heart and made sure I was ready.”
Amanda also credits husband, Bruce, and her five children for the support they provided and continue to provide on her weight loss journey.
Amanda had surgery on June 14, 2024. As of late December 2024, she weighed 157 pounds, more than 80 pounds less than her highest weight. Amanda says she has about 20 pounds more to lose before she reached the stage of maintaining her weight loss.
“I’ve lost weight in a healthy way, which was very important to me. I didn’t just want to drop 40 pounds and then it stops. I have been losing weight at a steady rate that has been very comfortable. I’ve been able to adapt to the dietary changes. I could not be happier. My lab tests are coming back great. I sleep better. I have a ton of energy. I feel really good.”
Amanda’s advice to others and her future goals
“I want other people to take control of their health and do what is right for them without worrying they will be looked at by others who will say, “You should have exercised more.” That is not always the case. What works for one person doesn’t work for another. You have to be in control of your health and take the steps that you need.”
“I am very open about and proud of my decision. It was the right decision for me and for my health. If weight loss surgery is the right tool for you, don’t be afraid to use it, if that is what you need to get healthy and be around for your loved ones.”
With a new level of energy accompanying her patience, persistence and passion, Amanda looks forward to an active future, “doing the things I need to do to continue to take advantage of this opportunity. It has given me a new lease on life,” she concluded. “My long-term goals are to be able to continue to do my job, support my family and be here for all the fun things that I know life has yet to offer me.”
In addition to weight loss surgery, the Blessing Bariatric Institute offers medically-managed weight loss care and a heartburn and reflux center. For more information on these services, click here