Impact

Meet Debra Long

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Bon Secours - Hampton Roads, VA

Thanks to you, Debra had life-changing bariatric surgery

Debra Long’s life before her bariatric surgery was painful and unhealthy. She was overweight, borderline diabetic and in need of a knee replacement. Even going up a flight of stairs hurt.

She found relief at the Bon Secours Hampton Roads bariatric surgery program at Mary Immaculate Hospital, which is made possible by donors like you. After weight-loss surgery, she weighs 100 lbs. less than at her heaviest and is enjoying life again.

“It was a great experience. I’m quite glad I did it,” she says. “I enjoy walking again. My health is better. I feel better. I look better. Things are really good!”

While the outcome has been great, Debra wants donors to know that the experience was also top-notch. Donor support is a contributing reason to why the bariatrics surgery program at Bon Secours Hampton Roads is nationally recognized for excellence.

 

“The care provided by the staff at Mary Immaculate Hospital was wonderful. To this day, anytime I need something, I can reach out and they always follow up. It’s been an amazing experience.”

 

Debra is grateful to be able to do things that others take for granted. Previously, she couldn’t comfortably fit on a roller coaster, but she recently rode one with her son. Later this year, she’s taking her grandchildren to her mother’s homeland of Ireland. For the first time in years, she’s not dreading the long flight.

“I really want donors to know this has been life-changing for me,” she says. “I’m so glad I was able to do this. It’s the little things in life I appreciate most.”