Midland Family of Four Undergoes Bariatric Surgery at Hurley Medical Center, loses 445 Pounds & Counting. Tells their Life-Saving Story to Media on March 18, 2011

The Aeschliman family of Midland,Michigan, have a new lease on life. Nancy Aeschliman Grau and her three children—Katie, Chris, and Mike ALL underwent Roux-en-Y bariatric surgery at Hurley Medical Center—the first facility in Genesee County to offer this life-changing surgery. The surgeries were performed by Kurt Kralovich, MD, and the results are amazing. The family has lost 445 pounds, and counting. On March 18, the family told their story to the Midland Daily News, The Flint Journal, WNEM-TV5, and NBC25.

“At Hurley, we provide the most comprehensive clinical care with an individualized approach for all bariatric patients. We work closely with each patient to provide the best treatment options for successful weight loss, and provide the support these patients and their families need, every step of the way. For the Aeschliman family, the surgery has been life-changing and altering in so many ways. I’m so glad to see the success this family’s had in reclaiming their health, and their lives,” adds Kurt Kralovich, MD, FACS, Hurley Bariatric Surgeon.

Nancy says, “Before surgery, I had lost over 100 pounds on fad diets, but they never worked. I would lose the weight, only to regain everything, and then some.  I felt like I was this thin person living in a heavy person’s body. I suffered from back and knee pain, and high blood pressure, and my life was truly passing me by. I had the surgery in March, 2009, and have successfully reached my weight loss goal: 160 pounds. And, I’ve never looked back.”

Katie Aeschliman, 23, had the surgery in May, 2010.  “I have lost 110 pounds, and the surgery has completely changed my life.  Today, I am dating, am the President of my sorority, and can’t wait to buy clothes. Before the surgery, I hated to shop and would always wear sweatpants and shirts, because I couldn’t find clothes that fit. Today, I am a new person, and have regained and renewed confidence. And, it’s all because I took the step to have this surgery at Hurley.”

Chris, 19, and Mike Aeschliman, 21, both had surgery on Dec 13, 2010. So far, Chris has lost 85 pounds and Mike, 92 pounds.  Both are down from a size 46 pant size to a size 40 or 42, and from a 3X shirt to an XL.  Mike is now playing basketball and is much more happy and outgoing.  Chris is involved with a Fraternity at EMU and is truly enjoying life at college.