Nurses make the worst patients. That's what I've heard ever since I became a nurse nine years ago.

Long before I became a nurse though, I became obese. I have always struggled in my nursing career and obesity. I found that almost daily I would be giving health advice and instructions to patients and those around me. I often wondered if those people were thinking, "Who is she to tell me how to be healthy?" It was definitely a case of the "pot calling the kettle black."

Since my daughter was born, I decided that I needed to make a change in a big way. I came to Duke Weight Loss Surgery Center with nothing more than curiosity at first.  After attending the information session, I was sold that this was the answer I had been looking for.

Prior to, during, and after my surgery, I received excellent care from all of the staff at Durham Regional.

Dr. Torquati's team was excellent. The nursing staff was exceptional, especially during my two-day recovery on the sixth floor. They kept encouraging me even when I didn't feel like getting up or drinking the fluids like I was supposed to. Pretty soon, I was feeling much better and ready to start this new chapter in my life.

I would like to thank all of the nursing staff that were so wonderful in my recovery. One thing that I have learned through this experience is that nurses may not make the best patients . . . but patience makes the best nurses!