Bariatric surgery changed her life; now she helps doctor treat others

Patients in Dr. James Dasher’s Kernersville office are always inspired when they meet his surgery scheduler, Nakesha Rousseau Freeman. That’s because Rousseau Freeman, 44, does much more than arrange procedures at Novant Health Bariatric Solutions – Kernersville. A former surgical patient herself, she now helps patients prepare, addresses their concerns, and talks them through what to expect. Through her, patients can glimpse their own healthier future. “This is more than a job to me,” she said. “People who struggle with their weight typically have related health issues. This program allows people to get back to the things they love, to feel better about themselves.” While dramatic weight loss is a result of bariatric surgery, it’s not why Dasher and his partners perform these surgeries. It’s about overall health, quality of life and longevity. Bariatric surgery addresses four high-risk health conditions: *High blood pressure. *High cholesterol. *Type 2 diabetes. *Sleep apnea. Rousseau Freeman had high cholesterol, but not the other three. However, other conditions improve as a result of this surgery. The risk of breast cancer goes down by as much as 60% to 70%, Dasher said. The risk of osteoarthritis decreases, too. Because the treatment plan focuses on health more...