Mini Gastric Bypass (MGB) surgery has changed thousands of lives—but when it transforms your own, it’s only natural to want to share that experience. Whether you’re just a few months out or celebrating years of success, telling others about your MGB journey can feel empowering. But it can also come with unexpected emotional weight. Why is it sometimes hard to talk about something that saved your life?
The Emotional Cost of Sharing
Talking about your MGB surgery should feel like a celebration—but too often, it feels like an explanation. People might ask, “Why didn’t you just try harder?” or “What if you had just cut carbs?” These questions can sting. They often reveal how little the general public understands about obesity as a disease.
What they don’t know is this: obesity is not a character flaw. It’s a complex, chronic condition influenced by genetics, hormones, and environment. And for many, mini gastric bypass surgery isn’t just a treatment—it’s the first step toward reclaiming health and hope.
Why Your Story Matters
Still, sharing your journey can change lives.
- It breaks the stigma. Talking openly about your experience helps normalize bariatric surgery and reduce shame for others considering it.
- It educates. You have a powerful opportunity to explain what mini gastric bypass really is—and what it is not.
- It inspires. Your success may be the exact motivation someone else needs to take their own first step.
How To Share Your Journey
Everyone’s comfort level is different. Some people share their weight loss journey on social media or at support groups. Others tell just a close circle of friends. No matter the method, consider these tips:
- 𝗦𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗼𝗻 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗺𝘀: You get to choose how much to say, when, and to whom.
- 𝗕𝗲 𝗳𝗮𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗮𝗹, 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗱𝗲𝗳𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗶𝘃𝗲: Focus on your health, success, and facts—not justifications.
- 𝗥𝗲𝗳𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘁𝘀: Direct others to Dr. Hargroder’s office for professional information.
If they’re curious about what it takes, what’s involved, or if they’re a candidate, it’s best to let them learn directly from the team.
Being A Referral Allows Others To See What’s Possible
You are living proof that change is possible. Some patients refer family and friends, others simply live their truth. But by being open, even in small moments, you’re helping others recognize that their struggle isn’t about failure—it’s about needing the right solution.
If someone you care about is struggling with obesity, let them know there’s a better way.
Invite them to explore their options here: https://mgb.surgery/#contact-us
Video Transcript:
"Well, hello again. It's Dr. Hargroder with the mini gastric bypass. Today we’re diving into a special topic: how to share the mini gastric bypass (MGB) with your loved ones, friends, family members—anyone who might benefit from the surgery but might be difficult to approach.
Carla Hubenthal, our patient care coordinator, is joining us to share a powerful and heartfelt technique that has helped many open the conversation with others.
Carla began by explaining why this subject is so close to her heart. Back in 1990, she started a company called The Sleeping Giant Within, with a mission statement of just three words: We build people. That has been her focus in life—helping others become the best version of themselves.
Carla shared that when she decided to have the MGB, it was because of her “angel” Margaret—a fellow patient who had undergone the surgery a year earlier. They first connected via email, and eventually by phone, which gave Carla the human connection she needed to take the leap. Margaret gave her the courage to move forward despite the doubt of others.
To help others share their story, Carla emphasized the importance of overcoming the fear of offending someone. As she said, “Like I didn’t know I weighed 320? Please. I knew it. I was miserable.” The fear is usually ours—not theirs. What we’re offering is not criticism, but a gift that changed our own lives.
Sharing MGB with others is like sharing the joy of a new baby. When someone you introduce to the surgery has it, it’s like watching a transformation—from liquid diet to soft foods, to regular foods—and before you know it, they’re thriving, active, and full of life.
Carla has helped 1,750 patients get scheduled for surgery over 17 years. Her pride isn’t in the number—it’s in the trust and connection built with each person.
She encouraged others to listen. Are they single? Married? Do they have kids? Grandkids? Understand their motivation for change. Share your story, and listen to theirs.
A go-to conversation starter? On airplanes, Carla often clicks her seatbelt and says, “Isn’t that a beautiful sound?” Then she shares how she once needed a seatbelt extender—and now she doesn’t. Everyone knows someone struggling with weight, and that moment opens the door.
The key points she uses to explain MGB are:
Performed laparoscopically with an overnight stay.
A slanted stomach pouch is created to ease digestion.
The pouch is on the lesser curve of the stomach, so it won't stretch.
The bypass is customized and reversible or revisable.
When asked about other surgeries (like traditional gastric bypass or sleeve), she simply refers people to the office and the website:
Phone: 417-206-2900
Website: https://mgb-surgery.com
Carla recommends keeping three photos on your phone: your “before” photo, your “after” photo, and a photo of you doing something you couldn’t do before the surgery. These are powerful visual tools.
She also shared a recent call from a woman who saw Carla speak four years ago and never forgot her. That seed planted years ago bloomed into action. That’s the power of connection.
Of course, not everyone will say yes—and that’s okay. Sometimes the timing is wrong. Carla keeps going, saying “That’s my beautiful no today,” knowing a beautiful yes is around the corner.
Dr. Hargroder reminded everyone that some patients do keep their surgery private, but that can cause confusion. If no one knows you had surgery, your dramatic weight loss can lead to unnecessary concern.
He also addressed a question: How do you encourage others if your own experience had complications? His answer: “Difficulties can be overcome. Staying at 300 or 400 pounds and doing nothing isn’t a better option.”
Carla shared an impactful memory: when she asked Dr. Hargroder where she’d be if she hadn’t had the surgery, he said, “Probably in a cemetery.” The blunt truth floored her—but it was real. She remembers the pain of 320 pounds, the medications, the limitations. She’s now 20 years post-surgery and living a vibrant life.
The session wrapped with encouragement: share your journey. Don’t let fear rob someone else of the chance to change their life. You only keep what you give away—and touching another life can bring lasting joy."