Bariatric Surgery Program at Berkeley Medical Center Helps Patient Transform Health, Gain Confidence
MARTINSBURG, W.Va. – Amanda Sellers describes her lifelong struggle with weight as a battle that began as early as age 12. With a family history of obesity on her mother’s side, Amanda’s challenges with weight persisted into adulthood, compounded in recent years by a dramatic shift in lifestyle during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Like many, Amanda transitioned to remote work in 2020 and found that even her usual, modest physical activity came to a halt. The emotional strain of quarantine and family-related stress left her focusing solely on others, with little time or energy left to care for herself. By 2022, her physical condition had declined so significantly that even short walks became exhausting and painful.
At just 46 years old, Amanda felt trapped by physical limitations that were controlling her life. That’s when she decided to turn to the weight-loss experts at WVU Medicine. Determined to reclaim her health, Amanda reached out to her primary care physician for help.
“I told her I needed to get my life back, but I didn’t know how to do it alone,” she said. “That’s when I was referred to the WVU Medicine Center for Diabetes and Metabolic Health in Martinsburg and truly began my weight loss journey.”
Over the next two years, Amanda worked closely with Rosemarie Cannarella Lorenzetti, M.D. to explore non-surgical weight loss options. She began with a modified Mediterranean diet and later transitioned to various oral and injectable weight loss medications. Results were inconsistent, and side effects impacted her quality of life. Despite her best efforts, Amanda experienced recurring plateaus in both weight loss and motivation.
Dr. Lorenzetti suggested considering bariatric surgery. She referred Amanda to Anthony Mark, M.D., medical director of bariatric surgery at WVU Medicine Bariatric and Metabolic Surgery in Martinsburg, who was leading the development of a dedicated bariatric program in the Eastern Panhandle. Amanda scheduled an appointment with Dr. Mark in August 2024.
“Amanda was doing everything right,” Dr. Mark said. “She committed to lifestyle changes, followed medical guidance, and gave every non-surgical option a real chance. Sometimes, despite our best efforts, the body still resists progress. That’s when surgery becomes not a last resort, but a powerful tool to finally break through.”
From their first meeting, Amanda found Dr. Mark to be compassionate, thorough, and encouraging. Together, they chose the procedure that was best suited to her goals and health needs. Dr. Mark performed Amanda’s single anastomosis duodenal switch with sleeve gastrectomy (SADI-S) in December.
SADI-S combines two powerful approaches to result in lasting weight loss. First, the stomach is reduced in size, limiting how much food can be eaten. Then, part of the small intestine is rerouted to reduce calorie absorption, helping patients lose significant weight and improve conditions like type 2 diabetes.
Now, just four months post-operation, Amanda says her life has changed dramatically. “I truly have my life back,” Amanda said. “I have energy to spend time with my family and no longer need to constantly rest. My mental health has been positively impacted from the physical changes and my self-confidence has received a tremendous boost.”
For more information about WVU Medicine Bariatric and Metabolic Surgery in Martinsburg, visit WVUMedicine.org/Berkeley or call 304-901-7080.
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CED: 4-16-25