Hi there! I’m Denise Roden, and my journey with bariatric surgery began on August 11, 2004—a day that changed my life forever. I underwent Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery and lost 100 pounds over the next 18 months. Suddenly, I felt like a new person—buying clothes that actually fit, hitting the gym, dating, and rediscovering life with a renewed sense of confidence and joy.

Like many patients, I eventually learned that this was what we often call “the honeymoon phase.” For a while, everything felt easy. But just as in any lasting relationship, the real work begins when the honeymoon ends. True success comes from developing lifelong habits—eating mindfully, moving consistently, and fully embracing the powerful tool we’ve been given.

After maintaining my weight loss for three years, I began to experience what I call “the creep.” Slowly, about 30 pounds crept back on. My clothes felt tighter, my energy dipped, and that familiar self-doubt began to whisper again. That moment became my wake-up call. I hired a trainer, recommitted to my plan, and made a promise to myself—not just to stay the course, but to help others do the same.

That’s when Bariatric Center for Success was born.

I created this space to offer real, practical, and compassionate support—the kind that continues long after surgery. While bariatric programs have expanded over the years, the need for ongoing education and long-term support remains. My mission has always been to fill that gap: to teach, coach, and walk beside patients through every stage of their journey.