Weight Loss Surgery Forums

When Chrystyna Senkel, PA-C followed Dr. David Provost to his new private practice at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital of Denton in Denton, Texas, she knew that it was important to Dr. Provost that his office have a patient-oriented services program that was complimentary. Having worked for three years with Dr. Provost at the Bariatric Program, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, she had seen that providing patient services in a large medical facility was challenging and could often be interpreted as impersonal and formal.

“We are a family in this office, and we understand our patients’ struggles? she said, noting that several of the staff members, herself included, have had life-long struggles with their weight and the inherent aggravations that come with the journey both up and down the scale. “One of the biggest frustrations I had in being morbidly obese was that I never had anything to wear and when I lost weight rapidly, I couldn’t afford to buy all new clothes with each size I went down. I also had no idea what size I wore and I hated going to malls.? Hence, the clothing exchange was born.

Near the corner exit of their 2000 square foot office at Provost Bariatrics, a “closet? was installed. Patients are encouraged to bring gently used, clean clothing of all sizes. They can then exchange clothing with others who have gone through or are preparing to go through bariatric surgery. Patients are encouraged to take as many pieces as they need at no charge and they do not have to contribute clothing items to benefit from the program. The clothing exchange has a large patient restroom right next to it, so patients can privately try on their choices for fit and come out to model.

What first began as women’s clothes, sizes small through 5X, has now expanded into shoes, belts, bras, and men’s clothing. “It is a large job to manage, and while we have had a few patients who come prior to support group and help us organize and hang clothes, our clothing exchange is primarily kept organized and running by our medical assistant, Jan Cofer, who also serves as an in-house “fashion consultant and personal shopper.?

The clothing exchange is a fun place to visit when patients come in for their routine follow-up appointments. After all, how many people get to see their doctor and shop for free at the same time? The staff enjoys “dressing? patients for upcoming events such as birthdays, weddings, and graduations and frequently will keep an eye out for certain items in a patient’s size when they know of an upcoming event. Barbara L., a Lap-Band patient who has lost over 110 pounds in the past year, has utilized the clothing exchange each time she comes in. “I really appreciate this program as I am on disability and I have a limited income. Without the clothing exchange, I wouldn’t get to have any new clothes that fit me properly and I am thankful to everyone who contributes.?

Other patients have shared: “The clothing exchange is like being able to trade clothes with your best friend! Jan is so helpful and always seems to be looking out for you. I am very appreciative of everything Dr. Provost’s office has done for me.? -Erica P.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed the clothing exchange. It not only has helped me save money, but also has given me a place to donate clothing I have proudly downsized. I think it is a terrific idea and hope it will continue.? -Linda H

“The clothing exchange is something that has really helped me. I can bring in a few outfits and walk out with a few. When I “shop? for clothes, it’s like I’m at Macy’s with a personal attendant. Jan starts rummaging through outfits and making suggestions then scoots me off to the “dressing room.? This program is a win-win for all and I for one am thankful for it.? -Darcey M.

“I haven’t used the clothing exchange yet, but I can tell you that I have two piles of clothes waiting for me to drop off that are too big for me now. Knowing that I can help somebody out tickles me! And even better: I can’t wear the pants because they fall off!? -Diane G

“I am grateful for the opportunity to use the clothing exchange. Moving through sizes as quickly as I did, it was so great to feel like I had new clothes without going through the expense of buying them. My favorites were the jeans. I started from a 30, and I was so excited to get to wear a 26, then 24s, then 22s! When Calvin’s were the “in thing? when I was in high school, I could never wear them because they didn’t come in my size. Now I have lost weight, I can wear my Calvin’s and I love them!? -Susan B

Chrystyna Senkel, PA-C: Bariatric Physician Assistant
Chrystyna has been Dr. David Provost’s physician assistant since 2005. She graduated from Texas A&M University in 1995 and completed her PA Studies at UT Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas in 1998. Certified as an Attitudinal Healing Group Facilitator, Chrystyna co-facilitates the bi-monthly Bariatric Support group. Having battled with obesity all her life, and finding recovery from it, Chrystyna has a personal understanding and appreciation of her patients struggles. Chrystyna loves working in bariatrics because she has the opportunity to witness miracles in the lives of patients on a daily basis.

Tell us about your surgeons clothing exchange program or share your thoughts below.