Haylie Fitzpatrick

Finding the life she deserved

Haylie Fitzpatrick received multiple signs that bariatric surgery might be in her future, but the most compelling came from her young nephew.

At the time, Fitzpatrick – who had been overweight since childhood – weighed approximately 370 pounds after having tried unsuccessfully to lose weight through multiple diet and weight-loss plans. Physically, she had difficulty walking from her car to the front door without getting winded. She often had to take breaks to rest when playing with her niece and nephew. When she adopted a new puppy, she knew she could never walk the dog comfortably at her weight.

And then one day, as her sister watched “1000-lb Sisters,” her nephew came into the room and asked, “Is that Titi (his nickname for her) on TV?”

“It shattered me,” said Fitzpatrick. “I was tired of trying everything under the sun – every diet and gimmick you can name. I was finally at the point where I didn’t want to keep living miserably. I wanted to live life fully.”

That comment from her nephew, along with encouragement from family and friends, led her to Nicole Fearing, MD, a bariatric surgeon with HCA Midwest Health. Fitzpatrick approached the initial appointment with a “What do I have to lose?” attitude, curious to hear what Dr. Fearing had to say and whether she had a solution that could change Fitzpatrick’s life.

“The minute we met, I knew she would be my doctor. I liked her energy and caring attitude,” said Fitzpatrick. “My family lives in Kentucky, and Dr. Fearing let me Facetime® with my mom during the appointment, so we both had an opportunity to ask questions.”

Feeling comfortable and confident with Dr. Fearing, Fitzpatrick underwent gastric bypass in November 2023. Since the procedure, she has lost 115 pounds and continues to lose about a pound per week.

And even though Fitzpatrick has relocated to Kentucky, Dr. Fearing’s caring continues to influence her. “After the initial surgery, I had some complications and it was difficult not being near loved ones. Dr. Fearing helped me make the decision to move closer to family,” said Fitzpatrick. “She helped me find a new surgeon to help with my follow-up appointments, and she continues to check on me. So many forces were at play that led me to Dr. Fearing. She was truly meant to be my doctor.”

Today, Fitzpatrick is enjoying life and thankful to be on this new journey. And she’s quick to tell others that weight loss surgery is “100% worth it.”

“I would do it again, she said. “I’m able to play with my dogs and take them on walks without being miserable. I can give them the life they deserve by giving myself the life I deserve.”

The journey to controlling your weight and well-being can be daunting, but at HCA Midwest Health, you don’t have to face this challenge alone. Our network of compassionate bariatric surgeons are here to guide you step-by-step on your journey toward reclaiming your health. Find a physician or at take a weight loss quiz on our website.