Leanne Allemang-Whaley

Kirksville, MO

For years, Leanne Allemang-Whaley, 59, of Kirksville, Missouri, struggled with her weight. Her husband’s job kept him traveling, and long stretches alone in their remote home led to inactivity, emotional eating, and growing loneliness. The change crept up so slowly that she barely noticed, until the scale eventually read 270 pounds. “It happened so gradually that I didn’t even realize how out of control my weight had gotten,” Leanne recalls.

At just 5’2” tall, the extra weight made even basic movement difficult. Getting out of bed hurt. Walking across a room was exhausting. The physical struggle soon fed into depression and a deep fear of going out in public because of the shame she felt. At the same time, her health was headed in the wrong direction with high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and uncontrolled diabetes.

Leanne knew something had to change. With a son living in Kirksville, she made a life-shifting decision to move closer to him. That move gave her a new start. She began with small steps, literally. Walking became her first commitment to herself. She added other lifestyle changes to support her mental and physical health. When she established primary care with Dr. Justin Puckett at Complete Family Medicine in Kirksville, he recognized her determination and suggested she might be a good candidate for weight loss surgery. Leanne was thrilled to hear there could be additional help available.

Leanne was referred to bariatric surgeon Dr. Mujeeb Siddiqui and the team at Hannibal Regional Weight Management Solutions. After a thorough evaluation, she was approved for Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy. Her three-month preparation process included nutrition counseling, education, medical clearances, and important lifestyle changes. By the time her surgery date arrived, Leanne had already established a new routine and felt hopeful about the future.

What truly made a difference in Leanne’s journey was the seamless collaboration among her care team, all part of the Hannibal Regional network. Her primary care provider, Dr. Puckett, stayed closely involved every step of the way, working hand-in-hand with Dr. Siddiqui and the bariatric team to ensure continuity of care. In addition, Leanne received crucial mental health support from Morgan Gaeke, MA, LMFT, who helped her stay emotionally grounded and focused throughout the process.

“I feel so fortunate to have a care team that’s all on the same page,” Leanne shared. “It’s so nice knowing that my primary care doctor, surgeon, and therapist are all working together to help me succeed, not just with surgery, but with long-term health. It’s a well-rounded approach that really works.”

Her surgery went smoothly, with minimal post-operative pain. She was able to resume walking sooner than expected and credits Dr. Siddiqui and the entire team for their consistent, compassionate support. “They’re always friendly and encouraging. I’ve always felt like they truly care about me,” she said.

One of the most meaningful parts of her ongoing success has been participating in the bariatric support group. Being able to share challenges, tips, and victories with others on a similar path has kept her motivated and inspired. “I love the community involvement and being able to talk openly about obstacles and successes.”

Two years after surgery, Leanne has lost nearly 170 pounds, going from 270 pounds to just over 100 pounds. Her health has transformed: her blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes are now well-controlled. She’s active, social, and energized in ways she once thought were impossible. “My life is completely different from what it was before… I love being social now, and I especially love mentoring other people who are struggling with their weight.” She says she now has an abundance of energy and often jokes that she feels like a teenager again.

If you’re struggling with weight, mobility, or health concerns, you don’t have to face it alone. Reach out to the team at Hannibal Regional Weight Management Solutions by calling (573) 248-5407 or visiting our website at hannibalregional.org/weightloss.

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