Inspirations
Bariatric Patients Fashion Inspirational Quilt
By Rhonda Mann
Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center Staff
When a patient climbs on the scale in the Bariatric Clinic at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, their eyes nervously wander down to take a look at an all-important number. But then their gaze lifts upward. On the wall in front of them hangs a colorful 10’x 10’ tapestry of quilted NOW I CANs. This inspirational quilt quickly takes the focus away from a number to living testimonies measuring quality of life changes.
The quilt was created to weave together the success of bariatric patients. Dozens of patients were asked to write what they feel they can do now that they have experienced weight loss.
“The quilt helps patients to share their success stories with each other in a personal and profound way to creatively weave a clinic without walls.” Linda Trainor, Bariatric Nurse Coordinator at BIDMC, said.
Everyone collaborated and worked as a team to create the quilt, beginning with the idea that originated from the bariatric department.
Patients were eager to participate; many filled out and submitted their quality of life change on index cards, listing their initials and the date of their surgery.
One patient shopped for material and cut out the design of the squares while another transcribed the messages on the material and sewed the pieces together.
Those who took part in the project were thrilled to volunteer, even saying that they could relate to many of the written messages on the quilt and also felt indebted to the bariatric team that helped them before, during, and after their surgeries.
With their combined effort, the quilt now hangs in the clinic to inspire all patients. In addition to the inspirational messages written on the front, the most telling part of the quilt may actually be what is written on the back. It reads, “This quilt is dedicated to the brave men and women who have empowered themselves through the BIDMC weight loss program. Let this inspire change…”
Above content provided by Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. For advice about your medical care, consult your doctor.
Posted October 2011
