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At GBMC, stories of healing and hope remind us of the importance of personalized, compassionate care — and June’s story is a testament to that commitment.

When June was referred to GBMC, she was struggling with a large, painful hernia that was compounding spinal issues and affecting her quality of life. June was recommended to see Dr. Shauna Costinett, general surgeon and Medical Director of the GBMC Comprehensive Obesity Management Program, and that recommendation marked the beginning of a life-changing journey.

After a thoughtful and thorough consultation, Dr. Costinett provided June with a comprehensive surgical plan that acknowledged the complexity of her medical needs, including her diabetes. Before moving forward, Dr. Costinett emphasized the importance of improving June’s A1C levels and overall health to ensure a safer, more successful surgery. June worked closely with her endocrinologist Dr. Joanna Tyzack and primary care team, taking proactive steps like starting the injectable medication Mounjaro to better manage her diabetes.

With careful preparation, the next step was a coordinated surgical plan that brought together a multidisciplinary team. June was introduced to Dr. Emily Watters, who would perform the robotic portion of the procedure. Together, the team determined that Botox injections to June’s abdominal muscles would improve the surgical outcome by allowing the muscles to relax and be repositioned more effectively.

However, the road to surgery wasn’t without challenges. When insurance initially denied the Botox treatment, Dr. Costinett went above and beyond, advocating on June’s behalf. She arranged a peer-to-peer review with the insurance provider, ultimately securing approval for the critical pre-surgical treatment — just in time for the scheduled injection. Thanks to this perseverance, June received the injections from John Werner, MD, Chairman, Diagnostic Radiology at GBMC on February 26, and the surgery was rescheduled for March 27 to allow the full benefit of the treatment.

On the day of surgery, June underwent a successful seven-hour complex hernia repair, performed by Drs. Costinett and Watters, supported by a highly skilled operating room team. From the start, June felt reassured by the calm, thorough explanations provided by her anesthesiologist, W. Zeichner, MD, Medical Director of Perioperative Services, Anesthesiology, who administered a nerve block to ease post-surgical pain — a new and transformative experience for June after difficult surgical recoveries in the past.

“I woke up feeling very good considering my procedure,” June shared. “My family was surprised at how chatty I was when they arrived. I could tell from the beginning that this time, it was going to be different.”

That difference extended throughout her hospital stay. From the moment she arrived in recovery to her discharge the very next day, June was surrounded by staff who were not only clinically excellent, but warm, attentive, and encouraging. Nurses like Mary Kate and Kristina, along with the techs and support staff on Unit 48, ensured she was up and walking the very first night — giving her confidence in her recovery.

Once home, June followed her post-operative care plan carefully with the help of her husband and ongoing support from Dr. Costinett, who remained directly accessible to ensure a smooth recovery. Within days, June was back in the office for a follow-up, having had her wound vac and drains removed, and healing beautifully.

“I only needed one prescription pain pill on the ride home,” June said. “The rest of my recovery has been surprisingly easy. I’m still walking multiple times a day and feeling better than I expected.”

Today, June continues to heal and reflects on her experience with immense gratitude for the team that made her recovery possible. She expressed heartfelt thanks to:

  • Shauna M. Costinett, MD, FACS, Medical Director, GBMC COMP
  • Emily J. Watters, MD, MPH, FACS, Bariatric & General Surgeon
  • W. Zeichner, MD, Medical Director of Perioperative Services, Anesthesiology
  • John Werner, MD, Chairman, Diagnostic Radiology at GBMC
  • Holly Thorn, Outpatient Nurse Navigator
  • Operating Room nurses and team
  • Mary Kate, Kristina, and the tech staff on Unit 48
  • Housekeeping and support staff who keep the hospital clean, safe, and welcoming

“I felt valued every step of the way,” June said. “This hospital is more than a place where people go to heal — it’s a place where people truly care. I will be forever grateful.”

June’s story illustrates the extraordinary impact a dedicated, compassionate care team can make. We are proud to serve our community with excellence, empathy, and an unwavering commitment to every patient, every time. 

Learn more about GBMC's General Surgery services here.

Related Providers
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Shauna M Costinett, MD, FACS
Shauna M Costinett, MD, FACS

Bariatric Surgery +1 more

Accepting new patients

GBMC Health Partners

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Emily J Watters, MD, MPH, FACS
Emily J Watters, MD, MPH, FACS

Bariatric Surgery +1 more

Accepting new patients

GBMC Health Partners

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