Making a big decision about your health can feel overwhelming, but having the right support system can make all the difference.
Just ask Crystal Runyon, an employee at Waste Connections, who recently embarked on a journey to improve her health with bariatric surgery. The key to success, she said, was the support she received from Lantern.
A Turning Point for Better Health
For Crystal, the decision to have surgery wasn’t just about weight loss. “I have other medical issues that I’m hoping to improve… I want to be a better version of me,” Crystal said. She knew she needed a change and was ready to take control of her long-term health.
That’s when she discovered her employer, Waste Connections, offered Lantern, a specialty care platform that not only would connect her with high-quality bariatric surgeons, but also offer personalized support throughout her care journey.
From the very beginning, Crystal felt the team was in her corner. She describes the support as immediate and constant. “My Care Advocate was amazing from day one,” Crystal shared. “If I had any questions, all I had to do was reach out to her. She got right back with me.”
This dedicated guidance was crucial in helping Crystal navigate the process and move forward with a decision she had wanted to make for a long time.
“My Care Advocate was amazing from day one. If I had any questions, all I had to do was reach out to her. She got right back with me.”
Bariatric Surgery Gives Crystal a New Outlook on Life
The impact of the surgery and the support Crystal has received has been profound. “It’s changed my life, the way I live, the way I see things, the way I think about things,” she said.
Crystal is honest about the road ahead, acknowledging that while it’s been a bit of a struggle, it’s a challenge she is ready to face head-on. She feels empowered and determined to improve her health. “I have the mindset that I can make this the best experience of my life, and that’s what I tend to do,” she said.
Crystal’s Advice to Others Considering Lantern
Crystal’s advice to others considering surgery is simple and says to first check with your HR team: “See if they provide Lantern. [It’s] absolutely life changing.”
Crystal’s story is a powerful reminder that with the right tools and a dedicated support team, you can conquer your goals and create a healthier, brighter future. “I’m super excited to see where this journey takes me,” she said.
