QC Shopkeeper, Art Bodenbender, Stands Strong after Surgery
October in the Quad Cities is a traditional season to celebrate local German heritage and Oktoberfest. In Moline, the German culture is celebrated year-round at Katy’s European Market, thanks to shopkeeper, Art Bodenbender, 78, a first-generation American.
Art is a recognizable and beloved neighbor by many who know him. He has kept his German parents’ legacy alive after they opened the store in 1933. German is still spoken here, but everyone who comes through the door shares the common language of homemade bratwurst, sausages, imported cheeses, and other European goods.
Today, visitors can find Art behind his meat counter, standing strong after severe hip pain led to a total hip replacement. “I had lived with pain for some years, but it became excruciating about a year ago,” recalls Art. “I couldn’t sleep, use the stairs, or stand for very long. I had been making plans to visit relatives in Germany, but knew I couldn’t walk the streets. Old Europe is not handicapped accessible, so it was time to get permanent relief.”
A trip to ORA Orthopedics confirmed Art’s pain was from bone-on-bone friction in his right hip. Total Hip Replacement Surgeon, Dr. Steven Boardman, says it was time for surgery. “The degeneration in his hip was severe, and he was a candidate for total hip replacement.” However, to improve his surgical outcome, Dr. Boardman advised Art to lose weight.
Dr. Boardman says Art’s weight challenges are not unusual. “He is certainly not alone. I am seeing more and more patients who would benefit from total joint surgery, but because they have BMI’s of 40 or higher, they are at risk. Obesity can contribute to sleep apnea, which puts patients at risk during surgery, and heavier weight can contribute to infections or fractures after surgery.”
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) defines BMI as a calculation based on a person’s weight and height. “When people go into surgery, they have a personalized risk profile based on their unique medical conditions, such as diabetes, kidney problems, or obesity.”
Art was successful in losing 30 pounds before surgery, which is why, in part, he has recovered so strongly. “I lost weight on my own, just by cutting down on high-fat foods and eating more fruits and vegetables. After surgery, I was walking within two hours. It’s been five months, and I feel fine. My hip doesn’t hurt. I can enjoy my family and my shop.” Next to his family and wife, Louann, the store is the “love of my life.”
Dr. Boardman says his goal is that every patient has a successful surgery and recovery. “I evaluate every patient’s health and weight, discuss my concerns for those with BMI’s averaging over 40 or higher, and formulate a plan to manage their pain while they lose weight — all before performing surgery.” Dr. Boardman says ORA’s goal is to optimize the patient’s health before surgery by reducing modifiable risk factors such as high BMIs. The end result is fewer complications from surgery and a quicker recovery after surgery.
For Art Bodenbender, his successful recovery has put him back on track to keep Katy’s running strong while he’s also planning a trip to Germany next year. “Art is amazing,” adds Dr. Boardman. “He’s an old-country entrepreneur who keeps going, no matter what!” For the rest of the Quad Cities, rest assured, the brats will keep coming.
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