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Mercy Bariatric ServicesHome | Obesity | Mercy Bariatric Support Group | Surgical Procedures | Bariatric Surgeons | Patient Experiences Patient Experiences
Kelly Kuehl, laparoscopic gastric bypass patient of Dr. William Rizk (January 2004)
“My life before surgery consisted of horrible eating habits, a lack of exercise and low self-esteem. Two years later, I have lost 247 pounds. I have drastically changed my eating habits, joined a gym and a women’s golf league. Life changed quickly. “None of this would be possible without the help of my surgeon and the Bariatric Services Program at Mercy. The tools I was given before and after my surgery were instrumental in my exceptional weight loss. The ongoing support the program offers is also important for success.”
Valerie Hanford, LAP-BAND surgery patient of Dr. Mike Wolpert (March 2005)
“It is hard to put into words how much surgery changed my life – physically and emotionally. I have been overweight my entire life, and struggled to be accepted and appreciated for who I was as a person. I tried diet after diet with some short-term weight loss. In the end, I would gain what I lost plus additional weight. “In just over a year I have lost 125 pounds. And I continue to lose weight. Within just a month or two after surgery, I was off all my medications. LAP-BAND surgery changed my life and made my future much brighter knowing I can live a longer, healthier life without all the restrictions. “If given the choice, I would have no hesitation to do it all over again. What a positive difference this had made in my life.”
Charlene Balmer, laparoscopic gastric bypass surgery patient of Dr. Keith Vollstedt (September 2005)
“Have you ever felt like you had a chance to start life over again? I did when I had surgery. I had forgotten how it felt to move again, walk again and hold my grandchild in my lap. “I had most of the health problems related to obesity: sleep apnea, urinary incontinence and swollen legs. I had back surgery and both knees replaced. “In six months I lost 88 pounds and am about half way to my goal. Every time I can do something I couldn't’t do before surgery, I write it down. I have a very long list, and it is getting longer each week. You can’t imagine how happy I am.”
Jeff Davis, laparoscopic gastric bypass surgery patient of Dr. William Rizk (May 2005)
“The difference in me is unbelievable. I’ve learned every day that my body talks to me. When I weighed over 400 pounds, my body was screaming at me most of the time. I had a lot of health problems. “It used to kill me to walk the five blocks to the football field to watch a game – so I would drive. Now, after losing 165 pounds, I walk five miles or so a day during the week. Whenever I have walked up to people who haven’t seen me for awhile, I’ve found they have to take a second look. “I look at life differently now. It is great to be a changed person!”
Gariann Pyle, laparoscopic gastric bypass surgery patient of Dr. Keith Vollstedt (May 2005)
“Weight-loss surgery has given me a second chance at life. After losing more than 100 pounds in 11 months, I have more energy, which allows me to do things with my family. I can walk up flights of stairs without being out of breath. I can mow our yard, and still have plenty of energy to go for a long walk. I have also reduced my medications from four pills a day, to just one. “My nieces and nephews can give me hugs and are able to put their arms all the way around me—with room to spare! My weight loss not only affected me, but my family, as well. They see how I am more outgoing and happier. They know we all have a brighter future together, too.”
Leslie Brown, laparoscopic gastic bypass surgery patient of Dr. William Rizk, (Feb. 2005)
“Weight was an issue all my life. Even at five years old I compared myself with fellow kindergarten students and realized I was heavier than most of them. I was on an eternal merry-go-round with food until I had surgery—just after my 45 th birthday. “I am convinced that gastric bypass surgery saved my life. By the time I decided to have the procedure, I was on medications for diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. I also used a CPAP machine for extreme sleep apnea. I felt horrible, and I was truly preparing to die. “Thanks to the outstanding program at Mercy Medical Center, I now feel like a healthy, vibrant woman. This program offered me a chance to learn behavioral habits that have literally changed my life. The support and guidance Mercy gave me helped ensure my success. “After losing almost 100 pounds, I am down 8 pant sizes. I am off all medications, and don’t need a CPAP machine anymore. For the first time in many years I am looking forward to my future and all the possibilities it holds.”
Rev. J.C. Browne, laparoscopic gastric bypass surgery patient of Dr. Keith Vollstedt (Nov. 2005)
“I have battled my weight since I was 13 years old. I have lost weight in many ways, and at times lost a lot. But, I was never able to keep it off. As I gained more weight, I also started having more and more medical problems. “The bariatric program at Mercy offered me all the information I needed about weight-loss surgery. They let me know what to expect and what to do before and after surgery so it would be successful. “In the first 18 weeks after surgery I lost 90 pounds and 12 inches from my waist. Before surgery, I was taking 15 medications. Today, I’m taking just two. “It is so great to be able to move about, sit in normal chairs, buy clothes in regular stores, to feel great, and to feel great about myself. It has changed my life, as well as extended my life. I am so thankful for the program at Mercy.”
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