Success Stories
George's Story
After I retired and began caring for my elderly father, the change in my
lifestyle made me gain a lot of weight. It got to the point where I couldn’t
even walk to the end of my driveway without getting winded. But being
diagnosed with type II diabetes and high cholesterol was the real wake-up
call for me. I knew what diabetes could do to your body and I wasn’t
prepared to let that happen. I was going to change.
I decided that Lap Band surgery was the best option for me. The procedure
went really well and my recovery was virtually pain free—I never
even took painkillers. The first week was a little uncomfortable but nothing
major. I was in the hospital on Wednesday, went home Thursday afternoon,
and I was walking on Friday!
Today my diabetes is under control with no medication and the arthritis
in my knees doesn’t bother me as much. The amount of energy I have
now is unbelievable. I feel like I did when I was 45! There are continuing
changes I have to make, too. For example, the way I approach food has
drastically changed. Before the surgery, food was a reward. I was an emotional
eater. Today I'm a healthy eater and I've learned to view food
as nothing more than fuel for the body.
If you're considering surgery, I recommend going to one of the Bariatric
Program's open houses to learn about your options. The people there
are just great and so knowledgeable. They have all the resources you need
to help you make the decision that’s right for you. I would do it
again in a heartbeat.
Jen's Story
For several years before my surgery, I didn't feel well both physically
and emotionally. I had a lot of problems, including high blood pressure,
undiagnosed diabetes, sleep apnea, and osteoarthritis to name a few. One
day I woke up, and I decided it was time to do something about it. I just
got tired of feeling bad! I went to an information session to learn about
the Bariatric Program at Winchester Medical Center.
I liked the multidisciplinary approach that the program offered. It covers
the medical, surgical, and dietary aspects and provides a lot of education
on exercise, weight management, dealing with stress, etc. A monthly support
group is also available. They really care about you, from the office staff
to the surgeons. They really have a heart for obese patients.
I'm so glad I decided to have surgery. It has been really beneficial
for me. I feel it added 20-25 years to my life. Now, I wake up every morning
feeling good. I look forward to doing things again. I even look forward
to exercising.
The decision to have gastric bypass surgery is ultimately up to the person
who is overweight. Each individual must make the choice, but it is important
to have all the information and a support system. It is a lifestyle change
that you have to adopt. You have to be ready to do it, and you have to
commit yourself to doing it. If not, you won't be successful.
Charles's Story
I hit a point where I knew I had to do something about my weight. I led
a sedentary life. I did all I could to avoid getting up from my desk.
I had trouble getting out of the building during fire drills. My work
even assigned a safety monitor to me to make sure I got out of the building!
But the real game changer was my health. I was short of breath all the
time, I had sleep apnea, type 2 diabetes, hypertension and I was using
a CPAP machine. I was taking 12 different meds. In 2006, my insurance
company had paid for over $30,000 in prescriptions. I was done with feeling this way.
I decided to have gastric bypass surgery and it was the best decision
I've made. Everything went as planned with the procedure. I was up
and walking 12 hours after surgery. I stayed at the hospital for 48 hours
and then was sent home. I was sore for a few days but my recovery was
fast and the pounds came off quickly. I was up and moving a few weeks
after surgery!
Today my energy level is probably 100 times greater than it was before.
I no longer take medication, my diabetes is gone—everything is gone!
I feel like 10 million bucks! I think the biggest change I’ve seen
with myself is my dietary likes and dislikes and my appetite. I don't
have a really big appetite like before. I also love being social when
I used to be home bound all the time.
I am glad I chose the Bariatric Program at Winchester Medical Center.
The staff there is just unbelievable and they have a great reputation.
They are well on their way to becoming a center of excellence. If you
are thinking about having a procedure like mine, I highly recommend them
and I would tell you to go for it! I’m proof that there are great
benefits to weight loss surgery.
Janet's Story
In the past, I would do well losing weight on my own. But after a period
of time, it always came back. At my heaviest I was exhausted every minute
of the day. I was frustrated and depressed and my health problems were
growing. I had become pre-hypertensive, insulin resistant and suffered
from sleep apnea, back pain and pedal edema. I hit a point where I needed
a permanent change.
I had just moved from New York to this area and discovered the Bariatric
Program at Winchester Medical Center. After learning about all they had
to offer, I decided to have the Lap Band procedure and today I feel great!
Although I still experience some back trouble, all my other health problems
have disappeared. I'm 46 and I feel better than I did when I was 36.
I exercise five days a week religiously. I eat the way I should and even
see myself turning down certain foods without even thinking about it.
For once, I have more energy than my kids. Although I had no problems
during recovery, I had one complication with the band slipping-but even
that wasn't a big deal in my opinion. It was just a small set back
in the process. I would do it all again if I had to.
If you're considering the procedure and know you're a good candidate,
then I say do it! Absolutely! It will change your life. And everyone in
the Bariatric Program is wonderful. I never once felt judged.