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My weight issues started when I was going into my teenage years. When I got married and had two wonderful children my weight became even more out of control. Having two children and a lifelong battle with food, I finally decided that it was time to get my life and weight under control. I decided that it was time for me to under go gastric by-pass surgery. The morning I went in for my surgery I was not even a bit scared. I knew I was doing the right thing for myself. That's right FOR MYSELF! I weighed 263 lbs. that morning. 9 1/2 months later I weighed 138 lbs. I have gone from a size 22/24 to a size 4/6. Everyday is a challenge!! Some may think it was the easy way out. Those are the people who don't know what it is like to live on the other side of the scale. I would like to think I could be an inspiration to those who have had a life long battle with their weight, because I know what it is like on the other side. I no longer live on a diet. I live on what I now call "life". I said good-bye to my 20's and hello to the thin person that I have always wanted to be. Thank you Dr. Felix and your wonderfull staff. You gave me my life back. Sincerely, Cindy

Going through the process of gastric bypass surgery gave me affirmation, confidence and encouragement. My affirmation came in the form of a friend having the procedure done on the same day as me and being my roommate at the hospital. I was confident with my decision knowing that God placed a friend on this journey with me. One who would understand completely any and all emotions or struggles I had. I’ve been encouraged by the support of my friend, our support group, my family and other friends. I’ve used and will continue to use my surgery testimony to help others along their journey. Facing risks of serious health problems because of my obesity, including Type 2 Diabetes, Sleep Apnea, and Heart Disease, HOPE Bariatrics gave me the tools I needed to begin a healthier life. Within the past year, I have been able to lose 100 pounds and went from a size 22 to a size 10. The person I was before surgery is gone and I will not let her come back. I have more energy, able to run and play with my kids, and now promote a healthier lifestyle in my home. I thank God for giving me the friend I need to go through this journey, the family to support me, and a company like HOPE Bariatrics that equipped me with the tools necessary and continues to encourage me, give me access to a nutritionist and nurse, and for making me part of their family.

I am a CDL Delivery Driver. I've had problems with Diabetes since 1997. I was to the point of losing my CDL License because the Diabetes got out of hand. I had to either go on Insulin, or have Gastric By-Pass Surgery. I chose Gastric By-Pass Surgery for Diabetic reasons, and to improve my health conditions. Before making this decision I weighed 334 pounds. When I had the surgery done in January of 2009, I weighed 297 pounds. Today, I was weighed at my PCP's office, I now weigh 198 pounds!! I am off my Byetta, and Glucovance, which are diabetic medications.I am off of cholesterol medications: Tricor, and now only take 1/2 a pill of Simvistatin, and in my next PCP visit in 3 months, the DR. feels I will be completely off Simvistatin. Blood Pressure has come way down, he feels in his next visit I will go from 100mg to 50 mg of Cozaar. I have gone from a size 50 inch waist down to 36 inch waist size. I have stuck to the program that Dr. Felix and Dr. Wilcox has prescribed, and I haven't experienced any set backs. This has been a WIN WIN situation for me, and I feel Great. I have never been this thin, but most importantly, I am Healthier. I wish to thank both Dr. Felix and Dr. Wilcox for performing this surgical Procedure on me, and I highly recommend it to everyone health issues. They truly can help you, but it is up to you to make it work.

As I sit here and think how wonderful I feel, I can’t believe it’s been a year since my surgery date, 11-17-08. I’ve lost over 100 lbs. I just came from my PCP (primary care physician) and he took me off my diabetic pills, that is just awesome. From a guy who used to eat a box of Little Debbies in one sitting, I don’t even miss the sweets anymore. I’m happy I’ve finally had the courage to go through it. It has been a life changing challenge, and looking forward to a happy and healthy future.