Risks of Bariatric Surgery

Numbers don't lie. Waist size 62 down to a 38 (and almost into a 36). Shirt size 5-6x down to a XXL. I've lost 208 pounds in less than a year. Had someone told me this last summer when I was 470 pounds and struggled to put shoes on, I would have laughed in your face.

I had tried every diet under the sun. Every one of them. Not a single one of them proved successful. I tried exercising. I tried everything. I was spiraling out of control. My portions were enormous. A Double-quarter pounder sandwich, TWO large fries, and TWO double cheeseburgers and a large Coke were the norm on a trip to McDonald's. A DiGiorno's pizza with a bag of shredded cheese on top was a meal, not to mention snacking while it was cooking.

To even think of those portions or that type of food today, however, makes me absolutely disgusted. Not only can I not eat that food, I won't.

In 2007, I had enough. As a truck driver, I was encountering trucks that I could not fit into. I was at the lowest point I had ever been. I kicked smoking in 2006, I quit dipping snuff in 2007, and quit sugar and carbonated drinks in 2008. In 2008, I was up to 12-24 cans of diet pop per day.

Something had to give. I made the decision that, after years of trying (and a lot of failing) I could not lose the weight on my own. I contacted Hope Bariatrics, desperate and scared. I figured if I could give up my addiction to caffeine, sugar, and fatty foods, I could do it for a lifetime. Enough was enough; there were people who weighed LESS than I did who died of a heart attack! The thought of my wife having to put me in a supersized coffin or being removed from my house by a crane was NOT what I wanted my final memory to be. What did I have to lose? Everything else failed, and I must admit I was a tad scared this may fail too. I had my share of advice from people and know-it-alls...Many people may say that surgery is the "easy" way out. Those are the same people who don't struggle with weight!

After the hoop jumping process my insurance company requires, I was scheduled for surgery. I was eating low fat foods, but still big portions. I was drinking 1-2 gallons of water a day. Every day. August 12, 2008 was the moment God and Dr. Felix and his staff gave me a new life. They enabled me to start over. Dr. Felix was my personal miracle worker. I literally owe my life to Dr. Felix and the Hope Bariatrics staff. EVERYONE at Hope Bariatrics treated me like gold from day one. I didn't get the "MY God he's huge" stares from anyone on the staff. No one talked down to me. No one made me feel bad about being 30 pounds shy of 500 pounds. Cindy is just as nice to me at 260 pounds as she was when I was 470. I love the staff!!! I can't say enough good things about them!!!

At almost one year post-op, I am often asked if I would do it again. Yes. Without hesitation I would. I went from 470 pounds to 260 pounds in less than a year. It is a lifelong commitment. Even at a year out, I am often asked if I miss junk food like pizza and McDonald's. Simply, no. I don't. The smell of McDonald's nauseates me now (seriously). Do I miss the all-you-can-eat buffet restaurants? No. Do I miss the pop? The tobacco? The caffeine? No. Not at all. I still am able to eat the good things, just in small quantities. There is a wonderful variety of no sugar added or sugar free "sweets" I had never noticed before while buying Oreos and sugared ice cream.....As for fast and processed foods? No way. I don't eat them. If I can succeed, anyone can!

Thank you to everyone at Hope Bariatrics for giving me my life back. With all of my heart, thank you all so much for everything.

Our names are Tracey and Amy. As of July 28th 2009, we have both lost over one hundred pounds (6 months after surgery)! Getting the Gastric Bypass Surgery was an enormous decision for both of us. We have both battled with our weight our whole lives. We have tried every diet and workout program out there, with no continuous success. We were tired of our weight taking over our lives. It was time for a permanent change! We both had the Gastric Bypass Surgery on January 14, 2009! Dr. Wilcox preformed our surgery. The first month after surgery was very challenging. We both had each other and an amazing family to lend us help and support. After we worked through the ups and downs during the first month, it was uphill from there. We have never looked back! We both went from a size 20/22 to a size 12/14! The surgery has changed our lives, both physically and emotionally! We have so much more energy now! We also have more self-confidence! We would love to thank everyone who has helped us overcome our battle with our weight. The staff members at Hope Bariatrics are amazing and have shown us endless support and patience! Thank you for everything!

...." today i finshed my first half marathon in under 3 hours! I don't think that i have ever been so excited before. I owe you guys so much thanks without your guys wonderful support i don't think i could have did this! This is a awesome accomplishment and i hope that everyone of your patients will realize that this is not easy but DO NOT GIVE UP! Here are some pictures of this wonderful day i wanted to share. Thanks so much again you guys have been a blessing."

Joe, 53 years old Gastric Bypass, November, 2008, Dr. Felix

I knew I had to do something when my family doctor gave me 3 options
a)Fantasy Island (FAT camp) b) a Pine Box or c) the surgery.

I also have a 12 year old daughter that I want to walk down the aisle without a cane, crutch or walker. Lastly, I want to have a quality of life with the women that I love as we approach our senior years that is filled with activity and worry free living not being a burden to our children. I want to thank the Crew at Hope Bariatric(s) including Dr. Felix, Cindy, Diane, Denise and Sherry for their support, guidance, thoughtfulness, professionalism and caring in this past year. I started at 394 lbs BMI of 56.1 to 215 lbs BMI of 29.8 in just over 18 months. My only regret is that it took me too long to get over my own self-pride and apprehensions over whether or not this was the right choice. One year to the day after my surgery, I know now that it was the right choice and I know that this team has helped me through my process. Again thank you and if I can be of any help to you in the future please do not hesitate to call.