My name is Susan Bosley, and I had gastric bypass surgery December of 2003 (Lap RNY). Since then, I have lost 220 lbs. and have dropped from a size 34/36 to 10/12. Every morning when I wake up, I think to myself, “I can do ANYTHING I want!” I’ve changed the way I think about food—the choices I make about what I want to eat and what I should eat. I’ve changed the way I think about exercise. Before, physical activity was something I avoided. It was difficult, painful, and often I felt acute humiliation in public. Today, I relish the activities that I am able to participate in. I am LIVING my life, instead of watching it pass me by. I can’t imagine my life any other way now.
Karen Densley
I had gastric bypass surgery on March 25, 2002. It is hard to think that it has been just a little over three years since my entire life changed. In July of 2001 I had watched my husband go through this and I was amazed at the results that I saw. Prior to surgery I weighed an all time high of 257 pounds and was in a size 22-24 for women’s clothing. I knew what to expect after surgery after watching my husband go through it. The first few weeks after surgery are the toughest to get through but once you are able to eat solid food, things get a little easier. There is nothing that I am not able to eat now. I am now happy at 130 pounds and I have had no problem maintaining that weight for the last year. I no longer feel like that fat girl that everyone is staring at, always hiding in the corner and trying to avoid eye contact with anyone. If I could say one thing it would be to tell anyone who is vacillating about having this type of surgery to stop thinking about it and just do it.
Karla Wold
My surgery was April 9, 2002. My whole life has changed since that day. I have lost over 150 pounds, and now I weigh between135-140. My twin sister and I struggled with our weight together, and had this surgery together. I went from wearing a size 26-28 to a size 8-10. The sense of humor that always helped me when I was overweight no longer is self deprecating. My weight loss journey was not an easy one. But I would still do this all over again. My daughter who was 6 at the time of my surgery is now 9. I want her to be a confident young woman, and not go through the self esteem problems both my twin sister Karen and I struggled with. Living a healthy life style is paying off for both my daughter Kate and for me. Life is good.
Gar P Kelly
Bariatric surgery saved my life!
This is a bold statement but I believe it to be true. The most uncomfortable part of the surgery for me was waiting for a drink of water the morning after surgery. There are a few things I cannot eat or drink, such as sweets and carbonated drinks. Not too much of a trade off! When I started going to the gym prior to the surgery my goal was to use the elliptical exercise machine for a half hour. My endurance level would only let me do it for two minutes. At 110 lbs less I use the elliptical machine daily for forty minutes. My resting heart rate was 100, now it is 65.
I FEEL FANTASTIC!!
Lori Curtis
The day that I collapsed half way up my staircase with my newborn grandson in my arms, was the day that it became painfully clear what a lifetime of failed diets had done to me. Refusing to give up on myself, I began researching weight loss surgery. Today, three years later and one half the size I once was, I am able to "run" up and down those stairs with ease. I was not looking for a magic bullet and have never approached WLS as a quick fix. For me, it is a tool that has helped me reach the weight and health goals that eluded me for so many years. I know that I will have to do my part each and every day by eating right and exercising to maintain a healthy weight, but it is all worth it when my grandchildren ask me to play with them and I don't have to think twice about whether or not I can keep up!
Brian Draper
I went from 445 to 235 and my life has changed. I am doing things that were just not possible in the past. I can walk the 18 holes of golf, go white water rafting, biking and camping. My grandchildren are pleased that grandpa can now run and play with them. Airline travel is no longer a big ordeal and people will sit next to me now. Friends are now embarrassed by the fact that they don't recognize me. My life has truly been extended, along with an increase in quality and I am making the most of this journey.
Wayne Park
I’m a very private guy but after my experience with gastric bypass surgery I need to tell the story.
After a life long battle with obesity, numerous diets, high blood pressure, fatigue, unhappiness and then finally confrontation by my concerned family, I decided to investigate gastric bypass surgery. Before making the decision I talked to a man who had the surgery three years prior and I had one simple question for him. Would you do it again? His answer was yes, without a question. My answer would be exactly the same. Yes yes and yes. Dec. 1st 2003 surgery weight 334, pant size 50, 52. Shirts 2X, 3X. Today April 20th 2005, weight 202, pant size 36, sport coat 44 R, shirts medium and large. Shopping is now fun.
I’m in good health, almost off all the blood pressure.
