Success Stories

On being overweight in childhood and adulthood

I was severely overweight since I was 10 years old. I was teased as a child. I was picked last for any sports teams and was terrible in gym class because I was so overweight. I had to wear older-looking clothing because of my size. I didn't have a chance with the good-looking guys in school because I was the "fat chick."

At the age of 45, I started a job where I had to wear business clothing, and I was so uncomfortable, especially in stockings and heels. My husband and I love to travel, but I had difficulty fitting into either bus or plane seats. I used to feel like I was embarrassing my only child because his mom was the fattest mom in his class. Right before my surgery, I was feeling the same way about my husband; I was ashamed to meet his friends because they always looked at me like, “Gee, Brad has a really FAT wife!” Morbid obesity is terrible for your self-esteem.

Impact of obesity on her health

I had much trouble with my menstrual periods right from the beginning due to being overweight. I had difficulty conceiving, and then when I did conceive, I had trouble carrying my son to term.

I had many health problems and several operations over the years. My feet always hurt. My knees hurt. My hips hurt. I had GERD (acid reflux disease/severe heartburn), and I snored terribly! At age 50 I was told that I was a diabetic. Then I was diagnosed with gastroparesis. And later I was told that I had liver trouble (which ended up being because of all of the fat lying right on my liver—and which reversed itself after the surgery).

As I got older, my health got worse, and I was attributing it to my age. But as soon as I lost all the weight, I knew that the problems had been my weight!

Earlier attempts to lose weight

I did numerous specialty diets—and would always gain it back plus more. On one [well-known] diet plan, I lost 45 pounds and gained back 60. On another I lost 50 pounds and gained back 65. On another, I lost 70 and gained back 85.

Day-to-day life with diabetes

I was diagnosed when I was 50. I started on a diabetic diet but that did not help. I was put on tablets that made me gain weight and feel very bloated. I stayed on them for about 2 years. I got a new doctor and she put me on metformin tablets. I started on 500 mg a day, and eventually I was on 2000 mg a day.

My A1C tests were not good. They were always 7.8 or higher. My blood sugars were never below 130 or 140. I had to check my blood sugars 4 times a day. That is a painful process, and it is not convenient to go out to eat and have to check your blood sugars in public. I had to go to the doctor every three months to get a diabetic check. That was expensive and always a worry, so that put more pressure on me.

Having diabetes made me so careful of what I ate. I had to stay away from desserts or any sugar or starch. I seemed to eat more and more but tried to stay away from the carbohydrates. It was somewhat depressing, and it really made my eating habits worsen.

EVERYTHING in my life started to revolve around when I ate and what I ate and what the blood sugar would end up being.

Diabetes status after surgery

Diabetes benefits post-surgery

I am NO LONGER DIABETIC!! I had heard that this surgery could help diabetes, but I honestly didn't believe it! I thought that diabetes would control me for the rest of my life.

And I saw the change the day after the surgery. I went home from the hospital and I checked my blood sugar—and it was normal.

Now I am free of the finger sticks! I am free of the diabetic diet! I am off of all medications. I can eat anything that I want without worrying what my blood sugars will be. My husband and I can go out with our friends and order regular food. No more need to see the doctor every three months; the only time I need a doctor now is when I am ill.

On making the decision to have surgery

As soon as I made the decision, I felt HOPE! I felt like I was finally doing something for myself! I was always helping everyone else, always worrying about everyone else. And I was getting fatter and sicker and just letting myself go. So then I felt excited, like I finally had a chance to be healthier and maybe even look better!

Health improvements (a list)

I was on close to 20 prescriptions before my surgery. As of today I TAKE NO PRESCRIPTION MEDICATIONS! I only take vitamins and calcium.

• My knees and hips and feet no longer hurt.
• No more GERD.
• NO more gastroparesis.
• NO DIABETES!
• No more snoring.
• No more itching from the diabetes.
• No more sweating from always being hot.
• And I’m able to exercise.

Surgery’s impact on her life

My entire life has changed. Just the fact that I am no longer "old and sick" is like a miracle to me. I exercise, and I feel 30 years younger. My husband and my entire family have a new respect; I see the look of pride in their faces.

I can shop in a regular store instead of the “women’s” department. I fit in planes and buses and all normal seats—YIPPEE!

Encouraging words

I am going to be 60 years old in just a few days. I am NOT a young woman, and I was not a healthy woman. But now, I am alive and vibrant and full of hope for the future. This surgery was the best gift that I ever gave myself. I know that I will live longer and I will see my grandson grow up. He is 2 years old—and he is amazed at how his Nanny can play and run and wrestle with him!

This surgery can and will save your life in so many ways! If I can do this...YOU CAN DO THIS!!

*At time of interview, about 7 months post-surgery