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.