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We asked a few of our patients, "How has having weight-loss surgery changed your life?" Following are their responses:
Janet Matias, August 2020: My life is totally different. I woke up from surgery insulin free. That for me was a huge plus. A year out from surgery and I'm still insulin free and take no medications. My thyroid issues and nodules are gone and I'm happily slimming down. The only regret I have is not doing it earlier.
Tristan Tatum, December 2019: Before surgery, I felt that my weight kept me from enjoying all the possibilities life had to offer. My goal was to get my life back and do things like attend sporting events without worrying if the seats would be too small, and flying without having to worry about the airplane seatbelts fitting me. Weight-loss surgery helped me achieve my goals and now I'm the healthiest I've ever been.
I've started playing basketball and running 5Ks, which makes me feel extremely accomplished. Surgery helped me become the person I want to be and I'm still improving and continuing that journey. I always say if I can do it, anyone can.
Connie Holloway, March 2018: Before surgery, I was taking 13 medications a day. I had uncontrolled diabetes, problems with my pancreas, high blood pressure and IBS. From the day I had surgery, I never had to take another medication. It was like resetting everything. I remember thinking, I've been given a second chance and I'm not going to blow this.
I started jogging and now exercise four to five times a week. Without surgery, I don't know that I would be alive. I'm 71 and just came through a major spine surgery. My surgeon is amazed at how well I'm recovering. I think it's because I was in good health, which would not have been possible without weight-loss surgery.
Sheila A. Jones, September 2015: It has given me my vigor and vim. I have the will to conquer the world. I move around better. It has empowered me to feel confident in most tasks including being able to play with my grandson. I travel more. I no longer have to hide behind my obesity. I am in control of my life. It has been a long road, but all well worth it and the results are wonderful. Thank you to my daughter, family, friends and most of all the FirstHealth Bariatric team for all your help.
Sandra Snyder, September 2014: I came off my blood pressure medication after 25 years of having high blood pressure. Now, maybe I can avoid the heart attack or stroke that everyone in my family is destined to have. Exercise has become a priority. My joints still hurt, but they are carrying less weight every month. Maybe I can avoid or put off the knee replacement surgery. I can enjoy many more activities without getting winded. I’ve been kayaking and hiking in the mountains this year. I plan to go zip-lining next month. I’m enjoying my life. More and more, I am a participant and not just a spectator.
J. Mark Rhyne, September 2014: It has changed the way I think about food. I used to look for the biggest buffet. I eat small amounts several times a day. I also drink lots of water.
I am 18 months post-surgery and have maintained an 82-pound weight reduction. I exercise regularly and have gone from seven prescription medicines to one. I can find “normal” sized clothes easily for the first time in my life! Weight loss even helped improve my lower joint pain. I’m glad I did it and would do it again.
Cassie L. Cloninger, September 2014: After my surgery I have been able to play with my children more. I am able to keep up with them, run more chasing them while not getting winded. I have more energy and better self-esteem. I sleep better; have fewer headaches, no allergies and less asthma. My whole world has changed. I have enjoyed every step, especially the last steps I took to run a whole mile just a few weeks ago.
James Mulholl, September 2014: Having surgery has helped with my health issues like high blood pressure and has reduced my joint pain. I am feeling a lot more confident with my physical appreance and am a much happier person day to day. I am able to breathe better and sleep better. I am not always hot and sweaty from minimal tasks in day-to-day life. I love that I am no longer a slave to food, and if I go out with friends, I am able to share a plate with a friend and actually get full. I would like to also say that I am glad to have met everyone at Pinehurst Surgical and FirstHealth. They have been awesome with helping me along my journey.
Cindy Childress, September 2014: I am able to get in the floor with my granddaughter and play. This past weekend, I was able to get on a kiddie ride with my granddaughter and her friend and was able to get out. I think the Lord for this surgery, because I am not tired by 7 p.m. I am still going and doing house chores.