Patient Testimonials

Various patients describe the process and benefits of treating their obesity 

The passage of time is critical to evaluating the OptiFast program because it is so dependent on lifestyle changes. At Emory, these lifestyle modifications were at the heart of the program. Whether or not the instruction works can only be answered as the changes are implemented, put into practice and prolonged over the long haul. In my case, enough time has elapsed for me to declare the OptiFast program an overwhelming success, and I thank the Emory team for their instruction, guidance and extending my years. I have been able to maintain my weight loss, and my doctors tell me that my Lipid profile is exceptional. Even though my lifestyle needs constant attention, the rewards dwarf the effort.

After trying every imaginable diet and weight loss program for 20 years and finally hitting an all time high of 245 lbs (at 5'4"), I began researching gastric bypass surgery. Contrary to what many uninformed people believe, it is not an easy way out. After attending Emory's free informational seminar, I studied everything I could get my hands on and interviewed several people who underwent the surgery (not all had positive experiences). Finally, I decided to have the procedure. Within six months I lost 86 pounds! I'm thrilled with the results and my quality of life has improved immeasurably, though I cannot overemphasize the importance of doing your homework to see if it's the answer for you.

Gastric bypass is a weight-loss "TOOL." It is not an easy way out and requires daily dedication and a lifetime commitment. I have achieved my weight-loss success by focusing on these three rules of life:

1. It's never too late

2. Always do your best

3. NEVER GIVE UP

On November 15, 2004, after months of research and contemplation and a lifetime of being overweight or obese, I had gastric bypass surgery at Emory. I lost 145 pounds, my BMI dropped from 50.7 to 25.5, and I began to encounter small miracles that I'd never experienced before, from being able to sit cross-legged in an airplane seat to jogging and running up steps without getting winded. Since my surgery I've traveled to Europe and Manhattan, walked around all day and had energy to spare! Every day I wake up with an appreciation for living and the feeling I can do anything I set my mind to.

Emory's comprehensive approach, such as frequent visits with the nutritionist, bariatrician and obesity psychologist before surgery, was key. Anyone who feels they may be candidate should attend one of their free, informative seminars. If you have surgery, do everything your doctors tell you, by the book! It will be essential to your immediate and long-term success. I also recommend finding a local support group and attending monthly meetings, even before your surgery!

Emory Bariatrics and their staff helped me claim a life I never knew existed. At 349 pounds I was just a shell of a person. Overweight since childhood, I suffered through years of failed diet attempts. Now, after losing 201 pounds, I've found out what living is all about. Since I had gastric bypass surgery, I've been free of all of my previous co-morbidities such as high blood pressure, reflux disease, borderline sleep apnea and borderline diabetes.

Gastric bypass is not a quick fix. My lifestyle has changed to where I have to eat to live instead of live to eat. My advice to any potential patients is to be aware that maintaining weight loss is a daily struggle and that they shouldn't expect everything in their lives to change. You have to be happy with yourself and only then will the rest fall into place.

I pulled into my driveway and had to call a friend to come over and get my daughter out of the car. I could not lift her out of the car seat, she was eight months old, and my back hurt. I realized to be the mom I wanted to be I would have to start losing weight and changing my relationship with food. I wanted to play on the floor, be out at the park, chase her around the cul-de-sac and fit into the roller coaster seat. I needed help to change my habits.

With encouragement from friends and my Emory cardiologist, I agreed to attend an Optifast orientation. Initially a liquid diet was not my idea of something that could work, but I came to learn that not only was it a diet, it was more. The break from food taught me why I was overeating, why I was not in control of my physical health and why I could not see my feet.
 
My daughter is now two-years-old. I can fit into roller coaster seats, I exercise regularly, have a great bill of health and can see my feet. While my daughter is too young to be proud of me, I know I have significantly changed and bettered her life and mine forever.

Gastric bypass surgery was the best thing I could have done for myself. Before surgery, I had irregular menstrual cycles, sleep apnea, joint pain and was taking diabetic medication. Within one month after the operation, I had NONE of these symptoms. I also dropped from 272 pounds/size 24(3X) to 146 pounds/size eight. Everything I was unable to do before the surgery became possible, from little things like crossing my legs, wearing a belt, fitting comfortably into plane seats and restaurant booths, to major accomplishments like getting fit.

Sticking with the post-op, prescribed diet and exercise is essential. I have, and I've never had to go to the hospital or emergency room for any complications due to the surgery. If you have had gastric-bypass surgery, congratulations, and if you are considering it, please do your research, get as much information as possible and start making healthy choices now.

return to top