Success Story
B. G.
Dayton, Ohio
Roux-en-Y Surgery Patient (January, 2007)
140 lbs. lost after 1½
years
Before surgery, B.G.’s life at approximately 300 lbs. was definitely not a walk in the park. In fact, walking or any other physical activity was torturous because of her swollen ankles and legs, tight skin and the feeling that her back was breaking. But most hurtful of all was not being able to enjoy life with her children. Attempts to include herself in her children’s activities left her tired and frustrated.
Frustrating also was her failure to lose weight and keep it off. She tried liquid diets, starvation, water pills, laxatives and even plastic sweat suits. Each effort resulted in some weight loss, but in no time she would gain it all back. She describes the ups and downs like “being stuck on a roller coaster.” She felt helpless, like a prisoner trapped in her own body, dying slowly and at a greater risk of a heart attack or stroke.
Especially sad is that her wedding day, which is usually the most anticipated and joyous day of any woman’s life, was spent on medication to tolerate the pain. At long last she decided weight loss surgery offered the only real hope for a life worth living. Helping her make that decision was her sister, who B.G. often turned to for guidance and inspiration. Her sister underwent New Life bariatric surgery in 2006 and highly recommended Dr. Anderson and New Life’s caring team.
Dr. Anderson took the time to discuss the different surgeries with B.G. — the advantages, the disadvantages, and the kind of results she might expect. B.G. chose the Roux-en-Y, which Dr. Anderson agreed was a good decision. Her surgery was performed in January of 2007, starting the new year with an excellent opportunity to become a much healthier person.
Comparing B.G. today to just a short while ago, you’d think she was two different people. And in many ways you’d be right! Besides the impressive weight loss, her active lifestyle and outgoing personality are that of a truly transformed individual. Now she can visit her children in college, walk around campus with them, and do so without pain or pills. She’s really loving life, and enjoying the new person she’s become. One of her greatest joys is shopping for clothes.
“Weight loss surgery was the best choice I could have made,” B.G. said. “The only thing I would change is to have done it years ago,” she admitted. What’s her advice to anyone who is severely overweight and in desperate need of help? “People who live like I did need to come forward and get the help I got,” she stated. To which she added, “Dr. Rita and New Life made it possible for me to live again. It’s a great team, a caring group of people who are willing to go through the change with you.”
However, B.G. does have some words of caution for anyone thinking about weight loss surgery. “It’s a life-changing decision. There’s nothing easy about it,” she lectured. “Make sure you are mentally prepared to handle the new person who will be looking back at you in the mirror.”
“Before surgery my life was a nightmare. Now I'm healthier and happier. Dr. Anderson and New Life made it possible for me to live again.”B.G.
