Success Story
SHANNON C.
Farmersville, Ohio
Roux-en-Y Surgery Patient (February, 2008)
120 lbs.
lost after 1 year
When asked what life was like as an overweight person, Shannon sums up her feelings in two words: “embarrassed and disheartened.” Embarrassed because as a size 26 it was hard for her to shop for clothes. Instead, she dressed in oversized tops and stretch pants. Disheartened because it broke her heart when people would stare at her and then begin to whisper.
The psychological suffering Shannon endured was accompanied by physical pain. Her legs hurt which is not surprising. She also experienced shoulder pain, but not from a weight-bearing cause or poor posture. It was due to her bust line being so large that her bra straps cut into them. Her energy level also was depleted. Just getting through the work day was a chore. Then she had to go home and care for her family.
Obesity was wearing her down mentally and physically. Still, she made determined efforts to lose weight, including low-carb diets, exercise and diet pills. Her weight would plateau briefly, but nothing succeeded long term! Considering her family history of weight-related problems, including hypertension, cardiac disease and diabetes, Shannon was convinced that a “bad gene” lurked in her DNA. Feeling trapped, she knew it was imperative to lose weight rather than follow the same path as other family members. Then a family friend told her about New Life Weight Loss Surgery Center and Dr. Anderson. That “friend” happened to be Susie Caplinger, New Life’s Bariatric Coordinator. Susie’s recommendation offered Shannon a glimmer of hope.
After researching bariatric surgery and local bariatric surgeons, Shannon concluded that surgery was in her best interest and that Dr. Anderson was her choice of surgeon. Shannon underwent the Roux-en-Y procedure on February 4th, 2008. That date marks the beginning of when being “embarrassed and disheartened” no longer ruled her psyche.
Today she is well on her way to meeting her weight loss goals. She has lost approximately 120 pounds, watches what she eats, enjoys exercising and shops for fashionable clothing as a size 10/12. She pursues life energetically and her relationships have improved, especially with her children with whom she had little patience as an overweight person.
“People can see how happy I am now. They can see not just the physical change, but also how my self esteem has climbed to such a high level,” she declared enthusiastically. “It (weight loss surgery) has changed my life in so many positive ways.” When asked what advice she would give to others struggling with their weight she said, “If you’ve tried everything, including diets, exercise and pills, and if nothing seems to work, anything is possible through weight loss surgery if you have the personal desire, the support of family and New Life’s medical staff.”
"Once I was a caterpillar hiding in my skin. Now I am a butterfly floating in the wind.”Shannon
