Bariatric Surgery Patient Stories

THERESA-BEFORE

THERESA-AFTER

Life before my weight loss surgery pretty much did not exist for me. I was diagnosed with lupus and fibromyalgia in 2008. It was at that moment that I realized that my life would change. The first few years of my battle with lupus were not good. I was in and out of the hospital all the time. It was during that time my weight gain became uncontrollable due to the many medications I was taking.

In 2010, I began to let my weight and the side effects of lupus get to me. I began to look into having bariatric surgery. I completed my six-month evaluation that my insurance company required, but I became ill again. I went back to the “in and out” of the hospital situation for a few more years. It was during this time I began having problems sleeping during the night due to the pain and sleep apnea. I was on a steady weight gain and having more problems. The doctors were always telling me that weight loss would help with my lupus and fibromyalgia. This was during the time when I was at my heaviest weight of 306 pounds. I discussed my plans for having weight loss surgery again with my husband, Gabe, and two daughters.

In 2011, I started my six-month evaluation and testing for the gastric sleeve. You see, God has a way of working things out. Back in 2012, I was looking into having the lap band. During my consultation visit with Dr. Jayleen Grams, she said, “With the diagnosis of lupus, the lap band would not best suit you.” After completing my evaluations, I was scheduled for surgery on June 5, 2012, another day that would change my life.

I was in the hospital for a total of two days. It would have been one night, but due to an elevated creatine level, Dr. Grams suggested I stay another night just to make sure my kidneys were functioning correctly. Once I got home, I didn’t have any pain or problems while I was recovering.

It has been seven months since my surgery, and I have lost at total of 75 pounds. My energy level has gone through the roof. I no longer have to use my C-pap Machine; my husband informed me I no longer snore. I have had a decrease in the medications I have to take. I go to the gym for two hours five days a week. I am able to attend my daughter’s school functions, and I am now a troop leader of a Girl Scout Troop. You will be amazed at what you can do when you can walk and are not tired due to the excessive weight you are carrying around. I know that my surgery was one of the best choices I made because I can only see things looking up from here.