“I no longer feel invisible. People now see the person I always knew was inside. I have my life back. I am more confident and stronger physically and mentally. My husband tells me the girl he married is back!”
– Linda (left) — 4 years since surgery

“Success to me means being more comfortable in my body, to have a healthier outlook on food.”
– Karen (right) — 6-1/2 years since surgery

Success after weight-loss surgery means different things to different people. For Karen, success has to do with changes to the little things in life.

“To be quite simple, it means to be able to tie my shoes without getting red in the face,” she says, “to be able to walk up a flight of stairs without huffing and puffing while being able to carry on a conversation.”

Success also means Karen developed a healthier outlook on food. “Now I can taste natural sugars in fruits and vegetables. I never dreamed that you could taste the sweetness in corn or peas. You learn about flavors all over again.”

A big part of her success is also feeling better all around. “I have new energy to want to exercise.” This gift allows her to have a brighter outlook on her future. She knows she will be around for her grandchildren and to enjoy them more. “Now I have the energy for it!”

“Success for me is being able to fit into society better. To feel better, to feel healthier.”
– Josh (left) — 1-1/2 years since surgery

Josh initially came to the Center for Weight Management three years ago at age 15. He was denied authorization from his insurance company to receive gastric bypass surgery due to his age. “Try again in two years,” they said.

When Josh turned 17, Dr. Daniel Smith performed his gastric bypass surgery. Last month when Josh visited the Center for Weight Management, 160 pounds lighter and a year and a half out, he met with Dr. Smith.

Awestruck and caught off-guard by his reaction, Josh was left rather emotional. “That man changed my life,” he said.

“No,” Bariatric Coordinator Leah Walters gently corrected him. “You changed your life. Dr. Smith gave you the tool to help you lose the weight and make the changes needed to become successful.”

“Success is being alive. If I hadn’t had my bypass surgery, my stroke probably would have taken my life. I am lucky with the mobility I have compared to what could have been.”
– John (right) — 6 years since surgery

Six years to the very date of his weight-loss surgery, John equates success to being alive.

He lost 110 pounds the year after his surgery. Although quite dependent on medication for diabetes, John has been able to reach a level at which it can be successfully maintained.

Then in 2005, John had a stroke that left him somewhat “numb” on the left side of his body. He believes that if he had not lost the 110 pounds, the stroke probably would have taken his life. Further, he believes effects of the stroke were minimal.

“I’m lucky compared to what could have been,” he said.

For his six-year anniversary, John was heading out for his daily two-mile walk in the woods.His success story finds him still doing what he loves: hunting, fishing, and farming.