Gastric Bypass Surgery Pictures

Performed By

Gastric Bypass Surgery
60 year old, Female

My name is Liz and I am a sixty-one year old woman who is excited about my life and all that is to come in the future. This has not always been the case, as the last sixteen months have brought about many changes. I believe we are all on a journey and our lives reflect the sum of all our many experiences. I first heard about Dr. Quebbemann and his practice two years ago from my grown daughter, who against my advice, had elected to undergo gastric bypass surgery in July of 2006. I was a mother that without any first hand information, was fearful, and had reservations about what I considered a life threatening elective surgery. She asked if I would attend an information seminar to help ease my fears. I agreed, and although I felt better about the information given, was still hesitant about the surgery. I also felt strongly that although I would support her and her decision, I would never elect to have the surgery myself. As time passed and changes were occurring within my daughter, I realized that the changes were not only physical transformations, but emotional, behavioral, and personality changes as well. Suddenly I had my daughter back; the daughter that had once been self-assured, confident, outgoing, and happy. On April 17th, 2007, I made the choice to reclaim my life. After contacting the New Program and talking with Paula, I met with Dr. Braverman and Dr. Quebbemann who immediately put me at ease. With the skill, support, and guidance from the entire staff, including the ongoing support of Dr. Siegfried, I was given the tools to succeed on this journey. I am still the same person with the same values, hopes, dreams, and desires, the difference is that now I have the enthusiasm, energy and confidence to use and enjoy these things. I am not afraid to stand up and be seen; to embrace life and run with it. I do not stand at the back of a group or avoid doing things, and I will never settle for less than I deserve again. I have lost one-hundred pounds and counting, but most importantly, I am healthy now. I am often reminded of the things I once had to worry over. I never wanted to fly because I was worried that the person sitting next to me would be repulsed by my size, and I would feel uncomfortable. I shunned social events because I did not want to shop for clothes that I knew would not make me feel good about myself. I worried that my grandchildren would feel embarrassed about having an obese grandma. I avoided seeing old friends because I knew they would be surprised at my size and felt they would tell others. Life now exists completely different. I am excited about clothes and love getting dressed up. After years of the same hairstyle, I received a new haircut. I am no longer tired and sluggish throughout the day. I do more, participate more, try new things and meet new people! I live life ?MORE! I am a new person, and yet, still the same person I always was meant to be. I am the improved model, the healthy and happy model. I am not sure it is the actual amount of the weight loss, or maybe, what finally losing the weight says about me. I now know I have the strength and determination to follow through; to recognize what is truly important. I understand that I am no good to anyone if I am not good to myself first. Having good health is so important; it is a gift to all those around you who love you. I am a cancer survivor, and I have survived what obesity tried to steal away. Both of these aliments took work and a positive attitude, and definite medical intervention. I am so proud for taking control and for making the tough choices that saved my life. I am forever indebted to the amazing doctors and staff at the New Program for reminding me that I am worth it! My journey begins now, sixty is my new birth-day! - Liz C.