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| Connie
Schwindt |
September
30, 2002
Connie of Covington, KY had open RNY surgery on Feb. 5, 2002 and
has lost 165 pounds. Connie says, "I have 11 pounds of
excess skin that needs to be removed. I have 70 pounds more to
lose before they will do my skin removal. I feel great! It's the
best thing that I ever did. I can go to Kmart or Wal-Mart to buy
things to wear which is great." Send greetings to Connie at kyph143@aol.com
|
| Madonna
Hulett |
September
30, 2002
Madonna of Springfield, IL had open RNY surgery on Sept. 21, 2001
and has lost 119 pounds. Madonna says, "I feel like I
have been reborn. I have never been so happy. People I have known
for years don't know me when they see me. My two kids and husband
are as excited about the new me as I am. I still have 21 more
pounds to lose. I am so much more healthy than I ever have been.
When I talked to Dr. Schlesinger he didn't give me any false hopes
about how much weight I would lose. He told me I could lose about
70 or 80 pounds. I have already exceeded that and hope to go all
the way. I want to lose another 21 pounds.. This is the best
thing I have ever done for myself and my health. I have added
years to my life and life to my years. I know if I can do it
anyone can. I tried so many things and I couldn't make anything
work. September 21, 2001 was the beginning of many new things for
me. Thank you so much Dr. Schlesinger." Send congratulations
to Madonna at hulett1965@famvid.com
|
| Donna |
September
30, 2002
Donna of Corpus Christi, TX had open RNY surgery on June 7, 2001
and has lost 106 pounds. Donna says, "I'm so happy and
healthy now. There are no words to describe this feeling.
This surgery is a life saver, in more ways than can be
counted." Rejoice with Donna at astrallux@yahoo.com
|
| Jodi
Gelfenbaum |
September
30, 2002
Jodi of Coral Springs, FL had lap RNY surgery on June 11, 2001 and
has lost 125 pounds. Jodi says, "It is unbelievable. I
have more energy than I ever had before. I went from a size 24/26
to a size 10. It's the little things that get me; crossing my
legs, being comfortable on an airplane; being able to throw on
jeans and a shirt and being comfortable. I am now learning to golf
so I can go with my husband and I play basketball with my son. I
just feel so much better about myself!!" Congratulate Jodi at
Margaux59@aol.com
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| Tina
Taylor |
September
30, 2002
Tina of Chicago, IL had open RNY surgery on Aug. 3, 2001 and has
lost 152 pounds. Tina says, "When you are at the
perfect weight, you don't think about getting fat so you abuse
food. When you are fat, you have an excuse to abuse food now, so
you get bigger. Then we have children and blame the weight on
being pregnant. Now we are in such a deep self destruction that we
don't care anymore, until that day when you say no more. I am down
from almost 500 pounds to 335 and still have a lot of weight to
lose, but the battle isn't over and won't be until and after I
lose all the weight. I realize now that it's a mental thing, all
the time. Until you do something, it can't be done. I can walk a
whole block and some now. I can eat in moderation now. I can have
a conversation about food and not be hungry for the food anymore
because now I feel good about the way my life is headed. I finally
found direction. That's what the difference in my life this
surgery has done." Send greetings to Tina at ttaylor@rcnchicago.com
|
| Bill
Scalzo |
September
29, 2002
Bill of Euless, TX had open RNY surgery on Jan. 18, 2002 and has
lost 160 pounds. Bill says, "This surgery has given me
back my life. I now have a reason to live other than food. I
thank our good Lord and Savior every day of my life for this
second chance. Dr. Kuhn gave me the tool, My Pouch, I must
make it work." Send congratulations to Bill at Dfwbs6@aol.com
and visit his website at
http://www.geocities.com/dfwbs6/BillsPage.html
|
| Darla
Stoddard |
September
29, 2002
Darla of Aransas Pass, TX had lap RNY surgery on Dec. 3, 2001 and
has lost 100 pounds. Darla says, "I am 9 months post op and I
am goal. I no longer battle with diabetes, high blood pressure, or
the aches and pains related to the extra weight I am carrying
around. I have gone from a size 22/24 to a 6/8. No one even
recognizes me and people actually LOOK at me and for once I do NOT
mind! Life is so wonderful on the other side. I thank the Lord daily
for this blessing and for the blessing of finding such a
compassionate caring doctor as Dr. Free."
and send her
congratulations at dstoddard1@the-i.net
|
| Cindy
Vanpatten |
Cindy
of Mulliken, MI had open RNY surgery on Dec. 6, 2001 and has lost
119 pounds. Cindy says, "My cholesterol level is below
normal, my blood pressure is great, and my body feels great, not
to mention that my inner self has never felt better about my
self." Cheer Cindy on at cindy_vanpatten@admworld.com
|
| Stacey
Hunter |
Stacey
of Albuquerque, NM had open RNY surgery on Jan. 10, 2002 and has
lost 135 pounds. Stacey says, "Surgery made a huge
difference. I just want to help others in their journey." Say
hello to Stacey at shunter5@comcast.net
|
| Carol
Mikels |
September
29, 2002
Carol of Loudon, NH had open RNY surgery on Sept. 6, 2000 and has
lost 150 pounds. Carol says "The surgery has enabled me to be
more mobile." Send congratulations to Carol at Snowppl1@aol.com
|
| Kathy
Brock |
September
29, 2002
Kathy of Laurens, SC had open RNY surgery performed on May 7, 2002
and has lost 114 pounds. Kathy says, "I no longer take
my diabetic medicines, my blood pressure medicine, and I no longer
use any of my asthma medicines." Say hello to Kathy at legowidow@charter.net
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| Jeanie
Folk |
September
29, 2002
Jeanie of Ehrhardt, SC had open RNY surgery and has lost 102
pounds. Jeanie says, " I was unable to go shopping
without sitting down at every bench in the mall. I feel a
lot better!! I look so different, or that is what I have
been told. I get so many compliments that I just don't know
what to think. I am fitting in some nice clothes for a
change!! I just thank the Lord for keeping me
healthy!!" Rejoice with Jeanie at stcold24fan@hotmail.com
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| Pat |
September
29, 2002
Pat of Stafford, VA had open RNY surgery on Aug. 8, 2001 and has
lost 131 pounds. Pat says, " It has made the biggest
difference in my life. I am able to do things that I never
remember ever being able to do, such as go up & down stairs
without panting, riding roller coasters with my daughter, feeling
good about myself, and many many more things that would take too
much time to list. Next to having my beautiful daughter this
is the greatest thing that has ever happened to me."
Congratulate Pat at ladysoaps@aol.com
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| Dayna
Nicholas |
September
29, 2002
Dayna of Bossier City, LA had open RNY surgery on Nov. 13, 2001
and has lost 100 pounds. Dayna says, " I actually like
myself again and no longer avoid mirrors! My self-confidence
is coming back and I have energy that I don't remember having when
I was a teenager. My husband says he has a new wife and our
children love the fact that I can play sports and other games with
them now. We are planning a family vacation to Disney World in
November - a life-long dream of mine. I can finally go
because I will be able to fit into the rides! I have 60 pounds
left to lose, but have no doubt I will reach my goal. I have
fought this battle since I was 8 years old and finally am going to
win the battle and the war!!! Your website has been a tremendous
source of information and motivation to me. I share it with
everyone that shows an interest in this procedure."
Congratulate Dayna on her success at qadayna@aol.com
|
| Cheryl
Nahas |
September
29, 2002
Carol of Stoneham, MA had open RNY surgery on Jan 18, 2002 and has
lost 122 pounds, Carol says, "I feel like a brand new
person with a new lease on life and at least 15 years younger. I
have more energy than ever before, I even run circles around my
dog and she is a hyperactive English Setter! I am off all of my
medications. I no longer have sleep apnea, high blood pressure,
back pain, knee joint pain, shortness of breath, high cholesterol,
nor diabetes. I can touch my toes and tie my shoes. I can buy
clothes I love that are a bit snug now and know I will fit into
them soon. It was so much fun going through my closets and finding
clothes to fit in again that still had tags on them! I enjoy
flirting a lot more now because I have my self confidence back. I
landed this super job on the first try after my surgery thanks to
my increased self esteem. I can fit into booths at the restaurants
and not wait for chairs and tables. I can now fit comfortably in
movie seats. I no longer need a seatbelt extension in the car and
I plan to try my first airplane ride soon knowing I can fit more
comfortably. I can keep up with my friends and family and walk for
miles without getting tired and feel like a real tourist when I go
on vacation. I am the first one out the door when it comes to
being active. I can't stand being a couch potato now for too long
and most importantly I find that I am no longer obsessed with the
thought of food and feel satisfied much more quickly. I still love
to cook but eat in moderation. I don't miss the sweets anymore. I
am so much happier-more bubbly and now I feel this is the time to
catch up with living. My goal now is to meet a caring and loving
life partner that I can actively do things with all the time. I
have 78 more pounds to go to get to my goal weight and I am
confident that slowly but surely I will get there and life will
keep getting better and better." Congratulate Carol at Cheryltxst@aol.com
|
| Tammy |
September
28, 2002
Tammy of PA had lap RNY surgery performed by Dr. Fernando Bonanni
on April 24, 2002 and has lost 100 pounds. Tammy says,
"I feel so much better, physically and emotionally! I
got to the point where I was so heavy, I didn't want to leave the
house anymore. I didn't want to see people I knew, because
they would see how much weight I gained. I didn't want to
see people I didn't know, because they looked at me like a circus
freak show. At the time my husband didn't understand this, and he
started becoming frustrated. He loves me no matter what, so
he couldn't see other people's closed minds. To him I was just
supposed to "ignore" it. Thank God for WLS support
groups, where he got to hear the anguish of being heavy in today's
society from a lot more people than just me. I'm not so tired
anymore. I don't take 2 to 3 hour afternoon naps anymore.
I just feel wonderful!! And when out in public, I hold my
head up high! I have about another 70-80 pounds to lose.
I am 3 months and 3 week post op, and thank God everyday for this
surgery. I wish there was a "higher" club to join
since I have pretty much to lose yet! lol. But honestly, all
in all, I would recommend this surgery to anyone!!"
Congratulate Tammy at twac2002@aol.com
|
| Tina
Taylor |
September
28, 2002
Tina of Chicago, IL had open RNY surgery on Aug. 3, 2001 and has
lost 131 pounds. Tina says, " I now pay more attention
to what I eat, when I eat, and what exercise I do. I didn't do
that before. My self esteem is at its highest and I still have
about 220 more pounds to lose, and will do it as long as I keep
the balance that I have now. I feel great!!! I can walk
again." Send Tina encouragement at ttaylor@rcnchicago.com
|
| Sarah
Turnham |
September
28, 2002
Sarah of Sand Springs, OK had open RNY surgery on Dec. 14, 2001
and has lost 120 pounds. Sarah says, "There are no
words to express how I feel today. I am about 40 pounds away
from goal. And I am 8 months out. Life is grand, I am down
from a size 32 to a size 16. I am in bad need of a tummy
tuck and thigh lift, but other than that I am 100% pleased with
the NEW me. I am only 24 years old so I didn't have any
other health problems except the 150 extra pounds I was carrying
around with me. Having this surgery has been a blessing from
God." Say hello to Sarah at zakkhunter@aol.com
|
| Marilyn
Yaeger |
September
28, 2002
Marilyn of New Bern, NC had open RNY surgery on Nov. 26, 2001 and
has lost 143 pounds. Marilyn says, "I have more energy,
I can do more, I'm happier, I feel better about myself, my kids
are proud of me, and are happy I can do more things with
them." Say hello to Marilyn at mtg@coastalnet.com
and visit her website at http://www.geocities.com/
marilynsweightlossjournal/HOME.html
|
| Gloria
Nichol |
September
14, 2002
Gloria of Colfax, Iowa had open RNY surgery on May 8, 2001 and has
lost 127 pounds. Gloria says, "There probably isn't enough
room here to write about how my life is different. I finally
feel like I am human again and not living inside someone else's
body wishing to be outside of it. I can play with my
grandchildren. I have taken up golf with my husband which is
really neat, because we have been married 32 years. I know that he
is proud of me, even though he has never said anything about me
being heavy other then the fact of my health. He is probably the
biggest advertiser for this surgery. When people ask how I lost
the weight, before I can say anything, he has jumped right in
there and begins telling them all about it. It has changed me
health wise. I feel so much better and I am able to out-do
my children and husband. I am on the go all the time and my
husband has to tell me to sit down. Imagine that! I would truly do
this all over again if I had to. This surgery has been the very
best thing that could have happened to me." Congratulate
Gloria at nicholhill@msn.com
|
| Maria
Crumpacker
Before / After
|
September
14, 2002
Maria of Ft. Wayne, IN had open RNY surgery on July 2, 2001 and
has lost 168 pounds so far. Maria says, "The biggest
difference in my life has been everything I can do that before was
simply not an option, such as riding a bike, going on a roller
coaster, exercising, and simply enjoying life. I am unstoppable
(or so I feel). I am doing things that I thought I would never do
again. I sometimes wish I had done this sooner so I hadn't missed
out on so much. I would do it again in a heartbeat!" Send
your best to Maria at Mcrumpacker_2000@yahoo.com |
| Lynne
B. Keith |
September
14, 2002
Lynne of Hemet had open RNY distal surgery on Dec. 6, 2001 and has
lost 125 pounds. Lynne says, "Is my life different now?
You bet! Eight months ago I was a shut-in. Now I look
younger and feel better every day. I still have 40 pounds to go to
goal." Say hello to Lynne at lynnewithane@hotmail.com
|
| Mickey
Van Dyke |
September
14, 2002
Mickey of Sumter, SC had open RNY surgery on January 21, 2002 and
has lost 105 pounds. Mickey says, "Everything is
different! I can walk, I can breath! I can work in my garden all
day, I can swim laps! My cholesterol went from 240 to 160!! I love
clothes! I use to hate to go shopping. Now it's an exciting
experience! I was 260 before surgery. I have gone from a size 26
to a 12/14. Just 20 more to lose but it has been a life saving
experience for me! Praise God for WLS!!!!" Rejoice with
Mickey at avandyke@sc.rr.com
|
| Debi
Cotten |
September
14, 2002
Debi of Maryland, NY had lap RNY surgery on Aug. 30, 2001 and has
lost 103 pounds. Debi says, "I can do things again that
I only dreamed of a year ago! Life is wonderful !" Send
Debi your regards at Debi27@webtv.net
|
| Nancy
Lewandowski |
September
11, 2002
Nancy of Laurel Springs, NJ had open RNY surgery on Feb. 6, 2002
and has lost 125 pounds. Nancy says, " Prior to surgery
I was wheel chair bound. I could not walk through a
department store or the grocery store. I can NOW walk. I
went to the swimming pool two weeks ago. I've lived in my
apartment complex for three years and have NEVER been across the
street to go to the pool. I am no longer existing in life, I
am part of life...living once again!!!!!!!!!!!" Send
congratulations to Nancy at NanciLew@aol.com.
|
| Alice |
September
11, 2002
Alice of Everett, WA had open RNY surgery on March 28, 2002 and
has lost 117 pounds. Alice says, " I am no longer
constantly fatigued. I feel like participating rather than
avoiding activities. My knee pain is much improved. I am off
diabetes medications and will be leaving the blood pressure
medications behind soon, too. I am able to throw away those old
clothes knowing that I'll never regain the weight!" Celebrate
with Alice at AChamb1005@aol.com
|
| Beth
Jamison |
September
11, 2002
Beth of Pittsburgh, PA had open RNY surgery on July 16, 2001 and
has lost 104 pounds. Beth says, "I feel more
comfortable participating in activities with my children and
family. I find I have a positive attitude about myself.
I feel great! I also love all the compliments I get on a
daily basis." Send best wishes to Beth at jamisonbr@msx.upmc.edu
|
| Margaret
Cooper |
August
26, 2002
Margaret of Brandon, MS had lap RNY surgery on July 16, 2001 and
has lost 110 pounds. Margaret says, "Starting out at
293 pounds, I now weigh 183 and have so much energy now.
EVERYONE says I'm not the same person I was a year ago. I've
gone from a 28-30 to a 14WP. I just can't believe my success
with this tool and I am still losing. Hopefully in January,
03 I'll have my plastic surgery. Or as my husband calls it,
my "Front end alignment." God bless each of
you!" Send your best to Margaret at lacajungrl@aol.com
|
| Kathy
Harville |
August
26. 2002
Kathy of Clarkson, KY had open RNY surgery on Sept. 5, 2001 and
has lost 102 pounds. Kathy says, " I'm 5'7 1/2",
and 44 years young :-) One year ago I weighed 280 pounds. I had
gastric by pass surgery about 10 months ago. I feel like a new
person now that I have lost 102 pounds. I'm seeing my plastic
surgeon tomorrow for my tummy tuck, due to excess skin which makes
my hips hurt. My husband calls me Boni Maroni. I had been big most
of my life. I now can tie my shoes with no problems, fit in chairs
in the doctor's office or in classes at school. The thing that
bothers me a little is when people say, "You are so pretty
now." My question is, what did they think about me before?
I'm still me, lighter yes, but still the same person. Do they like
me better now because I'm thinner? I just try to be thankful for
this tool, this gift, this answer to a prayer, and to all the
support and new friends that I have made during my weight loss
journey. Thank you God!!! Thank you Dr. Bolar, and thank you all
for your never ending support. (((HUGS))) ." Say hello to
Kathy at kats@usdigitalonline.net
|
| Paul
Lentz |
August
1, 2002
Paul of Jersey City, NJ had open RNY surgery performed on Dec. 3,
2001 and has lost 119 pounds. Paul says, "I really feel 100
percent better. I have more energy then I ever did. Having this
surgery was the best thing I ever did." Send best wishes to
Paul at sarge410@aol.com |
| Renee
Pratta |
August
1, 2002
Renee of Waldorf, MD has open RNY surgery on Dec. 4, 2001 and has
lost 110 pounds. Renee says, "Last July I barely left my
house. I was ashamed of the person I had become and was too
exhausted to do anything. This July I love doing things! I
have a sales job and instead of avoiding appointments and trying
to do everything via fax or e-mail, I welcome the opportunity to
meet. I go to the gym five days a week and work with a personal
trainer two of those days. My husband and children (all six of
them) are happier because I'm happier. I have had a smile on my
face since December 4th because for the first time in my life, I
feel this will be permanent not just a temporary fix of pills or
some new fad. We went to Florida at the beginning of June
and they had a hard time keeping up with me!!!! My husband
and I have a trip planned to Italy in October. I'm thinking of a
new wardrobe instead of feeling flustered that I can't lose weight
fast enough to be happy on my trip! There are still challenges to
face. I really wish they could have operated on my head as
well as my stomach. There are days I see the old
"bad" habits creeping into my life. I love to
"graze" and really have to make an effort to curb that
urge. I also have no ill effects from any food choices
(darn). I was really hoping never to be able to tolerate
junk food and fatty foods again! I am thrilled at watching
Barbara's progress with plastic surgery. It is where I hope to be
same time next year (I still have about 50 pounds to lose.).
Anyway I am 49 (almost 50) years old, am 5' 4", have gone
from 315 pounds to 205 pounds and now wear a size 16 from a 28/30.
I can't wait to see where I end up. I can't say I would be happy
if I stayed where I am as far as weight, but I sure am happier now
than I have been in a very long time." Send best wishes
to Renee at prattarm@washpost.com |
| Nancy
Meriwether |
August
1, 2002
Nancy of Swartz Creek, MI had open RNY surgery on Oct. 15, 2001
and has lost 120 pounds. Nancy says, "I am a 60 year
young Grandma of almost 11, and the grandchildren always wanted to
sit on me. Now I have a lap. I weighed 278 last Oct, and hurt all
over. I had a fulltime job, and was on my feet much of the time. I
can never explain what this surgery has meant to me, unless you
have been overweight. It has given me back my life, just being
able to fit in a booth at the restaurant, crossing my legs,
getting up off the couch, etc. I am recovering from a hernia-tummy
tuck that I had June 20th, and it is the second best thing I
have ever done for myself. It makes all the difference in my
clothes, and just in my whole body image. I would love to talk to
anyone thinking of the surgery, or someone who has had it all
ready. There are ups, and downs emotionally, but the ups are worth
everything. God Bless all of you" Say hello to Nancy at Susiecakes@webtv.net |
| Michele
White |
August
1, 2002
Michele of Littlerock, CA had open RNY surgery on Dec. 31, 2001
and has lost 128 pounds. Michele says, "WOW!
Where do I start?...I can tie my shoes, walk, shave my legs and
wear hosiery. I can wash myself and dress myself. I can fit
in chairs and go into a room without scanning it to see if I'll
fit. I can go to ANY walk-in movie - not just the ones with
disabled seating. I can talk to a group without them seeing my
weight rather than hearing my words." Congratulate Michele on
her accomplishments at nd2know@peoplepc.com |
| Dan
Freeman |
August
1, 2002
Dan of Graettinger, IA had open RNY surgery on April 22, 2002 and
has lost 115 pounds. Dan says the surgery has "made a world
of difference. I can now walk and shop with my wife and daughter.
I now enjoy living. I would do it again in a heart beat."
Say hello to Dan at proclocks@hotmail.com |
| Susan
Jacobs |
July
16, 2002
Susan of Fort Worth, TX had open RNY surgery on Oct. 26, 2001 and
has lost 115 pounds. Susan says, "I feel GREAT!! I have
a lot of energy, the diabetes, high blood pressure, the drippy
bladder, fatigue...ALL GONE!!! I feel wonderful. I do more things
with my family...things I would have NEVER done weighting 270
pounds. Surgery was the BEST option I could have ever done for
myself!!" Celebrate with Susan at sjacobs@flash.net |
| Carole
Lakomec |
July
7, 2002
Update
Carole has lost 203 pounds. Carole says, " I finally reached
198 lbs. I can't believe last year I weighed 401 lbs. I feel so
much better and much healthier." |
| Gayle
Marcus |
July
7, 2002
Gayle of Merrick, NY had lap RNY surgery on Dec. 28, 2001 and has
lost 102 pounds. Gayle says, "I am a new person and doing all
new things. I do not regret my decision in the least. It was
the smartest thing I ever did besides marry my husband."
Email Gayle at gaylem@bapoly.com |
| Bernie
Crowley |
July
7, 2002
Bernie of Pittsburgh had Lap RNY surgery on Dec. 18, 2001
performed by my surgeon, Dr. Philip Schauer, and has lost 102
pounds. Bernie says, "I am very sure it is impossible for
anyone except someone that has gone through this entire process to
understand what a difference it makes in your life. This last
weekend I went to 6 Flags. I haven't been to an amusement
park in years. Not only would I not have been able to walk
the park, I would not have fit in a car. As I stood in line
to enter the park, I thought about all of this and more. As
I walked into the park, and approached the first ride, I kept
saying to myself 'I am doing this!!!' My husband was with
me. He has been very supportive through all, but he can never
understand my feelings or my thoughts as I progress and re-enter
mainstream 'LIFE'. How could he understand my excitement as
I climb the 2 stairs into a bus like a 'normal' person. It just
can't be put into words. My post-op was very problematic.
I even had to be readmitted to the hospital. At that time, I
really said 'If I had know this, I wouldn't have done this'.
Now, 6 months post-op, ask me again. Oh, yes, I would
definitely do this again!" Say hello to Bernie at bernie.crowley@city.pittsburgh.pa.us |
| Cristina
Willis |
July
7, 2002
Cristina of Wichita Falls, TX had open RNY surgery on July 19,
2001 and has lost 135 pounds. Cristina says, "The
surgery has made all the difference in the world for me. I
have been told more than once that I am like a different
person, even more out going, more fun to be around and have a very
different outlook on life." Congratulate Cristina at Tazzle321@aol.com |
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