Amy Earhart – Lost 80 Pounds in 9 Months

Advice for Others Considering Surgery:
"DO IT!! It's tough the first few months because you have to re-learn how to eat, but the results are very worth it."

Biggest Surprise Since Surgery:
"How much I've changed – attitude and physically. People don't recognize me until I talk."

"Wow" Moments:

• "I had my driver's license picture taken two months before surgery, and when I give people my ID, they don't recognize me."
  
• "I wore the same two swimsuits for five years. I now have a drawer full of two-piece swimsuits."
  
• "Buying mediums and smalls instead of 2XLs."

"I am a much more confident person. I like to get out and play with my kids and play sports. It's so much easier now."

How would you describe your experience with your surgeon and the clinic and hospital staff?
"They are all awesome! Dr. Walton is amazing!! Very concerned and knowledgeable."

Belinda Kidd – Lost 146 Pounds in 17 Months

What made you decide to have surgery? "When I tipped the scale at 300 pounds."

Advice for Others Considering Surgery: "First of all, do it for yourself!" Get ready to have your life changed for the good."

"Wow" Moment: "The first time I was able to cross my legs, shop at all the cool stores, and putting on my skinny jeans (size four now) when before I was a size 24."

How Surgery Impacted My Life: "Its given me better self-esteem, boosted my confidence and many more years of life to enjoy with my kids."

"No more back pain or swollen ankles!"

"Dr. Walton is amazing! From day one, I felt very comfortable with him. He took the time to know and address any concerns I had. As for the staff, I have never ever been to a hospital that took such good care of me. I felt as if I was their only patient."

"I like the fact that even though it's been over a year since my surgery, the staff and surgeon still care and make you feel like a lifelong patient!"

Brandon Johnson – Lost 170 Pounds in Seven Months

"At the age of 26, I weighed over 400 pounds, had high blood pressure that required two pills daily, diabetes, chronic gout, and osteoporosis. I decided it was time to start living before my addiction to food killed me. After just four months post-op, all of my medical problems were gone. I no longer take any medications except vitamins to help keep my bones strong."

Advice for Others Considering Surgery: "You can do it! Be strong and believe in yourself. If you stick to your weight loss plan and listen to your nutritionist and doctor, you will get to watch the pounds melt away. After losing over 170 pounds, I feel better than I have in years. I wake up ready to start a new day and have the energy of an eight year old."

"I can't believe how fast the weight has come off. For years, I struggled with diet after diet with no success. Before surgery, my mind was convinced that I was always hungry. Now, my mind stays satisfied and waits for my stomach to say 'Let's eat.' Food no longer controls me. I now have the ability to control my food."

"Wow" Moments: "Last month was filled with several firsts when I went to visit friends in Leadville, Colorado. The vacation started with what used to be the dreaded airplane ride. For the first time ever, I did not require an extra seat nor a seatbelt extender. It was also my first (and last) time to ride a horse without it being too rough on the equipment. I was able to ride on a 4-wheeler as we tracked across the Rocky Mountains and even took time to sing my first solo at a block party. Needless to say, my confidence kept climbing with the altitude."

"Prior to surgery, my birthday was July 16, 1981. On March 10, 2008, Dr. Walton and his staff gave me a new birthday – a chance to live again. In a matter of months, I went from wearing a 6X shirt to an XL. As the pounds dropped, my knee, back, and neck pain went with them. The unneeded fat and calories that once blocked my smile are gone. My heart is filled with happiness and the comfort I have been searching for."

"My health and quality of life have significantly improved since my surgery. I am able to walk three miles a day without pain. I am now able to look forward to exercise instead of trying my best to put it off. I am saving over $200 a month because I no longer take any prescription medications. I have heard people say, 'He gets sick all the time since surgery,' or 'She can't eat anything without throwing up.' I have only thrown up once since my gastric sleeve surgery, and trust me, I got what I deserved."

"Dr. Walton and his staff put the 'care' in healthcare. Prior to surgery, I was nervous and questioning my decision. 'Should I do this? This is gonna hurt! I wonder if I can buy a new stomach on Ebay? What if I fail? Pass the fries.' Dr. Walton comforted me and took the time to make sure surgery was what I really wanted. Following surgery, Dr. Walton and his staff were in and out of my room checking to see that I had everything I needed. I could tell that Dr. Walton actually cared about me and my success."

"If you are looking to change your life for the better, you have come to the right place. In a matter of months, my life has gone from hopeless to hope-filled. I came to defeat the cancer called obesity. Like the deadliest of tumors, obesity spread throughout my body. My treatment was surgery, a new lifestyle is the cure."

"Prior to surgery, I always feared sitting in chairs. The question was always in my head. 'Will it hold me?' I no longer have that fear. Wicker? No problem! Cheap plastic? Bring it on!"

"No more expensive Big & Tall shops. Hello Old Navy. Going from 6X to XL is saving me a small fortune. I can now buy four shirts for what I was paying for one at Big & Tall. Terry the tent maker can take a vacation because this one man circus is downsizing."

"I had the surgery for my family. I love life and all it has to offer. With God's help, Dr. Walton gave me a chance to live my life in a body that works with me, not against me. I now look at each day as another chance to live, laugh, and love."

 

Jerry Copeland - Lost 128 Pounds in 10 Months

"My 330 pound body was starting to cause problems with my health. I had sleep apnea, high blood pressure, arthritic joints, and a hernia surgeon told me I needed to lose weight before surgery to have a chance at a good result."

Advice for Others Considering Surgery:
"I tell people to be proactive with their health. They should talk to people who have had surgery, read everything they can find, and go online to discuss the types of weight loss surgery. Most importantly, they should seek out the most professional weight loss center with a support staff who will support them in their quest for better health."

"After weight loss surgery, I have been able to increase my exercise routine to the point where I can run again. I didn't think I would ever be able to jog, much less run."

"Wow" Moment:
"I know it is wrong, but I like to meet with people who haven't seen me since I have lost weight and talk to them. I enjoy seeing the light go on in their eyes when they realize it's me."

"Air travel is great. Shopping for clothes is great. I fit in seats at sporting events. I enjoy fishing and hiking again. In general, all activities are easier and more enjoyable." "Surgery has allowed me to regain my health. I do not take prescriptions for blood pressure, I no longer have to use my C-PAP, and I feel generally better."

"I have had some experience in the past with hospital stays. Dr. Walton and the staff at the clinic and hospital are top notch. They always informed me of my choices and never pressured me. They supported me with positive and compassionate care. They were all so good, I chose them to do my hernia surgery after I lost weight."

"I talked to many people who had weight loss surgery before I decided to have mine. They were surprised to hear about the support groups operating within WeightWise Foundation Bariatiric Hospital. After being post surgery long and longer, I see how important the support groups are for successful weight loss programs."

Kyle Warr – Lost 150 Pounds in 16 Months

What made you decide to have surgery? "Heart condition, diabetes, back pain, knee pain – quality of life."

Advice for Others Considering Surgery: "Best decision you can make. However, don't do it unless you are willing to change your whole lifestyle. You must change the way you think about food and work the program. DO NOT cheat!"

Biggest Surprise Since Surgery: "Self-esteem boost and people not believing that I am who I say I am!"

"Wow" Moment: "People who have known me for years not recognizing me!"

How Surgery Impacted My Life: "Happier, much better self-esteem. Feel great! Look great!"

How has your health changed since surgery?

• "Much more energy."
• "No diabetes."
• "No heart trouble."
• "Back, knees, ankles don't hurt."
• "Don't snore or have apnea."

How would you describe your experience with your surgeon and the clinic and hospital staff? "Positive and top notch from start to finish!"

Pam Dvorak – Lost 150 Pounds (Two Years After Surgery)

"At 49, my health was going nowhere fast…The added weight of 326 pounds on my 5'9" frame was causing me difficulty in walking….My sleep apnea was terrible; I was snoring so loudly that my husband had to sleep in another room to get any rest…I felt terrible, especially after a day at work. All I wanted to do was come home and lay down on the couch to watch TV."

Advice for Others Considering Surgery:
"Ask lots of questions, talk to as many people who have had the surgery as possible and be sure and follow the guidelines of your doctor. But most of all, don't be afraid. Take it one step at a time, and change your life forever!"

"It is amazing that I have not experienced physical hunger. And even after two years, the 'surgery tool' still works. I do not get full and still feel satisfied."

"Wow" Moments:
"It is so amazing to look into the mirror and realize that I can now wear a size 10 when I used to barely fit into a size 26-28. Due to the drastic change in my appearance, many people have not recognized me."

"I no longer have to use the sleep apnea machine at night. I was able to stop taking cholesterol and blood pressure medications. For over 25 years, I had not been able to engage in any consistent exercise. I could barely walk, let alone run, and now I can jog short distances and actually look forward to exercising."

"Dr. Greg Walton is a great surgeon. He spends all the time you need in explanation of the process and procedure. The clinic and hospital are fabulous. The staff is kind and compassionate as well as very knowledgeable. I would highly recommend WeightWise to anyone considering surgery."

"Words cannot explain how much I appreciate the wonderful care I have received from WeightWise and Dr. Walton. The surgery and subsequent weight loss have helped me to have confidence to try all kinds of things and to face the future with lots of excitement and confidence."

Russell Howard – Lost 190 Pounds in 10 Months

"I was very unhealthy and decided that if I didn't change my ways that I wasn't going to be around for a long time."

Advice for Others Considering Surgery:
"It is very important to have the right attitude and listen to your doctors and dieticians and follow their plan."

"My energy level is tremendous. I am amazed about the things that I can do now that I couldn't before surgery."

"Wow" Moments:

"My kids being able to put their arms around their dad."
"Being able to touch my toes."
"Getting married in 31" waist Wranglers. (Fifty inch waist before surgery.)"
"People I've known all my life don't recognize me."
"I didn't have to lie about my weight on my new driver's license."

How Surgery Impacted My Life:
"My attitude toward life in general is at an all time high! I enjoy waking up in the morning without joint pain and am ready to take on the world."

Describe your Experience with your Surgeons and the Staff:
"Awesome! Everybody at the clinic and the hospital are the greatest. They treat you with the respect you deserve and are with you for every step of your journey."

Scott Collins – Lost 117 Pounds in Six Months

Advice for Others Considering Surgery:
"Do it!"

Biggest Surprise Since Surgery:
"Total weight loss."

"Wow" Moment:
"Going from a 46" to a 36" waist."

How Surgery Impacted My Life:
"No more meds."