Before	After

I had thought that WLS was meant for people who are "really big." I did not think that was me. I had a picture of myself from Christmas, and I could hardly stand to look at it. I then began having knee and foot pain. I finally realized I had to do something if I wanted to keep up with my kids and live a full life. I had tired lots of different "diets" without success. I began to research weight loss surgery and my gynecologist suggested that I consider it.

Contrary to popular belief, WLS is not the easy way out. You still have to watch what you eat and exercise. It is a tool. You also need to do it for yourself. Do what is best for you.

I have more energy than I could have imagined. I am, as a matter of fact, training to run my first 5K.

Wow Moments: One day, my husband asked me where my butt went. We had a good laugh. I went to my favorite store, and I had to buy a size small. I have never been "small." It was a great feeling. I constantly have people say, "You look familiar," and are shocked when I tell them where we've met before. They'll usually say something like, "Where's the rest of you?"

In what ways has surgery impacted your life? I can now outrun my kids. That was my biggest desire when I had my surgery. Professionally, I feel like I am taken more seriously. I am a physical therapist, and physical fitness is very important. I am enjoying activities I never thought I would, like running, bicycling, and gardening.

I am able to take less thyroid medication. My blood pressure is now normal. I have significantly improved menstrual irregularities. My joints do not hurt.

How would you describe your experience with your surgeon and the clinic and hospital staff? One word - excellent. I have always been treated with dignity and respect. Everyone is kind and caring. Dr. Broussard is great. The nursing staff at the hospital are some of the best I've seen. I like Dr. Broussard and the hospital so much I decided to have my gall bladder removed too! In all sincerity, I did not consider any other surgeon or facility for my gall bladder surgery because I had such a positive experience with my weight loss surgery.

Before	After

My health had deteriorated to the point I couldn't do anything. My family was concerned about me and told me, "Judy, you are going to die soon." This was my last chance of getting my life again. I had no life before surgery.

What would you tell someone who is considering WLS? Go for it!!!!!! Grab the opportunity, and hang on with both hands. The ride is incredible!

I feel like a million dollars! I don't hurt anywhere anymore. The stares, the rude comments, the discrimination, the huffing and puffing, and the sadness are all gone!

Wow Moments: My mind still says to immediately go to "the big" clothes. After I tried on [some clothes] that were way too large, the clerk said, "You need to shop on the junior side." Wow! My mind hasn't caught up with my body.

Everyone aspect of my life has been impacted by the surgery. I can do my job. I can take care of my family. I can have fun. I HAVE GOT THINGS TO DO, PLACES TO GO, AND PEOPLE TO SEE!! CAN'T WAIT!

I am on no medications except vitamins. I was on medication for diabetes, high blood pressure, and used a BI-Pap machine with oxygen. NO MORE!!

The surgeons and staff [at WeightWise] are family! They were and are lifesavers! They love what they do, and it shows! When I am in the building, they treat me as if I am their only patient!

All the sacrifices have been worth it! All the financial concerns about having the surgery..all the tears trying to make the right decision..I would do it all again to get where I am today in a heartbeat!!!!

Before	After

I wanted to be healthy for myself and my family. It is all I thought about, and I was so tired of being depressed about my weight. The most defining moment was when my four year-old asked me why my stomach was getting so big.

Make sure you do a lot of research for the surgery that you feel is best for you, and really be prepared to make life changes. Save lots of money to buy new clothes.

Wow Moments: The response I get from people when they see me is fabulous. I never thought I would hear somebody call me small or "skinny Minnie." I have to turn around and look behind me to make sure they are really talking to me. I can actually look in a full-length mirror again. I do not run from cameras anymore.

I am so much happier with myself. I think I am more outgoing, and I love to get out and do things again. I am a better mother and a better wife to my husband.

I do not snore anymore, and my sleep apnea is completely gone. Also, my blood work right before surgery came back that I was pre-diabetic. I am so fortunate that did not happen. I had gestational diabetes when I was pregnant and also have a family history of diabetes and cancer, so hopefully I have lessened my chances in both areas.

I think [the surgeon and staff] are the greatest. Dr. Walton really seems to care about his patients. Everybody I have had contact with has been really great. They make you feel like you are the only patient they have. I have referred them to other people I work with. My nurse after surgery was awesome. She was very sweet to me and made me feel very special. It was an awesome experience from the first person to the last.

I am so happy I had this surgery. I had tried to many diet plans, and nothing seemed to work. This is the best tool you could ever wish for in losing weight. I love my new body and my new life!!!!!

Before	After

What would you tell someone considering WLS? It was the most awesome thing I have done for myself and my family.

I went from a size 26 or 30 to a 14 dress size, and they are a little big on me.

Wow Moments: When I put on my old "fat" clothes and wrap them around me, and now I am going to be a grandma for the first time. A skinny and healthy grandma. "WOW!"

My husband and family are so proud of me. I love shopping for my new clothes. My self-esteem has improved so much. I don't wear a coat to hide my body.

I dearly love Dr. Broussard. The clinic was like going to a resort, and the hospital staff was nothing but super wonderful and very caring. I just can't say enough and wish I would have [had WLS] sooner. I feel like a new person.

Before	After

My weight was out of control. My health was in jeopardy, and I had fallen into a deep depression. When I met Dr. Walton and began to understand how WLS works, I felt the first glimmer of hope that maybe, just maybe, this could work for me. Did it ever!

Weight loss surgery is the most powerful tool you can give yourself to combat obesity. Give yourself the opportunity to learn more about the WeightWise program because Dr. Walton and his staff can change your life.

My biggest surprise since surgery: I can actually be satisfied eating less food! I no longer need to binge and gorge because, through the transforming process of WLS, I am now dedicated to living a healthy life.

Wow Moments: I have lost 143 pounds in eight months! I can exercise without hurting, I have more energy than I've had in years, and I have the confidence to engage in life.

My depression has lifted. My mind is sharp, and my body feels healthy and strong. I have more confidence and a tremendous sense of gratitude for Dr. Walton and WeightWise.

Every single person I had contact with at WeightWise and Foundation Surgical Hospital was wonderful, caring, and professional. Th staff is patient and committed to making sure you are comfortable and well informed. Dr. Walton is my hero - his compassionate work changed my life!

Before	After

What made you decide to have WLS? Blockage in my heart, high blood pressure. I just wanted to live!

What would you tell someone who is considering WLS? It is the best decision I made. I would do it again!

What has been the biggest surprise to you since WLS? How much weight I lost (285 pounds) and how people couldn't believe it was me.

Wow Moments: Losing 30 inches in my waist; losing nine and a half inches in my neck; just looking good and feeling good about myself again.

Best hospital, best surgeons, best plastic surgeons. Everyone is always happy, thoughtful, and caring.

Before	After

I had gotten so heavy that my joints in my knees, hips, feet, and back hurt all the time. I have already had one back surgery and did not want another one.

What would you tell someone who is considering WLS? I would tell them just like I did my daughter who had the sleeve surgery in August 2008 how pleased I was with the result and that I had no problems. I'm so glad I did it. It's been a true life changing event!

What has been the biggest surprise to you since surgery? That I'm a size 10 in jeans. I haven't worn a size 10 in many, many years. I feel so much better and have so much more energy.

Wow Moments: I showed my driver's license one day when I wrote a check, and the cashier looked at the picture then at me about four times and said, "This is not you!"

I have more energy. I can move better and get up and down a lot quicker. My joints don't hurt as much. I get a lot of compliments on the new me.

My blood pressure is normal. I had been on blood pressure medicine for five years. I have a lot more energy.

Dr. Broussard is WONDERFUL! He truly care about each patient's success. I recommend "Dr. B" to everyone who talks about wanting weight loss surgery. The clinic is very nice. The nurses and staff are wonderful.

I would do the operation again in a heartbeat! I had a great experience with my weight loss procedure. Dr. Broussard was very thorough with tests to get me ready for surgery. I appreciate the time and attention. I love Dr. Broussard and my experience at WeightWise.

Before	After

What made you decide to have WLS? Overall, I just did not "feel" good, and the pictures did not match the person I wanted to be!

What has been the biggest surprise to you since surgery? That it actually worked. I never let my mind imagine what it would be like to achieve goals. I have surpassed every goal. Life is good.

Wow Moments: I can wear watches and bracelets. I an cross my legs. But mostly, I feel comfortable in my own skin.

I enjoy life again, and in turn, my family enjoys me! We get to enjoy all that life has to offer. I'm not shut up in the house anymore avoiding life outside.

I don't hurt anymore. I can shop all day long in heels, and my back does not hurt.

Everyone at the hospital and clinic is kind and gracious. Most of the nurses can help because they too have had surgery and know exactly how you are feeling physically and mentally.

I can lead a life without boundaries. I am able to now be the person I have always wished to be. I found me again.

Before	After

What made you decide to have WLS? Overall health issues (knees, ankles, hips, and lower back). I didn't want my kids to be embarrassed by me.

What would you tell someone considering WLS? Don't wait. Find a way. Many of us miss out on so much because we are embarrassed or ashamed of our weight. There is a whole new world of opportunities available.

People treat me differently. Obesity is still the last acceptable form of discrimination.

My first goal was 50 pounds, second was 100, third was 200. When I achieved my third goal, I finally said, "Wow!"

My life has changed in so many ways. Being able to go into a store and buy clothes, to sit in an airplane and not worry about who is going to sit next to me, fitting into seats at the Ford Center. I could go on for days!

I used to take 15 pills in the morning and six in the evening. I now take two in the morning, and one is a multivitamin. Diabetes...GONE! Hypertension...GONE! Energy level...Through the roof!

How would you describe your experience with your surgeon and the clinic and hospital staff? "Best in the World!" I owe all of my success to Dr. Walton and the staff at Foundation Surgical Hospital!

The two biggest factors in successful weight loss are...
1. Head! Your head has to be right. You have to have goals in mind and be strong enough to resist everyday temptations.
2. Heart! your heart has to be right. If you are not going this for yourself, and your heart is not in it, don't wast your time or anyone at FSH's time. There are people who are excited and ready to start this journey!

Before	After

What made you decide to have WLS? My health.

What would you tell someone who is considering WLS? Take your time. Make sure you're ready physically and mentally. Have a good support system.

What has been the biggest surprise to you since your WLS? When I saw myself for the first time and the way society treats me.

Wow Moments: The first pair of jeans that I bought for 19 years; when people I've known my whole life walk right by me without recognizing me.

I'm healthier, more energetic, and just all around happier.

I was the first patient in the new hospital in Edmond. The staff pampered me, and Dr. Walton is amazing. I couldn't have asked for a better surgeon.