What made you decide to have surgery? The fact that my health was getting worse and diet after diet I continued to fail. I was on 5 different pescriptions, and 221 pounds on a 5 ft 3 in frame was not healthy at all. Advice for Others Considering Surgery: "First of all, remember this is all about you and for you so do it for yourself!" Get ready to have your life changed for the good!" "Wow" Moment: I guess My Wow Moment would be recently when I went in the dressing room and tried on a new dress, looked in the mirror and actually loved what I seen! I remember saying Wow Mom I really Look Great! I am now putting on jeans (size 7/8 now) when before I was a size 18!" I never had confidence in myself before. What a Wonderful Change! How Surgery Impacted My Life: Oh My Goodness where do I begin. I never had self esteem before, now I do! I enjoy clothes shopping. I love hearing how proud all my friends and family are of me. I have so much more energy and am so much more active in my children and grandchildren's lives and alot easier to get along with. "No more high blood pressure, acid reflux, asthma is gone, migraines,back aches & pains. "Dr. Broussard is amazing! From day one, I have felt nothing but comfortable with him and his staff. He always takes the time to listen and help answer any questions or concerns I may have. The Weight Wise Bariatric Staff are all incredible! My stay at the hospital was awesome! They took such good care of me I almost didn't want to leave. If only I could have taken them home to take care of me. "I like the fact that even though it's been a little over 7 months since my surgery, the staff and surgeon are just a phone call away and make me feel like I am important and are so caring

Less than 3 months after surgery, down 50lbs!

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.

Down 70lbs in 4 months!

What made you decide to have WLS? There are few reasons I decided to have weight loss surgery. First I had gotten to the point I had no respect for myself, I hated the way I looked, hated the way I felt, hated shopping for clothes, and the way I looked in them. I hated always feeling sluggish and tired and having no energy. I hated being on so many prescriptions at my age. i hated the way people stared and talked about me. Some people can be down right rude. What would you tell someone who is considering WLS? Considering my experience with my weight loss surgery I would have to say do this for yourself and nobody else! Follow your Therapist, Nutritionist, Exercise and above all Surgeons Advise. If you follow their plan you will succeed! What has been the biggest surprise to you since your surgery? How fast the weight has come off of me and how my self confidence has improved for the better. I also have enjoyed having friends and family to support me and tell me how great I look and how proud the are of me! Wow Moments: Having one of my friends I hadn't seen in awhile see me in WalMart and not knowing who I was until I spoke. She couldn't believe her eyes was her very words. God that felt good! How has your health changed since surgery? Well let's see I was taking: 1. Blood Pressure Medicine 2. Acid Reflux Medicine 3. Anti Depressant 4. Anti Inflammatory 5 Asthma Medication 6. C-Pap Machine 7. Cholestrol Medication I am now taking only the Cholestrol so that is 6 other meds I no longer require and my health is Great now. I have alot of energy and I love shopping , trying on clothes, I no longer hide from the camera, instead I pose for pictures. I am able to play with my Grand Children and have them keep up with me now. How would you describe your experience with your surgeon and the clinic and hospital staff? Outstanding! Dr. Broussard and his staff have made me feel great about this experience since day one. If I had a question, needed advise, support or anything they was just a phone call away. During the surgery process I couldn't have aske for better treatment from Dr. Broussard or his staff. I actually didn't want to leave their hospital, it went by so quickly. It has been 9 months since my surgery and I still feel like a part of the weight wise clinic's family. Support Group on Thursday nights is an Awesome addition to the weight loss journey and really helps. I grew up as the chubby child and have struggled with my weight all my life. My biggest weight after my last child and a few years of trying to get the weight off was 221 and I am only 5ft 3 in. Like others I have tried so many different weight loss programs, pills, drink mixes, ect.... With no success! I heard about Dr. Broussard from a friend who had the WLS. So I attended one of Dr. Brossard's seminars in December 2008. At that time, the information was useful, but I still didn't know which surgery my insurance would cover I was set on the sleeve and I was going to fight for it. Then I discussed the different surgical weight loss procedures with Dr. Broussard and together along with my husband we chose the Realize Band. I am so happy with my band. I have had no complications whatsoever and nothing but success! I am so thankful I chose Dr. Broussard and his staff for my WLS!

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!!!!

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!!!!!

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.

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!

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.