Before	After

I was tired of being heavy, tired of shopping for "big" clothes, tired of not being able to do things with my family. I was also going to be diabetic if I didn't do something about my weight.

WLS is a great way to lost weight and get healthy! The surgery was extremely easy for me, and I have had no problems at all. I feel great! I would definitely recommend Foundation Surgical Hospital, Dr. Broussard, and Dr. Walton.

What has been the biggest surprise to you since your surgery? The quick weight loss and no one recognizes me.

My biggest "wow" moment is getting to snow ski at Christmas, something I haven't done in 20 years! Also, getting into a size 14 was "wow!"

Since my surgery, I have a lot more energy. I can do so much more with my children. I love shopping for new clothes now and going places with my family. I love "fitting" in a chair on an airplane or in a concert hall!

My experience with Foundation Surgical Hospital, Dr. Broussard, and his staff has been awesome! They are so concerned about my health and any concerns I may have and do whatever it takes to keep me informed. It is the BEST! They have changed my life FOREVER!! I wish I would've done this years ago!

Before	After

I was 52 years old and in perfect health. I count not move and do the things I thought I should be able to do. I had reached a weight of 373 pounds, and it was time to do something about it.

What would you tell someone considering WLS? If you have reached a weight and have no other options, make the decision BEFORE your health is affected.

What has been the biggest surprise to you since your surgery? Overall lack of appetite and how quickly weight loss has come.

Wow Moments: How the first few weeks, the weight just came off - 15 pounds, 10 pounds, 12 pounds. It seemed as if it was just falling off. Also, how quickly my skins went back to its old shape.

I am more active personally and with family. I look forward to family events more so than in years.

How would you describe your experience with your surgeon and the clinic and hospital staff? It has been a real personable experience. Dr. Walton has been great. I feel as though I can or could ask any questions, and they were right there to help.

All it takes is an understanding of where you want to be and following the process laid out for you. The results will follow. It does take an attitude change, and as long as you are willing to make those adjustments, good things will follow.

Before	After

What made you decide to have WLS? For my health and not being able to succeed at weight loss with diet and exercise alone.

What would you tell someone who is considering WLS? Go for it. You will not regret it.

What has been the biggest surprise to you since your surgery? How people don't even recognize me anymore.

Wow Moments: I am a concert goer. The first time I went and fit comfortably in the seats.

I no longer take diabetic medication. I have way more energy. I love to do things outside now.

How has your health changed since surgery? No diabetes, more energy. Hopefully fatty liver is no longer fatty. Acid reflux less.

How would you describe your experience with your surgeon and the clinic and hospital staff? Wonderful. Dr. Broussard is the best. He has the best staff. Everyone is so friendly. I love them.

I would do WLS 100 times over.

Before	After

I spent 10 years of my life trying to lose weight. I tried all kinds of diet, programs, pills, etc. all to no avail. My weight consumed me! I was always told I was such a pretty girl, but I knew people were also aware I was heavy. I felt like I was a prisoner inside my body, not being able to fully live the life I knew I was intended to live.

I attended one of Dr. Walton's seminars in May 2006. At that time, the information was useful, but I still didn't feel ready to make such a drastic attempt to lose weight. I put surgical weight loss out of my mind and went home to order another weight loss program.

The following July, I went on vacation with my family. I was nearing my heaviest weight of all my life. I had a great time on the trip, but one again, I was so consumed by the weight that I felt frustrated and depressed inside. Of course, I turned to food to ease that pain, which caused even more weight gain!

One afternoon while on vacation, I had a defining moment where I knew I could not continue to live that way. I was hiking up a small hill, and I felt so fat and out of breath! It was very embarrassing to me for my family to see me in this shape. At that moment, I decided surgery was the right choice for me.

I went home and made my appointments at WeightWise. I also did very thorough research through books, the internet, and conversations with people I knew who had had weight loss surgery. I felt so at peace with my decision!

Everything in the pre-op process just fell into place, and I had no doubts in my mind I was ready, and this was going to change my life forever!

What would you tell someone who is considering WLS? To really education themselves on the process both so they can make the right decision but also understand what to expect. They need to be mentally prepared and realize that surgery is not a quick fix like so many people in my position would think. Rather, I had to understand it was all those "quick fixes" that had gotten me in that shape. I remember asking myself, "Do I really want to spend the rest of my life not being able to eat like I do now?" I spent a lot of time introspecting the role food played in my life. You have to adept to the mentality of eating to live instead of living to eat!

The biggest surprise to me has been the way you could get quickly back into those old habits that caused me to be heavy. Especially as time continues and I'm able to eat more, I have had to really listen to my body and learn to stop eating at the first sign of fullness. I remember Dr. Walton and his team talking about this, but I had to learn for myself. Surgery is just a tool, and the change has to be in the choices I make. I have kept the weight off, but I see how people could gain the weight back over time.

I still get "wow" reactions, especially when I haven't seen people in a while. I just went back home to a baby shower for one of my close friends where I saw people who haven't even seen me since I had surgery. I was told I look like a "shadow of the person I used to be!"

The surgery has impacted my life in ways I cannot even explain. It has totally given me the life I was intended to live. I have been able to physically do things I was once limited to do. For example, I just went snow skiing for the first time in 10 years. I felt like I was gliding down the hill. For the first time in my life, I didn't feel held back by my weight. I have gained a new confidence that has helped me also in my professional life. I've gotten promoted and taken on challenges I never would have before weight loss. I turned 30 in March 2007, and I felt younger and more energized on that birthday than when I turned 20. It is so nice to not be obsessed with my weight. I don't weight every day like I used to. It's also nice to go shopping and be able to fit in things that are sold off the rack.

My health has improved! I never really had sever health problems prior to weight loss. My concern was the problems I would have had shortly had I continued to live obese. I do, however, have high energy. I seldom get headaches, and I just feel like I could run and fly forever!

The surgeon and the staff were amazing! I would not have had surgery anywhere else! Every member of the staff made my process personal. They all encouraged me each step of the way. It made me feel valued that they remembered my name, and I was not just another patient to them! They were my very own cheerleading team!

The follow-up I constantly had and the education throughout my entire process was tremendous! I truly feel that's key to my success! I followed every bit of advice because they are the professionals! I have know people who had weight loss surgery at other hospitals with no follow-up care. They had had additional health problems and/or have gained the weight back. If I had to do this all over again, I would in a heartbeat!

Before	After

I had always been obese. I was the biggest one in the class from first grade. I didn't like it, but I still had a good life, and I just thought that was the way it would be. I had tried dozens of diets on hundreds of Mondays. It wasn't until my husband insisted that I do something about my weight. Even though I was obese when we married, he always hated it. I felt resentment that he couldn't just love me the way I was. But I decided, "What do I have to lose?" The best scenario - it improves my life and marriage. The alternate scenario - it improves my life, it doesn't save my marriage, but at least I come out with a new body. I'm pleased that I came out with the best of everything. WLS has improved my life in every way. I got a new body, which my husband and I both love. We're enthusiastically working on our marriage. Plus, there have been dozens of other perks that I hadn't even considered.

What would you tell someone who is considering weight loss surgery? What are you waiting for? My second piece of advice is to make sure you have lots of support - both from your family, friends, and your program. I know that my success would not have been possible without the team - the team concept here at WeightWise, my friends, famiy and ME!

I have had dozens and dozens of surprises - almost all positive. I actually can only think of one negative side effect from losing weight, and that is that I'm cold a lot. But at least now I can buy lots of cute warm clothes, and it doesn't matter if they're bulky.

The coolest thing is riding go-carts with my son! I was always afraid that I wouldn't fit before. I can walk for five miles without a pain pill. I can go without those two to three liters of pop, which is a miracle in itself. The one thing I can't do is pass a mirror without looking! Sometimes I am not sure that it's actually me. But it is! It's mind boggling, but it is me!

I carry a tag of the last outfit I bought before surgery. That outfit was size 24/26. My new tags are size 8/10. I never want to forget where I once was and how food was my dictator and deceptive friend. I am so thankful for the opportunity and the new life that WeightWise has given me.

It would take less space to explain what hasn't changed in my life since my weight loss as opposed to what has changed. It has been an amazing chain of events, both mentally and physically. I don't "dream" of my next meal or drool over cookbooks. Weight loss, including the 18 month journey, has been fantastic! I have gone from a size 24/26 to a size 8/10. I've lost 62 inches, which is the exact height of my 19 year old. My BMI had gone from a 38 to a 23. Instead of being two points shy of being morbidly obese, I'm just normal. Instead of having very high health risks, I'm just normal. My husband and I walk five miles five days a week. I have so much more energy. I liked to shop before surgery, but now I love to shop. I feel so happy! On the outside, people see a new body. On the inside, I see a new person. I feel deserving of love and happiness. I am no longer so willing to say "yes" to everyone. I feel that I have the right to take care of Gayla.

Years of obesity took a toll on my body. My joints have suffered the most. Although I can't go back and undo the years of damage, I know that when I do suffer from an episode of arthritis, it is far less panful than when I carried around 264 pounds.

I feel so blessed to have found the WeightWise program. The thing I have appreciated have been their honesty. No one candy-coated anything. I knew exactly what I was getting myself into from the first visit. Their compassion - I have been treated kindly by every staff member at WeightWise. Their team approach - depending on the stage in my journey, I have benefitted immensely from each person involved in my care.

There is no better place or better people to help you gain control of your eating. You will have al the support you need. You will need to be dedicated to doing the right thing. You will probably learn some things about yourself as you go through the journey. Not all will be good, but some will be amazing. I am thrilled to have found Dr. Broussard, Dr. Keller, and the WeightWise team!!!

Before	After

WLS can help you gain your life and health back - don't wait. This time next year, you could already be the person you know is stuck inside the obesity.

What has been the biggest surprise to you since your surgery? My ability to do things I haven't done for years due to poor health and immobility.

Wow Moments: The day I started wearing size 6 pants after being a size 22-24. My family "loses" me in the store because they are looking for someone larger!

I have more energy, desire to be active, and ability to do anything I want to do.

I no longer take medication for diabetes. I used to take four shots a day. I no longer take medication for high blood pressure. I no longer have gastric reflux. I no longer have sleep apnea. I feel good every day!

Dr. Walton and his staff (both hospital and office) are warm, knowledgeable, and motivating. They make me feel special and cared for every time I see them. They are accessible anytime I have a question.

This experience has truly helped me regain my life. It feel blessed to have found this program and Dr. Walton!

Before	After

When my first grandchild was born, I decided that I needed to do something about my health. I wanted to be around for a long time to watch him grow up, see him graduate high school and college, and then dance at his wedding. Now I had a reason to make improvements to my health. Despite all my efforts, I had still topped out at 262 pounds. I did my research, went to a seminar, and took that first step.

WLS is not a "quick and easy fix." It takes time, it takes effort, it takes exercise, and it takes a good eating plan. It is a motivational tool that allows a person time to develop successful behavioral modification. WLS is an investment info a longer, healthier future for you and the people you are close to. It is a lifelong commitment to a healthier you.

Wow Moment: Three years after my grandson was born, I was visiting him and his family in Virginia. While I was there, we all went to the beach. I found myself running and pretending that I was going to tackle Benjamin to keep him from going into the water. WOW, we had so much FUN, and I didn't have to stop and rest or catch my breath. On our way back to their home, I realized that I could not have done that just a year prior. I had to thank my son-in-law for standing back and letting me have the privilege of playing with Benjamin that day. I had proven to myself that I could be actively involved in my grandchild's life.

Within six weeks after WLS, I was noticing that I was really feeling good. I had energy that I forgot that I ever had. I was better able to endure the heat of the Oklahoma summers and even the humidity along the Virginia beaches. The aches and pains, especially the one in my back, was gradually saying "adios." I no longer take cholesterol medicine or sleep with a C-PAP machine. I am loving life and looking forward to retirement and traveling.

My experience, while in the hospital and at each office visit, has always been pleasant. I always feel like I am getting "special" treatment when, in reality, we are all getting "special" treatment.

Before	After

For me, I was anxious to lose weight but more excited about the other possible great side effects, like curing my esophageal issues as well as not having to take as much medication. Today I only take two medications. The cost savings in medicine alone has been worth it!

What would you tell someone who is considering WLS? When they say you have to have your head in the game, it is so very true. Your entire life is going to change dramatically. I heard that prior to surgery, but you don't "get" that until afterward. A good support system is a must, probably the most important factor to get you through this journey.

It is overwhelming yet exciting to shrink into a different size each month, for the first six months especially. When I first started losing weight, I thought, "Wow, if only to be able to shop in the regular women's section, how wonderful that will be." Now that I'm a size eight, I still can't believe that I could get even smaller. I never imagined spending so much money on clothes, and it was a factor I only slight considered. So save for wardrobes, especially if you work in a professional environment!

I haven't changed on the inside, yet everyone treats me so differently. I welcome the courtesies that were far fewer when I was large, but it has been a real sociological journey to experience how people in general treat you when you are a "normal" size.

Probably the biggest "wow" is that my career has taken off much more since the surgery, all because of what I would attribute to people's perceptions of weight and worthiness.

In what ways has WLS impacted your life? My career has improved due to increased self-esteem. I have far more energy, and I actually want to exercise. I sleep less and feel more rested because my love of life has re-awakened. I love the fact that I can't finish an entire small plate of food, let alone what they serve in a restaurant. I love being able to shop for cute clothes again. I am able to participate in sports that I only dreamed about, like golfing, waterskiing, soccer, and biking. By far, the best thing that has happened to me since surgery is my love of activities now.

How has your health changed since surgery? I'm far more active, and my cholesterol is near perfect now. I went from eight medications a day to only requiring two.

How would you describe your experience with your surgeon and the staff? Very supportive, friendly, and professional. If I had to do it all again, I would do it in a heartbeat because my entire life has changed for the better.

Before	After

I felt it had gotten to the point that I was an embarrassment to my kids, and I wanted to protect my future health.

What would you tell someone who is considering WLS? I would tell them about the changes and positive effects it has made in my life. I have no problems recommending this surgery to anyone considering it.

What has been the biggest surprise to you since your surgery? Achieving all my expectations and seeing the unexpected reactions of my friends and family.

Wow Moments: Getting into my first pair of designer jeans...size 12...now they are too big! Actually buying clothes off any rack, not just the plus sizes. Being able to cross my legs! When my youngest daughter Kylie said, "Mommy, I can put my arms all the way around you!"

My weight loss has given me self motivation, positive energy, and a new zest toward my family and life.

How has your health changed since surgery? No more sleep apnea! All my joint and back pain are gone. I have more energy and just all over better health.

My first visit, Dr. Walton and his team made me feel like family, not a number. Each visit, I became more confident in their caring for my health as well as me personally. The hospital staff was just an extension of the same loving, caring treatment I received from Dr. Walton and the clinic staff.

I would like to thank Dr. Walton, Chris Corcorran, and all the staff for having faith in me and sharing with me how to have the strength to tackle and overcome the biggest hurdle in my life. Dreams really do come true!!

Before	After

What would you tell someone who is considering WLS? Make sure you understand it IS a lifetime change.

What has been the biggest surprise to you since surgery? How much weight I lost in a short period of time.

Wow Moments: No medications for diabetes and no medication for high cholesterol.

How would you describe your experience with your surgeon and the staff? Excellent. They did a good job in preparing me for what to expect. The surgery went as expected. The hospital staff exceeded my expectations.