BEFORE & AFTER GALLERY

Debra

Procedure: Gastric Sleeve

Total Weight Lost: 90 pounds so far

My Story: Notice my before and after photos.
*The first was taken in August 2013, at my heaviest (270-lbs, Size 24).
*The second was taken October 29, 2014, a mere 11 months after my gastric sleeve (181-lbs, Size 14/16).

I had an official weigh in on November 5, 2014 and I am down to 178-lbs. I am also a size 14 – no longer on the fence of 14/16!

Although I had been active and slender throughout my teens and 20’s, my late 30’s marked a time of stress and declining health, some of it due to a birth defect that had gone untreated.

By the time I was 41, my weight had increased due to inactivity and increasingly labored breathing. I was diagnosed with reactive lung disorder, pulmonary hypertension, and was exhibiting mild symptoms of congestive heart failure in EKG’s, requiring O2. My quality of life had declined in a very short time and I was scared.

I began seriously considering that in order to preempt further damage and declining quality of life, I would need to make drastic changes. So after speaking to my specialists, it was agreed that bariatric surgery might hold the key to keeping weight under control (and helping to de-stress my heart and lungs).

I requested DFW Bariatrics because of the articles, online information, research and speaking to others who had undergone these procedures. Fortunately, my insurance also had this facility listed as a surgeon of excellence– and so once the initial appointment was made, I was on my way to surgery within three months of first consultation.

Dr. Holden performed my surgery and the DFW Bariatric staff was friendly, compassionate, and handled everything from scheduling to insurance to follow-up care. I have had an outstanding patient experience.

I have lost nearly 90 pounds in 11 months and am more active and joyous than I have been in a decade.

While everything following the surgery depends on my commitment to living a healthy lifestyle, the gastric sleeve has given me a tool to combat obesity. DFW Bariatrics has been there every step of the way. (Thank you!!)

More importantly, my health and quality of life have improved drastically. I no longer require oxygen assistance or diuretics. At a recent EKG, my result was NORMAL. It has been over 4 years since I posted that result. I nearly cried with happiness.

I am a firm believer in helping others, especially if I have walked a road and can make it easier for them. So I share my story and pictures.

I feel great, look great, and have no reason to believe that I cannot have a long, active, happy life. Thanks to the help and support I received from DFW Bariatrics, I am on my way to achieving that goal.