The DFW Bariatric Institute Doctors have either authored or reviewed and approved this content.
Crystal's
Weight Loss Surgery Story
“My wake-up call was when I was told that I couldn’t proceed with a necessary medical surgery because I probably wouldn’t survive.”
– Crystal
My Weight Loss Story
Procedure: Inverted Gastric Sleeve
Heaviest Weight: 346 pounds
Weight Lost: 187 pounds*
*Individual results may vary
Dreams. Hope. Life. These words have never meant so much to me as they do now.
My weight loss journey began like many you’ve heard before. I come from a family that’s struggled with obesity for generations. Food has always been tied to emotion. We ate when we were happy. We ate when we were sad. And we almost always chose processed, non-nutritious food. I’ve struggled with my weight since I was a small child. I was placed on my first medically supervised diet in third grade. I continued to gain weight throughout high school and into my twenties and thirties.
So many things became difficult in my daily life. I had anxiety when going out to eat. Would I fit in the booth? Did they have chairs without arms, because the arms always cut into my sides? How would I navigate through tight spaces and around people if I needed to go to the bathroom? I rarely ever went to buffets because I didn’t want to be a cliché. Constantly sweating while walking, always being out of breath, and terrified of climbing stairs. Needing to search endlessly for wide sized shoes that fit my feet and any clothes I could find in my size. Battling fatigue and struggling with bathing and dressing myself. Having to shop for a car based on how I fit behind the steering wheel. The stares and comments from complete strangers.
I suffered a huge emotional setback when my dad passed away at 49 due to complications from diabetes and obesity. I think my wakeup call came when I was told that I couldn’t proceed with a medically necessary neck surgery because I probably would not survive the procedure. I was 5’2” and weighed 346 pounds. I suffered from sleep apnea, hypertension, diabetes, and high cholesterol. I had constant joint, foot, and lower back pain. I was told by a doctor that I will require knee surgery at some point because the excess weight has worn out the joints.
I had always thought about weight loss surgery and how it could be utilized to help change my life. I had previously attended bariatric seminars and spoken with two physicians at other clinics and I didn’t come away impressed after either of those appointments. I had heard and seen DFW Bariatric’s advertisements and watched a local television special that showcased Nate Newton’s journey. That’s when my husband had coincidentally spoken to one of our former coworkers that told us about her great experience with DFW Bariatric. I decided to schedule a consultation. From the very first moment I walked through the doors, it felt right. The DFW Bariatric Institute staff is so welcoming and friendly. The doctors took the time to explain all of my options thoroughly and answered any questions I had. We agreed that the Inverted Gastric Sleeve would be the perfect fit for me. I was nervous about the cost due to being a cash patient, but the DFW Bariatric team made my surgery very affordable and found ways to save me money.
My surgery took place on December 1, 2014. It was such a surreal feeling. I was so anxious because I thought somehow the surgery would be delayed or cancelled. I had these thoughts until the moment they took me to the operating room and then I slowly began to realize this was going to happen! The surgery went very well and I immediately began to see results. I also was given the best after care follow up and nutritional tools. DFW Bariatric Institute has a fantastic support network as well. The doctors at DFW have said from the beginning that bariatric surgery is a tool and, if utilized correctly, can lead to great results. They’re absolutely right. I started my journey at the most unhealthy I had ever been and have since lost 188 lbs and am feeling great! My sleep apnea, hypertension, diabetes, and high cholesterol have all been cured. My joint, foot, and lower back pain are all much improved. I’m able to eat right and work out consistently, something I thought I could never do.
The wonderful team at DFW Bariatric Institute have given me the tools and support I so desperately needed. They’ve helped me take my life back and can do the same for you. Pick yourself up and start fighting today.
Start dreaming. Start hoping. Start living.
*Individual Results May Vary
Our bariatric surgeons have helped thousands of patients change their lives with weight loss surgery.
Patient Testimonials
Janet S.
Lost 93 pounds*
"93 pounds later, I have a whole new life. I’ve gone from a size 24 down to 10-12. I no longer have high blood pressure or high cholesterol. My knees, which were in sad shape before surgery, don’t hurt anymore. I joined a gym and participate in water aerobics and a latin impact aerobics class. My whole life has changed. I have much more confidence in myself and love to be with people."
Vivian P.
Lost 140 pounds*
“First off….this surgery will give you your life back. It is a total life changing surgery and I feel like I owe DFW Bariatric my life since they restored mine to me. My weight ballooned up to 273 lbs before my surgery. I have successfully lost and maintained a 140 lb weight loss… This is the most amazing journey that anyone could ever take and the DFW Bariatric Institute staff will all be there to hold your hand and lead you down the road to your success.”
Sherrie M.
Lost 110 pounds*
“I am currently 29 years old and weigh 130 lbs. Before surgery I weighed almost 240 lbs…This is the best thing I have done with my life and would do it again today. It changed my life drastically. My surgeon said to me, 'I can do 50% for you and give you the surgery, but the other 50% is up to you. Your eating, your exercise, your total outlook on life make up the other 50%. And what you want from the surgery is what you will get, and the life you will gain.'”
John E.
Lost 90 pounds*
“I went to a seminar and left there with complete ease, feeling like everyone cared about me and my health. On first office visit I was totally impressed…I never felt rushed in the office, and always felt everyone cared. My surgery was completed and I am now down 90 pounds…The biggest part of recovery comes from the encouragement DFW Bariatric gives. Everyone is always positive and takes the time to explain things in a positive way.”
Kathy D.
Lost 161 pounds*
“There are no words to express the amount of change that weight loss surgery has brought to my life. I am a 54 year old female. There were so many things I was unable to do before the surgery that I blamed on age. It wasn’t my age at all, it was the weight. I am 30 again…The day of my surgery, I weighed 299 pounds. Today I weigh 138 and wear a size 6…I feel so good about myself now. The surgery saved my life!”
Brian S.
Lost 130 pounds*
“After losing 130 pounds, I feel like I have a new lease on life. I was able to stop all of my diabetes, high blood pressure, and my cholesterol medicines. I have always had chronic knee problems and now I am able to run three miles per day without any pain. If I had a choice of doing this surgery again or not, I would definitely do it again. I feel that by having the surgery it not only gave me my life back but it also saved my life.”
Lorna Q.
Lost 107 pounds*
"I have lost the astonishing amount of 107 pounds in less than a year. I feel like I have my life back and I am in control again. All my family and friends are always telling me that I look happier than before and they are right, I am much, much happier than before. I have to thank DFW Bariatric and my husband for helping me throughout this very emotional and amazing journey. I do not regret at all having the surgery, it is one of the best decisions I have ever made in my life.”
Danielle L.
Lost 154 pounds*
“My outlook on life was so different before having my weight loss surgery. I was taking medicine for diabetes, high blood pressure, and depression, and my back, legs, and shoulders hurt all the time which kept me from sleeping. My start weight was 298 pounds. And I am now 144. I’m no longer on any type of medications. My body is the best shape I have ever been in. I am so happy to be where I am today mentally and physically. With my hard work and dedication and with the aid of DFW Bariatric, I am where I want to be. I trust this team with all my heart.”
Dennis H.
Lost 170 pounds*
“At 365 pounds, I was medicated for high blood pressure, diabetes, joint inflammation, and high cholesterol…I was a living example of morbid obesity. I knew then that it was time to do something with my weight…It was not easy to get through all of the hoops that my health plan demanded, but the DFW Bariatric team helped me every step of the way. Today I weigh 195 pounds and feel great! From the time I left the hospital after surgery I have been free from all prescription medications. I can never thank this team enough for giving me back my life."
