Patient Stories
Becky's Story
"I’m thrilled with the progress I’ve made, and if given the choice, I’d do it again tomorrow."
Becky D. experienced heart bypass surgery, struggled to enjoy the little joys in life, and was becoming "homebound" when she finally made the life-changing decision to get weight loss surgery and attend an initial seminar at Fresh Start Bariatrics at Riverside Methodist Hospital.
"I learned a lot at the seminar, and I had done plenty of my own research before coming to Fresh Start Bariatrics and Dr. Myers," Becky said. "Because Fresh Start Bariatrics is at Riverside Methodist Hospital, it made my decision even more secure- I’ve had several positive experiences with Riverside, and they provide excellent care."
A significant factor in Becky’s weight loss journey was the timing. After receiving bypass heart surgery, she was required to wait a specified amount of time before undergoing weight loss surgery. When she made the decision to visit Fresh Start Bariatrics, Becky was recently retired and ready to focus on her health and wellness, without the distractions and time committment of work.
"I retired in November of 2007, and at that point, my priority became my health," Becky said. "I was so tired and run down- I would literally work and go home. I had no real quality of life."
Becky spent six focused months concentrating on weight loss through dieting and exercising. She was using her local YMCA nearly daily, and even though she was limited in what she could do because of her weight, she used the pool regularly. However, it just wasn’t enough to lose the weight she needed to, and she realized weight loss surgery was the best option for her.
Fortunately, Becky’s family was very supportive; they could see her efforts to lose weight and knew she was struggling. However, Becky’s insurance did not cover the surgery, which made it an even larger decision for her and her family. However, according to Becky, "It was the best money I ever spent in my life."
As part of the comprehensive program, Fresh Start Bariatrics provided Becky with a nutritionist and a psychologist to help prepare for surgery and her life after surgery. For Becky, she already understood a lot about the nutrition process- she knew what she was supposed to be doing, it was just a matter of control. However, time with the psychologist confirmed some concerns for Becky. She knew she had issues with food, and allowed those issues to control her life, but it was helpful to have the reinforcement from a professional. Becky said that understanding the emotional side of weight loss is an intrical part of the process; weight loss is as much of a mental journey as it is as a physical one.
Becky says her life after weight loss surgery is a 100% turnaround. Now she goes out with friends, volunteers in the community regularly, and has a meaningful life. Recently, her nephew had twins, and Becky was able to spend a week with her family, helping with the new babies. "I wouldn’t have been able to do that, and be helpful, before having weight loss surgery," Becky said.
Currently, Becky is about 20 pounds from her goal. "Even if I never make the goal," Becky said, "I’m thrilled with the progress I’ve made, and if given the choice, I’d do it again tomorrow."
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