Patient Stories
Brenda's Story
For Brenda Hall, a 62-year-old retiree who lives in Columbus, the decision for weight loss surgery was unbelievable simple- once she heard about it, that is. Brenda’s daughter is a nurse at Riverside Methodist Hosptial, and when she informed her mother about the Fresh Start Bariatrics program, Brenda was instantly ready to go through with the surgery.
With an eagerness to begin the weight loss process, Brenda attended an initial seminar with Dr. Myers in May of 2007. She had already made up her mind that she wanted the LAP-band surgery. Brenda researched the various weight loss surgery options and decided that gastric bypass surgery was too restrictive for her, and she was concerned about some of the potential complications. However, she was very comfortable with the LAP-band process, and after completing her full-day assessment, she was ready. Brenda fully understood this would be a long journey, but she could not wait to begin.
Unfortunately, Brenda’s surgery date was delayed for insurance reasons. Even though she was disappointed about the delay, Brenda said Fresh Start Bariatrics made the entire process easier.
“All the paperwork and details were done in the same day, and Fresh Start Bariatrics took care of everything,” Brenda said. “Most programs require you to handle all of that on your own, which can be very overwhelming and frustrating. Even with the delay because of my insurance, everything with Fresh Start was easy and convenient.”
Along with Brenda’s preparedness for the surgery, she had the support of her husband and family. In fact, Brenda’s daughter was pregnant with her second grandson when she had her surgery. Brenda said she wanted to be able to keep up with her grandchildren, and help her daughter with her new family.
“Outside of being heavy, I didn’t have any medical problems. There is a history of diabetes in my family, and I knew that weight loss surgery might decrease my chances of getting it, too. I wanted to be proactive; I was thinking of my future, and my family’s future.”
Brenda said she had tried all the diets, and done everything she could to lose weight. She would find some success, but would always gain the weight back slowly. Brenda said the decision to get weight loss surgery was the best thing she has ever done.
“Now, I lead a different lifestyle,” Brenda said. “I’m not ‘dieting,’ but I know the amount I can have, and I know what I can eat. I stay on that schedule, and I can enjoy the foods I want, while maintaining a healthy and happy lifestyle.”
Now, Brenda can go in any store and buy clothes. She said this is just one of the many things she missed when she was overweight. With her newfound confidence, Brenda is an active member of two monthly support groups for weight loss surgery. She attends the Fresh Start Bariatrics support group, which she refered to as “a little family.” The ability to share experiences and problems with people who are going through the same issues is invaluable. In addition, Brenda attends a monthly support group of all “lap-banders” in central Ohio. They come from a variety of weight loss programs, but share the lap band experience. They meet in Columbus to chat, socialize and discuss their weight loss progress.
“Start your new life as soon as possible,” Brenda advises those considering surgery. “Don’t hesitate- you know you can’t be on a diet for the rest of your life, and if you know this is the weight loss option for you, just do it. You will be so grateful for your new life; your only regret will be not doing it sooner.”
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