Testimonial
Pre surgery-I am 36 years old and I have always struggled with weight issues. I had tried all the numerous diets from normal Weight Watchers to body wraps, fasting etc., but as we all know this does not work for long because it is not real life. I had researched for probably 2 years, but until you are ready to commit to this lifestyle which is what you have after this surgery you should keep researching.

I have 2 girls who are 5 and 6 and I wanted to be here for them and to be able to do things with them and I did not want to embarrass them when they started to school and I was ready to do something even if many considered it very drastic. Also I was so tired of being huge!!! So the decision was made, the insurance Glory to God would pay a large percentage and I have a wonderful husband, so a friend and I went full speed ahead with the surgery.

Dr. Husted and Jamie were very nice and helped me get ready during my consult. I was initially scheduled for surgery Jan. 10. I had had some breathing problems for about 2 months prior and had taken antibiotics, steroids, breathing treatment etc, but I went in for surgery and was in holding area with everything ready to go. All the lines were in place and Dr. Husted called in a pulmonologist who said I was having asthma attacks, and they decided to reschedule my surgery for 2 weeks later. My friend had surgery that day, I stayed with her and we came back in 2 weeks for my surgery on Jan.27, 2003. Everyone was wonderful to me during my stay in the hospital, and even though I was disappointed in having to go through surgical prep twice it was for the best.

Life after the surgery has been amazing. My family is so proud of me and I feel so much better physically and emotionally. I have been standing beside someone I have known for a while and it takes them a minute to recognize me. Shopping for clothes is so much easier and there are many more choices. I have much more confidence in anything I decide to do. Now I am looked at like I am a more normal person. People actually come up to talk to me first and for the first time in my life I can go and do things and not be the largest person in the room. I feel like this is a freedom I have never had before. I am so thankful for my surgery and would do it again in a heartbeat.

I am grateful to Dr. Husted and those working with him who care for people who have weight problems and they do not look at it like it is all your fault, but a disease that we can treat with the help of surgery and lifestyle changes. Also I would like to thank Peggy Plemmons who has supported me tremendously this last year.

First year stats: Surgery-January 27, 2003
First office weight-354lbs
Weight -April 15, 2004=210
Loss in 1 year-144lbs
Loss of inches from chest, abdomen, hips=47 inches