Testimonial
Hi, I'm Joyce and I'm 34 years old. I've been a 'big girl' since I was 8 years old. I have years of poor eating habits under my belt (pun intended) and when I went on diets I would lose 20# and put on 30...The vicious diet circle. When my doctors told me to 'eat sensibly' it was like speaking Greek to me, a chronic overeater.

I pride myself on carrying my weight well but, eventually, I know the weight will complicate my life greatly. Not simply being unable to fit into the roller coasters I like so much but health problems stemming from my 'mild' diabetes and 'mild' hypertension that will only get worse as I get older with 180 unnecessary pounds.

My mother says "You look fine to me." but, it's not simply about how I look, it's how I live and I want to do just that---LIVE! More comfortably and more healthy. Now, thru this tool that Dr. Husted will be giving me, I will be able to do that.

Surgery may not be the option for everyone because it is a big ordeal but, for me, this surgery will be a major stepping stone into my future and how I live it and HOW LONG I live it.

This picture is me, Joycelynette Battle prior to surgery, July 4th, 2003. Come see me next year!!!

UPDATE - November 2004 - My weight is currently 279 by my home scales!

UPDATE - September 2005 - Can You/Should You Have Babies After the Surgery??? It seems that was the most common question that people asked - so here's living proof!

My pregnancy was ideal for even a singleton pregnancy, much less twins. No nausea, no discomforts at all really. I had gestational diabetes requiring insulin once a day (pre-surgery I was diabetic so it was no surprise it came back) and even though I ate small portions and only gained 28 pounds, both the babies weighed in great! I had an elective section at 38 weeks 2 days...Just because we figured the timing was good, I could have carried longer because I felt fine. They are my first babies and such a blessing!