Karen W. Karen W.
East Coast Bariatrics

Before & After Stories

  • Duodenal Switch before
    Before
    Duodenal Switch after
    After
    Duodenal Switch
    Surgery Performed

    Karen W.

    Weight Loss

    225 lb lbs

I kayak, petal boat and a myriad of other exercises that I had avoided for a lifetime.I have enjoyed movies, concerts and Broadway shows, high school, college and professional games, NASCAR and PGA events. "No thank you" is no longer my only response to invitations!

My entire life (except for my senior year in high school), I was overweight and soared to the extreme of being morbidly obese. Unlike many, I was not on medication and had no co-morbidities however, because of my weight I needed both knees replaced and endured chronic pain that became unbearable. My orthopedic said I had to lose a minimum of 100 pounds prior to knee replacement. I had fought with my health insurance provider because they specifically excluded weight loss treatment so after losing my 6th appeal, I decided to self-pay for weight loss surgery in September 2016 and was Dr. Sebastien’s first Duodenal switch (DS) procedure patient. Since then I have had both knees replaced, have lost 225 pounds from my highest weight and went from requiring assistance of a bariatric walker to take every step from the car to the couch to now being able to walk 5Ks. I participated in and won city sponsored team weight loss challenges 2 years in a row. I kayak, petal boat and a myriad of other exercises that I had avoided for a lifetime. I no longer experience anxiety traveling because I can walk through an airport unassisted, fit in a seat and buckle-up without requiring an extender. I can go on cruises and walk from the ship to the port and enjoy excursions. I can navigate through a crowded restaurant and fit in a booth or sit at a tall top table. I have enjoyed movies, concerts and Broadway shows, high school, college and professional games, NASCAR and PGA events – “no thank you” is no longer my only response to invitations! I can shop in department stores but am a little offended that a size 12 is in the large/extra-large section.

I sincerely appreciate the provision of aftercare and wrap around services to include counseling and continued nutrition/dietary support. I still struggle to meet my protein, water and vitamin requirements so I take advantage of the services that East Coast Bariatrics not only offers but encourages their patients to use and benefit from.

I have always had the love and support of my family and friends and now my healthier lifestyle allows me to enjoy new experiences and make memories with them. For that I am FOREVER grateful to Dr. Sebastien and his staff! Sincerely, Karen W