I went for my initial consultation and felt at ease with Dr. Sebastien
and all the staff at the office.
I had my surgery in 2006, so I am almost 12 years out. Before I started
the process, I weighed 320 pounds at one point. I had injured my knee
as a teenager playing softball, and years of carrying my weight coupled
with a few more injuries to it had left me slipping on custom-made knee
braces to get out of bed. I was wearing sneakers to work with my suits
and still was experiencing a lot of pain. My doctor told me if I didn't
get the weight off and keep it off, I'd be in a "scooter"
by the time I was 40. He recommended I look at gastric surgery as an option, so I did.
I went for my initial consultation and felt at ease with Dr. Sebastien
and all the staff at the office. As we walked through the process, I felt
like every detail was considered to be sure that I would be safe during
the surgery and healthy after it. I went to the weekly check ins and did
everything I was supposed to (ok well, maybe a few little slip ups here
and there.) I felt healthier going into the surgery than I had in a long
time, and I was already out of my knee braces. In the process of doing
all the required testing for surgery, it was discovered that I have another
life-threatening condition that is easily controlled with medication.
This would never have been discovered without this testing.
After the surgery, I initially lost 150 pounds, but over several years,
I leveled out to about 195 (125 loss), which is a good weight for me,
and I have maintained it for many years. I never felt embarrassed about
my weight as I am from a large family, and it was just part of who we
are. I just got to the point where my knee pain was impacting my daily
function and working. Since the surgery and weight loss, I have had none
of those issues! I can dance, walk, exercise--all things that caused me
pain before, and I am so thankful!
I can dance, walk, exercise--all things that caused me pain before, and
I am so thankful!