Pre-Operative Health Conditions: Hypertension, Sleep Apnea, Dyspnea, Reflux, Osteoarthritis knees

For many years my weight had gone up and down. Before I knew it, I was an astonishing 445 pounds. I had to use crutches or a wheelchair to get around because of intense pain in my knees. I could barely breathe. I hated myself but couldn't find a way to change. I couldn't lose weight without exercise and I couldn't exercise until I lost weight. It seemed hopeless. Then my doctor sent me to Dr. Afram. From the moment I listened to his discussion at the seminar, I realize that here was a rare doctor, one who truly cared about his patients and their health. I chose to put my trust in Dr. Afram and his staff and with God's help and Dr. Afram's skill my surgery was a success. I have lost an amazing 261 pounds going from a 32 pant to a 8 or 12, and from a 32 top to a small. My weight is down from 438 at time of surgery to 177. I am healthy, happy and energetic. I can actually outrun some of my grandkids. Dr. Afram and gastric bypass surgery gave me the start I need to achieve my goals of weight loss and improved health. If asked if I would go through the surgery again and if it was worth it, the answer is always, without a doubt, "YES"! If you are considering surgery and have questions for me, please feel free to ask Dr. Afram for my contact information. I will be happy to talk with you. God bless.

Pre-Operative Health Conditions: Hypertension, Sleep Apnea, Dyspnea, Osteoarthritis Knees

I am so very thankful for Dr. Afram and his fantastic team. It has been such a blessing to me to have had this surgery. I have struggled with being over weight for a good portion of my life. I was pretty active in high school playing various sports and keeping in decent shape. Once I arrived in college, I put on the "freshman 15" and then just never stopped.

Throughout my 20's and early 30's I continued to be active in playing softball, flag football, basketball, but I would eat whatever I wanted and whenever I wanted to. If eating was an Olympic sport, I would have won the Gold metal EVERY time. No doublt about it. i went thru a first marriage that was not a happy one and soon a divorce. I found that eating was about the only thing that I had "control" over and that I enjoyed. I found EXTREEME comfort in food and I indulged. I have never had much of a sweet tooth, but I would eat burgers, fries, double whoppers, onion rings, fried pork chops, shakes, etc. Ohh, and don't even get me started on Pizza hut think & crispy pepperoni lover's pizza. WOW!

Things in my life started to improve. got a new job I really enjoyed, remarried, etc. However, my overeating did not stop. By the time summer of 2009 had rolled around, I weighed 440 pounds. Not good! I started to work out with a trainer which helped me lose some weight, but I new it was time to seriously start to consider have Gastric Bypass Surgery. I am so thankful that I did. Before I had surgery, I had high blood pressure, really bad sleep apnea, joint pain, back pain, foot pain, just to name a few. I had to stop playing sports because my knees could not take the pounding and I had a 60 inch waist and wore a 6XL shirt. Hard to find good clothing in those larger sizes that is for sure.

Come January 27, 2009, the day I had the surgery, I weighed 421 pounds. It has been a year since my surgery and I have lost over 160 pounds and feeling GREAT! I exercise quite a bit now. I walk/jog almost every day of the week. I go to the gym 3 times a week, and I am in a physical fitness boot camp two times a week in addition to walking and going to the gym. I eat very sensible meals now and have cut out the sweets and fried foods. I no longer have sleep apnea, my blood pressure has gone back to normal. I feel (and look!) so much better. It has given me a new lease on life. Without a doubt, deciding to have gastric bypass surgery has been the 3rd BEST decision I have made in my entire life!!(if you want to know about my top two, ASK ME)

God is GREAT and I am so thankful for having made this decision and I am enjoying my new lifestyle. I truly am!

Pre-Operative Health Conditions: Hypertension, Sleep Apnea, Dyspnea, Reflux Arthritis Hip

At age 33, weighing in at 428 pounds, I had given up on life. I had reached the point where I was finally tired of being tired, and I wanted to be part of life not just watch it pass me by. After meetin Dr. Afram and his team, I realized that I didn't have to sit on the sidelines any longer, so I took control of my life and my weight. Dr. Afram not only preformed my surgery, because of all the support that he and his team give, they have been a vital part of my transition to the person I am today.

In the last two years I have gone from being a couch-potato to hiking to 11,474 vertical feet on Mt. Borah in Idaho and running in the 2009 Army Ten Miler. I also now have a chance of being able to keep up with my fifteen-month old nephew which is no small feat. Not only am I much more active and have plenty of energy to burn, but I am much more confident in my professional life as well. Life and fun opportunities no longer pass me by as my weight no longer is controlling factor when making decisions in what fashion I wear or where I go and what thinkgs I do. I have conquered my weight and now I get to enjoy the rest of my long healthy life.

Pre-Operative Health Conditions: Dyspnea, Back pain

Hello World!!!

Where do I start? Well my Journey began with a conversation with my wife over dinner discussing my consideration to have weight loss surgery. This was no doubt after another failed diet attempt and topping at 316 lbs.. I started my journey with research of options and doctors with the best track record. I was at wits end and rock bottom where outwordly I seemed the life of the party but inward there was no love for self and very low self esteen coupled with health issues that were starting to rear their ugly heads (high blod pressure, borderline diabetic, sleep apnea). My research led me to Dr. Afram and the center. The decision become even clearer after attending my initial group meeting at the center. Getting to meet Dr. Afram and discussing my options and that the center would be with me every step of the way gave me all the assurance I needed that this was the way to go.

Well its been a little over 2 years and about 130 lbs. since my "rebirth" and if I can sum it up in one word...Fabulous!!! Live has dealt me a new hand and I'm winning in leaps and bounds. Health issues? GONE!!! Self love? "I LOVE ME SOME ME !!!" Amusement parks, airplane seats, clothes off the rack? WHAT??? Borrowing a phrase from the great Muhammad Ali "I'M A BAD BAD MAN!!!" i work out and seems I have a boundless amount of energy. I'm watchful of what I eat and may have an occasional "treat" (just a little) to keep my sanity. The real help is the group meetings where we're able to share our struggles and successes and get a recharge while encouraging and being encouraged by my fellow "brothers and sisters". I say that because that's what is really feels like... family.

Pre-Operative Health Conditions: Reflux esophagitis, Osteoarthritis-knee

I have battled my weight since High School. I had a few victories, but eventually lost the war. No one, not even my husband knew how much I weighed. At surgery time, I was at my highest weight of 304 pounds. I was so embarrassed of myself, depressed and felt like hiding. My knees hurt, I had heel spurs, felt tired all the time and had just been diagnosed with diabetes.

I had stopped going to my OB/Gyn because of my weight, but after an 8-year absence I went back. He gave me Dr. Afram's phone number and my Life back. I have lots of energy and can outgo my children now. Relatives that had not seen me in awhile literally didn't recognize me. It's the best gift I ever gave to myself !

Pre-Operative Health Conditions: Dyspnea, High blood pressure, Osteoarthritis-knee

Weight Loss Surgery -The change in my life !
What a difference my life is today than 2 years ago. The summer of 1998 was very depressing for me. My family decided to get season passes to an amusement park and I knew there was no reason to get one for me because I would be miserable at the park. I decided then that would never happen again and started looking for a miracle because diets never worked for me. Actually, my husband pointed out the ad to me about Dr. Afram. I called and went to a seminar in December of 1998. My surgery was scheduled for March 8, 1999. I weighed 444 lbs the day of my surgery .Today I weigh 222. I decided to not set weight goals, but instead activity goals -since that is what drove me to my initial decision. Well, last summer I played on my son's softball team. I played and didn't just sit on the sidelines cheering or keeping score. One of my most exciting goals was to go parasailing which I did last July. This is a new life for me. I feel like I can do anything I want. What a miracle I did receive and how exciting is my life daily..

After many years of dieting and suffering about weight, my osteo-arthritis was so bad that I had to depend on an electric mobility scooter to get around town. I did not have the energy to work full time. I was convinced that like my parents, I would die at a young age because I was morbidly obese. I felt isolated and depressed. I was desperate to see my grandchildren grow up. For years I had rejected even considering what seemed like too drastic a solution to the problem - weight loss surgery. I kept hoping and believing that if I just had enough self discipline and rigor, I could lose the 150 pounds on my own. Thank God I gave up that illusion, and attended a seminar on obesity surgery .With the help of Dr. Afram and his staff, I've lost all that weight and gained a new life. I've signed up to take a walking tour of the English Lake District, and as soon as they are old enough, I shall be able to take my grandchildren hiking in the woods. At almost age 60, I've re- invented myself. I am living my life and loving it again. I am so thankful for this new beginning !

"I had my gastric bypass procedure done 1 year ago, February 14 and have lost 160 Ibs. I have to say, I feel wonderful and my entire life has changed.

It's amazing to think that only 12 months ago I was depressed, lonely and tired. My self-esteem and confidence were gone and emotionally I was disconnected from everything and everyone. I literally had given up on everything. And then I found Dr. Afram and he helped change my life. I am convinced that the timing was right for this surgery and that I have been given a second chance and a new lease on life. I am truly blessed for getting to this point and I'm not going to waste another moment. I've started dating, got a newjob and relocated to a new state. And above all, I LIKE what I see in the mirror. A happy, confident and "well-dressed" woman.

Thank you Dr. Afram and all of your staff. You will always be an important part of my life! "
Deborah H. Ferber L ynchburg, VA 804-239-1575

Pre-Operative Health Conditions: Sleep Apnea, Dyspnea, High blood pressure.

"Before my operation I weighed 336 lbs. I was always tired, had high blood pressure, was out of breath and had sleep apnea. I did not like the way I looked or felt. I was always worried what other people thought of my appearance. One year later, no high blood pressure, no CPAP machine and I am raring to go! I was able to go to a regular store and buy clothes right off the rack. I went from a size 46" waist to a 34". I feel great! I have a 6 year oId son and I am sure I will be able to chase him around the yard and see him grow up! " Joe.

Pre-Operative Health Conditions: Diabetes, Osteoarthritis-Knees, High blood pressure.

Gone are the stares the "overweight couple" used to endure. Gone are the days when movie theatre seats were too small. Gone are the days when weight negatively affected our relationship, both mentally and physically. Obesity surgery made a tremendous difference in our marriage. Now we enjoy going out and socializing. We've even taken up ballroom dancing.