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.