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In May
of 2002, a friend showed me a clipping from our
local newspaper. The ad announced that the Greeley
Medical Clinic was to hold a seminar on medical
alternatives for weight loss. At the time, I weighed
324 pounds, had severe back pain, and was basically
miserable. I did attend that seminar, and I believe
it changed my life for the better.
During
the seminar, Dr. Johnell described a procedure called
the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. He spoke clearly about
its potential benefits and risks. And it was at
that moment, that I realized I might actually have
some hope for losing much of my excess weight.
Over the
next couple months I went through the process of
qualifying for the surgery. I appreciated my conversations
with Dr. Johnell, and his requirements that patients
be fully informed about the surgery, its risks,
benefits, and the lifestyle changes one must make
after undergoing the procedure.
On August
6th , 2002, I had the Roux-en-Y bypass. Things seemed
to go well until the next day, when I began to have
severe abdominal pain. Dr. Johnell, however, responded
very quickly and assertively. He monitored the situation,
and took me back into surgery to fix a small leak
that had developed. While it was no fun having two
surgeries in two days, I deeply appreciated the
skillful care I received throughout my hospital
stay.
I was
back to work within 2.5 weeks. And actually felt
pretty good by about six weeks post surgery. By
that time I had already lost about 50 pounds! My
back pain had literally disappeared, and I started
going to the gym.
10 months
out from my surgery, I’ve lost almost 160
pounds, and actually have a decent chance of reaching
my “ideal” weight. One exciting aspect
of this weight loss is that I have been able to
return to a former passion – Triathlon. On
June 22nd , 2003 I will compete in the Greeley Triathlon.
Its not the “Ironman,” but doing something
like this would have been absolutely impossible
for me less that one year ago.
It is
a wonderful thing to have my life back. I’m
a better husband, father, and friend to those around
me. Many thanks to the whole team at Greeley Medical
Clinic. Also, a special thanks to Dr. Michael Johnell.
His skill, caring, and time literally changes lives
for the better.
Scotty
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