Testimonial

My name is Sandra and I have always been overweight. My whole life has been centered around my weight problem and the constant dieting and failure associated with it. The frustration and depression from continually loosing the battle with my own body not only made me overly self-conscious in front of the whole world but also, and much worse, I was blaming myself for failing. I hated not just my fat but myself too. My weight had ruined my past, made the current hell, and destroyed all hope for happiness in the future. I was in total despair.

I know all this sounds a bit dramatic, but it is real and even now that horrible past is only slightly behind me and the fear of it overtaking me once again is ever present. That fear is, however, a powerful impetus to see my life style change through, and together with my natural stubbornness I am confident that the new and beautiful person I have become is here to stay.

I was 304 ghastly pounds when I had my surgery performed on March 12, 2002 but today, as I write, I weigh only 193! I still intend to go a bit further down but I am almost there, in just two months over a year. My new body has the kind of energy that I had long forgotten. All manner of activities have since opened up to me and I am doing the things that I wouldn’t have even contemplated before. Walking my dog, Sabian, is now something I look forward to instead of not even considering. Obviously the exercise is crucial to weight loss but there is the added benefit stirring your soul too. Emotionally I am more than twice the woman I used to be even though nearly ½ of my bulk is gone!

Deciding to have the surgery was the best decision I have ever made. My family and nearly all of my friends have been excellent in supporting me and not resisting the major change that is now part of my new life. I have nothing but praise and thankfulness for Dr. Johnell he is wonderful! I am busier and happier person than I had ever hoped for and am "…getting better and better every day in every way…".

Sandra