Before July 2, 2009, I weighed 338 pounds.  I had high blood pressure, was borderline diabetic, had high cholesterol, severe sleep apnea and terrible swelling in my legs and ankles.  I work 12-hour swing shifts in a factory, and my extra weight pounding on those concrete floors didn't help my health situation.  The swelling made it completely miserable for me to work, and it also made enjoyable activities difficult.

 

My favorite pastime is bass fishing.  I used to enjoy fishing tournaments but this became almost impossible for me since it was difficult for me to stand for long periods of time.  Bending over and moving around in my boat was also a challenge because of my size.

 

I also enjoy working in my yard and raising a garden every year.  Over the past few years, this had become more and more difficult because of the heat and amount of activity involved.  It was overwhelming.

 

I had Gastric Bypass surgery a little over a year ago, and have lost 172 pounds.  I'm also off ALL of my medications.  I feel better than I have felt in years, and am able to do the things I enjoy without being miserable trying to do them.  I raised a garden this year, reworked my landscaping and can once again enjoy taking my boat out to the lake for some bass fishing, which is my greatest pleasure.

 

If I had not had this surgery, I'm not sure what would have happened to me; my helath was in such poor condition and nothing I had tried to lose weight had worked.

 

It's not been an easy year.  Making the adjustments required in becoming comfortable with the surgery takes time, but it has been worth it.  I have my life back and want to thank Dr. Sonnanstine, his staff and the entire staff at Georgetown Bariatrics for everything they did for me before - and since - surgery.