"I have battled with weight issues my entire life, in part due to learned behaviors and in part due to an under active thyroid. After learning a statistic that only 1 out of 11 morbidly obese persons survive to the age of 65, I experienced an incredible wake up call. I was over 59 years old and over 100 pounds overweight. I wanted to live life fully and not die a statistic.

Prior to surgery, I was 100+ pounds overweight, had shortness of breath, chest pains, joint pain, heartburn, a suppressed immune system resulting in continuous colds and upper respiratory infections, low energy, and a downward cycle of less and less activity all complicated by an under-active thyroid. I no longer experience shortness of breath, joint pain, or heart burn, and colds, flu's and chest pains are rare. I now experience an improved energy and activity level and a far better immune response. In addition to this, I no longer take medicine for fluid retention and my thyroid medication has been more than cut in half.

I believe the gastric band has rescued me from morbid obesity. It is very hard to admit I was living in such a condition. It was also very hard for me to travel by airplane because of not fitting into the seats and having to ask for a seat belt extension. I no longer make excuses about not wanting to go swimming at the beach for fear of being judged about my size. For the first time since I can remember, I now feel normal when looking into a mirror, walking up stairs, and I am not short of breath each time I do ordinary activities. I have lost over 90 pounds and am still slowly but surely approaching my goal weight of being half the woman I used to be.

I have the greatest family in the whole world. I can say that my family loves me unconditionally. My husband, daughter, son and his family all are a great support to me. I also have many close friends who continue to encourage me. They are always there reminding me how far I have come when I am tempted to feel down or think that I am not losing weight fast enough.

Since having the surgery, I have got so much more energy and enthusiasm. I have once again started to enjoy old hobbies such as hiking, camping, swimming and riding on a Jet Ski. I have also started a few new ones such as riding on the back of my husband's motorcycle as well as joining him at the health club. I have a confidence about permanently losing weight, but more importantly being the healthiest I can be.

The old saying, "You can't teach an old dog new tricks" is absolutely untrue. I am 60 years "young" and have learned through the surgery that I can eat healthier and I have been able to stop overeating.

If you want to change your life, feel more confident, and you totally, desperately want to feel normal, then please consider the gastric band. You can see that it works. Bottom line – losing weight may never be easy, but with the gastric band as your tool, it can be fantastic. By the way, nobody paid me to say any of this!"

Nancy B.
Surgery Date: July 29, 2005
Saint Mary's Regional Medical Center
See Nancy's Weight Loss Surgery Before and After Photos

"The decision to have gastric bypass surgery was slow and methodical. I watched many people who I had referred attain goal weights, many for the first time in their lives. Once I researched gastric bypass and Western (Bariatric) and decided to pursue having the surgery, it was so easy! It seems that one day I was talking about it to my PCP and there I was post-op, at home, trying to figure out how to make cottage cheese seem exciting.

I had my "Come to Jesus" moment during the second week after my surgery – I had my one and only episode of "Dumping Syndrome." What a lesson! My second "moment" was during the second month when I had to rethink changing my relationship with food, not because I wanted to, but because I had to! Welcome to gastric bypass surgery!

Like everything, it has been a process. What works. What doesn't. Even now, two years later, I am still learning. I focus more on my overall physical health. The eating part has stabilized. I am no longer "mad" because I am unable to consume a box of cereal. Instead, I don't even consider it – it simply does not appeal to me!

Out of everything I have learned the most important lesson is realizing the power of food. Just think about it - so much dysfunction is created by its use. I used it when I was happy, sad, bored, mad or just numb. Yes, it is never far away, but my size 8 pants are a powerful motivator, as is my past and my goals.

Things have really changed. I focus on fitness, I've run in marathons. I will be getting married this fall and recently started my own small business – whew! Let me add that I lost more than 140 pounds and can run a 7 minute mile – yes, I am laughing and it feels good!"

Cyndi B
Surgery Date: March, 2005
See Cyndi's Weight Loss Surgery Before & After Photos

"My surgery was December 14, 2005. My heaviest weight in June of that year was 300 pounds. It is now January of 2007 and I weight 165 pounds. I chose gastric bypass because I tried every other method ever. I knew I would die without it. Some people discourage, some encouraged me. I have a 10 year old boy, a 20 year old girl, and a wonderful husband. I wanted to live. Somehow I knew I would do fine. I did everything Western Bariatric Institute told me to do. Getting approved seemed like it took forever but I could not give up. The surgery went perfect. I was up and working in two weeks and the weight just fell off. It was hard to wrap my mind around eating so little. I began to exercise and something amazing happened – I started to like myself! People began to respond to me differently. I was no longer invisible.

I began playing with my son, jumping on the trampoline, living life. Wow, what a concept! I have tried to find ways to cope with life besides of eating. At times, it was difficult - I did eat too much or drink too much. What I have learned is that there are other healthier ways to deal with life on life's terms. Think hard, know you want it! Do what is suggested and care for yourself like a new born babe. You are given an entire new life. I have been given one that I look forward to living!"

Doris G.
Surgery Date: 12/14/2005
See Doris' Weight Loss Surgery Before & After Photos

"I had always thought that weight loss surgery was for other people (rich people, fat people, not for me) when my primary doctor told me to consider bypass surgery. This was because I was headed straight for a heart attack due to my lifestyle. I have to say the quality of my life was so poor. I was depressed, so I ate. I gained more weight, which depressed me even more – a vicious cycle. I was not able to enjoy the things in my life that I took for granted when I was young and healthy – long walks, playing at the beach, hiking, camping and bike riding...all gone! I just did not see any way out of this cycle. People around me talked of losing 10 or 20 pounds – big deal! I needed to lose over 150 pounds – what was the use! I gave up.

Then, due to an illness my brother inherited from our father, PKD, I underwent some testing and while I did not have PKD, I did have an enlarged liver due to my fast food diet. Additional tests showed that I was glucose intolerant and suffered from sleep apnea not to mention the pain and discomfort of being so overweight, back and knee pain.

My primary doctor, Dr. Hastings, sent me to Western Bariatric Institute. I attended a seminar with Dr. Ganser...and never looked back. Here was a positive plan of action, surgery, diet and exercise that would work. Was I afraid? Yes, of course, but I weighed that with the direction my life was headed and it just seemed the right choice for me – honestly a no brainer! People told me how dangerous it could be but given my lifestyle, it honestly felt like the least dangerous option.

After my first appointment with Dr. Ganser, I joined Weight Watchers. I needed to lose 10% of my excess weight and Dr. Hastings wanted me to prove that I was committed to this plan of action. Yikes! On December 27, 2004, I joined Weight Watchers at a total weight of 299.6. After a long ten months of jumping every hurdle, I had my surgery on October 12, 2005. I was very proud as I had worked very hard and had lost 58 pounds prior to surgery.

My surgery went very well. Actually, I was in more pain than I thought I would experience. I guess I had been working so hard to qualify for the surgery and as the surgery was laparoscopic, I thought I would just breeze right through with little to no pain – right! Ouch, it hurt! However, while I was in pain, I did get up and walk. I was determined to make this a successful experience – I had worked too hard to do anything less.

I learned from the support classes that the surgery was just a tool, one of many tools, so I walked, watched my diet, learned to drink water like crazy and joined Curves for additional exercise. After a few months, I started a walk/run program to increase my exercise program. A friend asked me to join the Leukemia Lymphoma Marathon Team in Training, as my husband had been diagnosed with leukemia during this period and I was looking for a way to help. I was afraid of the idea of running in a marathon but thought it was a wonderful way to exercise and raise money for a good cause. Thanks to the weight loss, I was able to increase my exercise and train for the marathon. The training was grueling but I stuck with it and ran my marathon on 11/22/2006. A real high point in my life! Two years before that date, I was out of breath just walking from my car to the office and here I am today looking forward to participating in another marathon this year!

I want to stress that WBI has changed my life and I want to thank each and every member of their team. They have given me a future I honestly never dreamed of having – the pure joy of playing with my grandchildren, playing golf, hiking, camping, enjoying life with the ones you love! It just doesn't get any better than that!

I would especially like to thank my doctor. My heart is so full I do not know where to start. Dr. Ganser supported me every step of the way and I mean that literally. Dr. Ganser and Laurie answered every question and helped me reach my weight loss goals. Dr. Ganser and WBI also contributed to my marathon and made a dream, a dream that I would never have even dared to dream a few years ago, come true. I feel like I have come full circle – from someone who people dismiss with a look, and believe me, this is something that we who have been overweight can all relate to, into someone who is more often than not greeted with a smile.

As a side note, my mother, who has been extremely supportive, used to tell me when I was heavy how afraid she was for me. I never really understood that until I had lost the weight and look back at the photos. I really was a dead woman walking. After my marathon, my mother gave me the gift of an extreme makeover – what a wonderful gift! I have had reconstructive surgery on my chest, tummy, arms and legs. I think I look great and I feel like I have a new lease on life. My husband calls me his trophy wife! What a sweetie! It's just our little joke, but it reminds me how far I have come, how proud he is of me, and how proud I am of myself. After all, this is something that we must choose to do for ourselves. I have learned that while I have benefited from this journey, so have the people around me – family, friends, and coworkers. I have had several coworkers join weight loss programs and a dear friend actually ran the marathon with me – now that is support!

Thank you, thank you from all of us!"

Staci J.
Surgery Date: 10/12/2005
Saint Mary's Regional Medical Center
See Staci's Weight Loss Surgery Before & After Photos

"My journey began at 10 years old when my mother put me on my first diet. Since then, I have tried every diet out there. I would lose but always gained it back plus more. In 2003, I started playing with the idea of weight loss surgery but never really looked into it. Around April of 2005, I had a friend that was put in the hospital. It scared me straight. I realized that if I wanted to be around for my family, I needed to do something to get healthier. In May 2005, I contacted my primary care physician and told her that I had had enough and was finally serious about weight loss surgery. She suggested that I see Dr. Sasse at WBI. She told me that they had a very good success rate and an excellent reputation of following up with their patients. I researched gastric bypass and WBI on the internet so I could make an informed and semi-educated decision. I was very pleased with what I found on the internet about WBI, their success rate, doctors' education and experience, and morbidity rates. I contacted WBI and scheduled an orientation. I was sent a new patient packet and began my journey to a new life.

At orientation, I brought my support person as was suggested. I feel this is very important as you have many questions and receiving a lot of information, two heads are always better than one. I felt they were very straightforward with information about the two different types of procedures and the risks involved.

My support person, which is my daughter, and I were very positive after orientation and I scheduled an appointment to see Dr. Sasse. In the meantime, I became proactive by contacting my insurance company, gathering all information asked of in the new patient packet, making appointments for a psych evaluation and nutritional assessment. At the appointment with Dr. Sasse, we went over both procedures and he answered all my daughter's questions. He put my daughter and granddaughters at ease, which meant a lot to me. I felt the gastric bypass was the best for me. Dr. Sasse explained again that this was a tool that will be given to me but I need to work the tool.

By late July, I had seen Dr. Sasse. He went over both procedures and answered all my daughter's questions. I had none – I was ready. He put my daughter and granddaughters at ease, which meant a lot to me. Dr. Sasse explained again that this was a tool that will be given to me, but I need to work the tool. I had researched both procedures and felt that gastric bypass was best for me. After all information and evaluations were completed, I was given a surgery date of September 14, 2005.

Two weeks prior to surgery, I began my restricted diet of liquid protein. This was difficult for only about two days and then I settled in to having liquids. Amazingly, I did not feel hungry. I always felt satisfied. I also knew that the pre-surgery diet would make the surgery easier and healthier for me.

In all steps of my journey, from my first appointment, to surgery prep, to after surgery care, Dr. Sasse and his staff were very attentive, understanding and professional. I thank Dr. Sasse every day for the great talent that he has and has shared by giving people the chance to live again.

I began my journey at 282 pounds and a size 26/3X. Today, 1 year and 7 months later, I am 165 pounds and a size 12. I have 30 pounds to my goal. When I started, I could not even imagine being this size. I remember telling a friend that if I was under 200 pounds and a size 16, I would be ecstatic. Well, I am and I am beyond ecstatic!

Questions that are always asked of me are: don't you miss food; don't you get hungry eating so little; will you ever be able to eat again; will you always have to eat healthy; and can you ever have good food again (cookies, cake, candy, etc.)? My answer is always the same. I had the same concerns. Even at first when I was still in the waiting stage, I would think, do I want to do this and never have food again, never to go out with friends for dinner? But at support group meeting, they would say you still get to eat, you don't get hungry, and your thinking will change. So, I trusted what they said and I went forward. Now I can answer all those questions myself with experience. My thinking has changed, I don't get as hungry as before, and if I wanted to eat unhealthy things, I could but I choose not to because through my journey, I have learned to eat differently. And, I go out all the time with friends. I just take food home now for another meal. I have enjoyed Thanksgiving, Christmas, Super Bowl Sunday, all the eating holidays!

Exercise is a big component to the program. I have to admit that I have not always been 100% committed to this. Just think how fast I would have lost or what size I would be if I had committed 100% to exercise. You might not even be able to see me today!

People ask me, "Was it worth it?" First I reply, "Worth what?" One day of surgery and two weeks of recovery to get my health back, feeling in control, getting my self-confidence back, feeling like I am part of the world and not just being in it, feeling like my family can be proud of me. Absolutely, it is worth it. I only wish I had done this when I was in my thirty's. I feel that this would have given me an even more fulfilled life than what I already have. My daughter, who is now in her thirty's, doesn't remember me being this thin. I regret not giving her a more active and self-confident mother like I am now. But her children, my loving granddaughters, I hope will enjoy their new grandma and I know they are!

Life is not passing me by. I have a hold of it and am enjoying all that it offers me. As I am writing this and looking back over my journey, at first I would say that I was doing it for my grandchildren so I could be around for them. Now I realize that I have done this for myself, so I can be around to enjoy my grandchildren, my family, and my life. I thank Dr. Sasse's staff every day. They game me the tools to shed my protective shield I had on and emerge the person I knew I was but was afraid to show. If I had one regret, it would be that I did not do this sooner!"

Patricia M.
Surgery Date: 9/14/05
Washoe Medical Center
See Patricia's Weight Loss Surgery Before & After Photos

"Prior to my surgery, I was having trouble walking and I had back problems. With the weight loss, I have had no back problems and my hip pain has almost disappeared. I was not sure about this surgery because of the possible severe complications. I had to be ready to have the surgery. I am glad I had it done. I feel the process was easy. I did have an internal hernia at eleven months post-op which did require emergency surgery. I still have some hip pain but it is so much better since I had the surgery. I feel I can do more and I no longer need to take blood pressure medications."

Pat W.
Surgery Date: 1/9/06
Saint Mary's Regional Medical Center
See Pat's Weight Loss Surgery Before & After Photos

"I decided to look into weight loss surgery in June of 2004 after learning of several very serious medical issues I had. I went to a Seminar in July of 2004. I started the weight loss surgery process and on January 24, 2005, I had Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass. I know this surgery helped save my life. I have lost 182 pounds and I am off all my medications. My blood pressure and glucose is normal. I also have a normal body mass index weight. I won't lie – it was a lot of hard work. It was the "tool" I needed to lose the weight and get healthy. I had always been heavy since about 12 years of age and the more "diets" I went on, the heavier I got. Weight loss surgery has changed my life in so many ways. First and foremost, I have my health back. What a miracle! I can enjoy living my life again!

Simple things that most people don't even think about are no longer a struggle. I now exercise – I love to walk! I walk 3.5 miles in the morning and 3.5 miles in the evening on a treadmill. I feel terrific! And I have so much energy, I can hardly stand it!

I want to thank everyone at Western Bariatric Institute, especially Dr. Ganser, for all the help and support. Thank you doesn't seem like enough for giving me a chance to get my health and life back! It's one of the best decisions I've made for myself!

Norma S.
Surgery Date: January 24, 2005
Washoe Medical Center
See Norma's Weight Loss Surgery Before & After Photos

"I do not regret for one nanosecond my decision to have bariatric weight loss surgery (Roux-En-Y). It saved my life physically, emotionally and spiritually. It helped me to find and become the whole/complete person that I am today. I no longer fear public restroom stalls, airline seats, safety harnesses, stairs, theater seats...I can enjoy cozy, intimate (read: small and tight!) restaurant booths without fear of getting stuck or pulling the table cloth and everything off when I get up. I'm not afraid to get out and try new things, like golf or working with a fitness trainer, or to be in the public eye."

Margi Houk
Surgery Date: April 7, 2003
Saint Mary's Regional Medical Center
See Margi's Weight Loss Surgery Before & After Photos

For years, I struggled with my weight. Even as a small child, I was always chunky and always felt out of place. As an adult, I tried every diet you could imagine. Some were successful and some just didn't do a thing. It was so frustrating going through the small clothes and then having to purchase new clothes because I gained the weight back. The emotional roller coaster was at times so very hard and I struggled each day to feel good about myself and learn to deal with my relationship with food. At my heaviest, which was 252 pounds, the turning point was when I was flying to Las Vegas and I couldn't put the seatbelt on because I was too big. I was so embarrassed. The flight attendant happened to notice and made it a point to bring my situation to everyone else that was sitting next to me. She said, "Oh, I see that you need the seatbelt extension, let me get you that." I wanted to crawl underneath my seat and just die – I was so embarrassed and in disbelief. Had I gotten that heavy? I never looked in the mirror probably because I didn't want to face the truth. That was it for me! I needed to do something! That following week, I was in a class at work and ran into a co-worker who mentioned she had the surgery and was very happy with her success. That was it; I had to learn more so she sent me the link to the WBI website.

At first, I was very apprehensive because at that time, I was dating someone that believed that the surgery was too drastic and that I should be able to do this on my own. Any time I mentioned it, they would some how talk me out of it. I decided that this decision was not one that needed to be made for me. I decided to talk to my doctor about it and see what she thought. She had known my struggles with my weight and some of the health problems I had because of it. After my visit, I looked into the procedure and did some research on my own. I contacted my doctor and told her that based on what I've read that I felt that this procedure was the tool I needed to get healthy again. I went back in to see her and after we talked, she gave me the referral I needed and that was when the process began!

I was so excited about the upcoming journey and decided to document it. I began keeping a journal and took my current measurements and documented my weight and the feelings I had about all of my fears and all of the excitement. To go through being excited and being afraid was overwhelming to say the least. You are going through so many different emotions all at the same time. Its weird looking back to see what I was feeling back then and how much my life has changed since then. My first meeting was great, there were a lot of people there and a gentleman shared his story and held up a pair of pants he used to wear and I said to myself, "Wow, I hope to be able to be that successful." After the meeting, I gathered the information from the tables about the different procedures. Lap-Bandฎ and Gastric were very different and I remember my family expressing their concerns about the Gastric. That was the procedure I was leaning towards. I think for me the reason I went with the Gastric was because I wanted results and I wanted the restrictions. I had heard from folks at work that unless they had a fill, they could eat more and I didn't want that. I wanted to have those restrictions and change my behavior. Sure the risks were higher but I figured if anything happened, at least I went into it trying to better myself and that's what I did. Prior to my surgery date, I struggled with changing my mindset and my behavior and had gained 10 pounds in one month. I really hadn't changed my mindset and had found that out the hard way. The last part of the process is attending the Nutrition Meeting.

I had gone to the meeting with my sponsor and got to weigh in for that. I remember that after I had already weighed in, they called me into the back room and told me that I had gained weight and that I needed to go on the liquid diet and lose 10 pounds before they would do the surgery. That was a wake up call for me. I had thought that because I was already approved and had gone through most of the process that it was a done deal. I was looking at each meal as my last and eating anything I wanted because I figured I was going to have the surgery and I didn't have to watch my weight. Boy was I wrong! I went from being excited to being ashamed. I was ashamed that I hadn't changed my behavior and in order for this to work and be successful, I had to change the mindset. I immediately went out and got on the liquid diet and started my exercise program which consisted of working out six days a week. First it was for thirty minutes and by the time I had my surgery, I was working out a full hour. I was on the liquid diet and made sure that I was doing the right things. Of course the timing for all of this happened right before the holidays.

I didn't have the traditional turkey and dressing dinner for the holiday, instead I had my liquid meal replacement while everyone else in my family had all the goodies that you would normally have for Thanksgiving dinner. It didn't bother me because when I was pulled aside and told that I had gained 10 pounds and that they wouldn't do surgery unless I showed that I could lose the weight they were not going to do it. Right then and there it hit me – this procedure was just a tool that my behavior had to change as well and I didn't get that at first but now, do I ever! I lost the weight that I needed and had my surgery on December 19th, 2006. I had to wait for a while in my hospital room and remember being excited and a little frightened about going under but again I was ready to make this change and was willing to do whatever I needed to ensure that all of this that I had gone through was going to be well worth it in the long run. I was going to be healthier and happier. After surgery, my mom came into the recovery room and mentioned that I looked so radiant that there was a glow surrounding me. I didn't have any pain at all and had several of the nurses come in and point out where the button was for the medication but I only had to use it once.

I was up immediately walking and I felt this overpowering sense of empowerment. I didn't have any issues after surgery, in fact I was very disciplined and committed to my exercise program and my new eating habits. It was so rewarding to see the changes in my appearance and in my attitude. Each week I pushed myself to do something more challenging in my workout and try new things. I continued to write each day in my journal that I started. I remember one day after working driving by IGT where there is a walking trail behind it and it had a hill and I remember saying to myself, "Wow, wouldn't it be cool to be able to one day climb up that and reach the top?" At that very moment, I made that a goal that within 3 months I would be climbing that hill and I did! During this experience, I have discovered goals that I would set for myself and have achieved every one of them.

I am running and smiling and enjoying life more because of this experience. I no longer hear that little voice that used to tell me that I couldn't do certain physical things but now have this very loud voice saying "yes, you can!" I feel like I can do anything if I put my mind to it. Today I am happy to say that I've gone from weighing 252 pounds to 125 pounds. I've gone from a size 20W to a size 5 and am extremely thankful that I decided to do this for me. This journey is still ongoing and each day, I still have to push myself and keep striving to achieve goals that I set for myself. If there is anything that I can't stress enough is this...weight loss surgery is only a tool and you have to change your behavior in order to be successful. If I can do it, so can you! Love yourself enough to know that you are worth the effort. Embrace the challenges and strive for excellence! Sure, there are setbacks but continue to move forward.

Make sure that you have a good support system and reach out to others that are currently going through it or have gone through it. Their experiences and knowledge are extremely helpful. I wouldn't be where I am today without having that. I can honestly say that this experience and hard work has been worth it. My new goal is to one day attend a seminar and change someone's life by sharing my story!

Anita A.
RNY 12/19/07, Dr. Sasse
Weight Loss: 120 pounds
See Anita's Weight Loss Surgery Before & After Photos

I chose weight loss surgery for several reasons. I wanted to get my life healthy for my loves ones, friends and especially myself. The process prior to surgery wasn't bad. There were some things I didn't want to do like blood work, I can't stand the sight of needles, but if you want something bad enough, you'll do anything to get it! There were only good things for the outcome. It's been a great journey and I wouldn't change anything! I just wish I would have got my health back on track a lot sooner in life!

The only concern I had prior to surgery was if I was going to make it through the procedure. I did without any complications or problems thanks to my wonderful surgeon, Dr. Ganser. Since surgery, I've had nothing but success. I've lost about 75% of my excess body weight in one year and life's been great! I enjoy life and look forward to each day. I'm very thankful and grateful for this wonderful new tool and my new life. Thank you for giving me my life back, Western Bariatric.

David A.
RNY 1/24/07, Dr. Ganser
Weight Loss: 205 pounds
See David's Weight Loss Surgery Before and After Photos

To be honest, surgery was my last resort. By the time I made the decision to have it, I knew it was right for me and there was no turning back. In a way, I am glad I had to pay for it myself. I didn't have to jump through all the insurance company hoops and having to spend that much of my own money makes me value it all the more. I had to take out a loan to cover it, and I will be paying on it for another 3 years but I will never regret having the surgery!

I have had a wonderful experience with the whole procedure. The doctor's and all the support staff are great. The few times I had difficulties were due to my own inattention to what or how I was eating. I was and am determined that this will work for me forever! I truly believe that if you want this surgery to work long term, you must be willing to do whatever it takes! Mental and physical changes must take place or you will be back to the exact same spot.

Kathy B.
Gastric Banding 7/7/06, Dr. Sasse
Weight Loss: 108 pounds
See Kathy's Weight Loss Surgery Before and After Photos

I chose the gastric bypass versus the Lap-Band because I knew I had a better chance of getting rid of my diabetes. I guess I was really lucky and didn't have a lot of complications. I had a lot of bowel issues after surgery, but I also had my gallbladder. I also had a fast weight loss and after only 13 months, I was lucky enough to have met my goal and got to have plastic surgery to remove 18 pounds of excess skin. Once that was gone, I could finally start seeing the new thin me emerging and my mind started to grasp the concept that this new thin person was really me. I can't really explain in words how the surgery has changed my life, but I never want to go back to the old me.

I would go through this again, it was worth it for me, bit I am highly motivated. I walked 5 days a week before I went back to work. I wanted to be a good role model for my daughter. I never want her to have to make such a drastic choice. With the support of family, good friends, and caring staff members, I would encourage anyone considering the surgery to do it after their own research and soul searching. I also have had a great therapist to help me work out some of the body issues and make sure I don't substitute one addiction to another. It all comes down to one thing...You! Do it for yourself!

Alyse C.
RNY 6/13/06, Dr. Kozar
Weight Loss: 198 pounds
See Alyse's Weight Loss Surgery Before and After Photos

Several things brought me to weight loss surgery. My health was not good. I had allergies and asthma; acid reflux with a hiatal hernia; obstructive and severe central sleep apnea; anxiety, depression and panic attacks; I had poor circulation in my arms and legs along with Fibromialgia. My legs would just give out on me and I would fall. I have osteo-arthritis in my back causing chronic pain. I was walking with a cane for balance. I was really tired of being fat. Tired of how you feel when you don't fit in a chair or having to squeeze between the seat and the steering wheel of the forklift at work or in my car. Tired of the rude comments by strangers and laughs when you can not do something because of your size. Most of all tired of feeling "invisible." The more weight I gained, the more I was ignored.

Insurance approval was a big challenge. I was denied twice. First for not having a 6 month monitored diet and exercise program done (I did ask about this ahead of time and was told it was not required). The second denial said they did not cover the Lap-Band surgery (a friend of mine had the Lap-Band a year before on our insurance). Dr. Sasse approved of me changing to Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and I was approved. You need a lot of patience in some cases. I began my weight loss journey with my informational meeting in December, 2005. I was finally approved and had my surgery on February 28, 2007. I finally approved and had my surgery on February 28, 2007. The surgery was easier than I had thought. I had heard all kinds of horror stories of how painful it was and how long the healing process was. I did not have a bad experience. My biggest problem was the arthritis in my back flared up from being on the operating room table. The nurses and Dr. Sasse were great. I began losing weight the first week and continue to lose but at a slower rate now.

My portion sizes have changed dramatically. I eat between ผ and ฝ cup of food per meal and snacks. My taste for some food has changed. Everyone is different but I can not eat rice, pasta and some beans. Sometimes I get in a hurry and forget to chew, chew, chew. I do a lot of walking. I try to walk 2 – 3 times a week at lunch and then I use my treadmill at home too. I have tons of energy now. Dr. Sasse fixed my hiatal hernia during surgery so my acid reflux is gone. My obstructive sleep apnea has improved and circulation problems improve with each pound I lose. My depression is gone and I have not had a panic attack in over a year. Weight loss surgery is not a cure all. I still have chronic pain in my back and my central sleep apnea is still there. You have to commit to changing your life. I try to eat healthy, get my protein in first and take my vitamins daily. I really want my success to continue and only I can make that happen.

Deborah H.
RNY 2/28/07, Dr. Sasse
Weight Loss: 77 pounds
See Debby's Weight Loss Surgery Before and After Photos

I have struggled with my weight for most of my life. I tried about every diet and weight loss gimmick imaginable. Some worked, some didn't! But even though I'd lose 20 or 40 pounds, it always found its way back. The yo-yo effect, up and down. I was diagnosed with type II diabetes about seven or so years ago, as well as high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Even though I was taking prescriptive medications, I couldn't get these comorbidites under control and my weight continued to creep back again. At my highest weight, I weighed 264 pounds. I lost 64 pounds and kept it off for a few years.

Then I started gaining and before I knew it, I packed on 30 pounds. In June of 2006, I decided to talk to my primary care physician about gastric bypass surgery. He agreed that it would help me with my health issues as well as the weight issue, so he wrote a referral letter to Western Bariatric Institute. After that, I attended the weight loss surgery seminar. Then I got an appointment with Dr. Ganser. He made me feel comfortable and discussed everything including the pros and cons about the various types of surgeries available. He recommended the RNY for me, which I decided was right for me. After that, I had to be cleared for my surgery through a heart doctor, a psychologist, and a nutritionist. I wasn't rushed through the process. Every effort was made to ensure that I was in the best health possible before Doctor Ganser would schedule surgery. The whole process took about 4 months. I had great faith in Dr. Ganser and I knew he would do a great job, which he did.

My stay in the hospital consisted of two nights. When I left the hospital, I was off all prescriptive medications. I took eleven days off work and that was it. I work in an office, so I didn't have to do anything strenuous. I was very blessed in that I never had any complications at all. Dr. Ganser is wonderful! My life is so much happier and healthier now. I believe having a good mindset going into this type of surgery helps immensely. Life is good! I am currently 163 pounds and working on losing about 10 more!

Rita P.
RNY 11/8/06, Dr. Ganser
Weight Loss: 70 pounds
See Rita's Weight Loss Surgery Before and After Photos

I was 34 years old and felt like I was going on 60 years old! I was short of breath, I had high blood pressure, depression, sleep apnea, pre-diabetes, sore/achy muscles and bones, and that was just the physical! Emotionally, I was self-conscious, embarrassed by the way I looked and how I dressed. I was frustrated by the fact that I couldn't run and play and do things with my children. I was living a vicious circle. I wanted to exercise but was too fat and unhealthy. I was afraid of dying of a heart attack and it literally hurt. If I didn't exercise, I would never be healthy.

I really wanted to lose weight without surgery but I had failed so many times on diets and I felt like my life was passing me by and I wasn't living, I was dying. It took me five years to finally have the courage to have the surgery. Then I was denied by my insurance. Dr. Ganser was wonderful and challenged the insurance and got the surgery covered. I was very nervous about having to give up food. Food was a joy to me. I loved eating, loved the taste, smell, everything. I hated the sensation of being hungry. I was hoping that the surgery would help me feel full sooner and relieve the pain of hunger.

The surgery was fine. My pain medication didn't work in the hospital but once I was on liquid pain medicine, I did great! I was very compliant. I did everything that I was asked to do. I am now two and a half years post surgery and my "dumping syndrome" has diminished. I can eat everything except ice cream and milk shakes. I still "dump" when I eat more than about 20 grams of sugar. I can eat more and I have to be very careful. I now have to worry about gaining the weight back. I have never touched soda pop, coffee, tea, or alcohol since surgery. I use my surgery as a tool. I still can't eat as much as I could before surgery.

I did not take the decision to have this surgery lightly and I would not recommend it to someone that could not be disciplined enough to handle it. I plan on continuing my weight loss. I did have a baby 7 months ago and gained a little, but have every intention to continue losing.

Katie S.
RNY 7/3/05, Dr. Ganser
Weight Loss: 130 pounds
See Katie's Weight Loss Surgery Before and After Photos

Prior to surgery, I had been on every diet known to man, adding weight each time. I came off each diet to a blimp size of 274.5 pounds – ouch! I was convinced the only way to lose the weight and keep it off was with surgery. I wanted the bypass but Dr. Watson convinced me that at my age (66 at the time), I was better for Lap-Band. Since I have had the Lap-Band, I agree with him 100%. Before my surgery, at 274.5 pounds, I was a slug, sat around and did nothing. Now I play with my grandchildren and build things in my shop. I feel like I am 30 years younger!

Dr. Watson has given me a new lease on life. Now at age 67, I feel like I'm 37 after losing all this weight! You have no idea how it feels to be able to go and do things again!

Doug T.
Gastric Band 10/10/06, Dr. Watson
Weight Loss: 75 pounds
See Doug T. WLS Before and After Photos

I know that this surgery is not for everyone but this was the surgery for me! The reason why I wanted the surgery was because I had two small boys, bad health and bad eating habits. Dr. Sasse and his awesome office staff gave me the power to re-invent my life. The very same day I got out of the hospital from having surgery, I started walking. At two weeks, swimming and working out.

I don't need plastic surgery, my body is beautiful and healthy. You will always want to take care of yourself because it is so much easier now. Why would you go through such a major surgery and waste it? I needed to learn about what was good for me to eat and drink.

Almost two years out, I can eat well, but I learned meals, portions, protein, low carb. This surgery gave me the confidence in so many ways to become what I always wanted to be...healthy, happy, energetic and don't forget I'm pretty darn sexy too! I have never been happier with myself ever than at this time in my life right now! Thank you!

Heather T.
RNY 5/22/06, Dr. Sasse
Weight Loss: 127 pounds
See Heather's WLS Before and After Photos