Testimonials
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Kelly O
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"I no longer have sleep apnea or asthma and I am enjoying my life to the fullest!"
Date of Surgery: October 04, 2004
Weight Loss: 128 lbs.
My journey with Gastric Bypass surgery began on 8/26/04 when I attended an evening seminar regarding this subject. I had done a lot of research and was convinced that this was the best solution for permanent weight loss for myself. I am 5'6" tall and weighed 268 lbs. I am a Type 1 diabetic, which requires insulin injections. I was injecting myself up to seven times daily using a total of 180 units of both short-acting and long-acting insulin. I had elevated cholesterol levels (281), asthma, sleep apnea and had developed plantar fasciitis in both of my feet from my obesity. I was on so many prescription medications for these conditions that my medicine cabinet was just that - a medicine cabinet!
While I was at the seminar we were informed that Southern Oregon Bariatric Center did not, at this time, accept Medicare patients. Well, I was a Medicare patient and was deeply disappointed. I did not with to go to Klamath Falls for my surgery as I felt that the Southern Oregon Bariatric Center had a much better program. It included a six-week period that would prepare me for the surgery and the lifetime commitment that was needed to be a successful weight loss patient.
After the seminar was over, I went over and introduced myself to the surgeon, David Traul, and spoke with him regarding Medicare. He told me that he was unsure when or if they would begin accepting Medicare patients. I replied with, "Well, I will just have to keep checking until you do!" I left that evening greatly disappointed, but determined that this was the correct decision for my weight loss success.
The next morning I received a call from Kathleen, who is the program coordinator. She wanted to know the circumstances of my being on Medicare at such a young age (I was 45 at the time). I explained that my obesity had caused my diabetes to become increasingly out of control and I had to take an early medical retirement from my job. This also caused me to receive Social Security benefits as a disabled adult, causing me to have Medicare be my primary insurance.
Kathleen then asked me to wait for a call back from her as she was going to inform the surgeons of my circumstances. She called me back and stated, "We're On!!" I WAS THE FIRST MEDICARE PATIENT!!!! I was ecstatic and we began making all of the appropriate appointments, i.e., psychological evaluations, nutritionist, and the fitness appointments. For the next six weeks, I was busy non-stop. I knew that I was going to give this 110 percent of my time and energy so that I would have long-term success.
My surgery date was set for October 4, 2004 at 8:00 a.m. I was so nervous!! My husband was with me through everything, as well as Kathleen. I went into surgery and the next thing I knew I was waking up and it was over! Hallelujah!! I began walking the halls of the hospital at 11:00 p.m. That night - just twelve hours after the surgery - and have never looked back. I had no complications and followed each and every rule I was supposed to - exercise, no grazing, vitamins, water, and protein first!!!
I lost 13 pounds my first week and 30 pounds by the end of my first month! At six weeks I was walking four miles each day and had lost 45 pounds. After six months I had lost 85 pounds and as of this date I have lost 128 pounds: my weight is 140 pounds and I wear a size 8. When I went into the hospital I was wearing a size 26!!!
My health has improved so dramatically that I am back to work as the Director of Childcare at the World Fitness Gym in Paso Robles, California. I love my job and enjoy running after children every day! Prior to my surgery, I could barely walk down to the mailbox without getting out of breath. I am currently on one injection daily of long-acting insulin and am only using 20 units. My blood sugars are in great control and my cholesterol levels are now 180. I no longer have sleep apnea or asthma and I am enjoying my life to the fullest.
My husband, who was also obese but not sure about the surgery process is now seven weeks out from his surgery and has lost 47 pounds!!!
NOTE: Effective February 20, 2006 Medicare now requires facilities to have a certain certification in order for Medicare to pay for their members to have bariatric surgery. We do not yet have that certification and regret that we cannot currently accept Medicare patients.
Koni McCollum
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Obesity runs in my family, mom is 65 years old and 276 pounds. She has diabetes, high blood pressure, along with several other comorbidities. She can hardly walk, and I knew that was going to be me 20 years down the road. One year and four months after gastric bypass, I am feeling GREAT! I am healthier that I have ever been. I can breathe and I can walk! I am enjoying my new nicknames, such as "hottie" and "petite." Looking over my before pictures I realized that I didn't realize (does that make sense?) how big I had gotten. I am so glad that I have committed to making the life change, and know that when I am 65 years old that I will be walking, dancing, and enjoying life!
Lisa S
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I spent many years of my adult life engaged in the Battle of Weight Loss. I can honestly say there isn't any diet I haven't tried. For many years I believed that if I tried harder, exercised longer or found the right doctor. I could reach my goals.
In my Late 40's I had a great Job, a Loving Husband, and Wonderful Home. But I was still 100 pounds overweight and very discouraged. By this time I was beginning to Experience Health Problems. I was tired all the time, had high cholesterol, and was told I had Type 2 Diabetes.
In April of 2006 My daughter had Gastric Bypass Surgery and I saw first hand how she had changed. I was still convinced that I could do this without surgery. It wasn't until I met a girl in a retail store who told me of her results and how the surgery had reversed her diabetes that my
opinion changed. This got my attention.
I began to do research and Look at Southern Oregon Bariatric Center's (SOBC) website. The testimonials inspired me. I also went to several seminars and discovered the most complete program at SOBC. My husband and I then discussed, "How could we make this Happen?"
Our insurance did not cover the surgery. By the Grace of God we were able to finance the surgery. It was money well spent to ensure a healthy life. I consider it a Life Insurance...Policy...
On February 13, 2007 I had the surgery without any complications. My husband and I entered into the adventure as Partners. Within 6 months my diabetic medications had gone from 9 pills and a shot a day down to 1 or 2 pills a day and now is completely manageable.
Ben Gardner
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Mission: Remission!
Three years ago Ben Gardener weighed 465 pounds, was living with type 2 diabetes, and was convinced that his life would be significantly shortened if he didn’t take immediate action.
The action he took led him to Southern Oregon Bariatric Center at Rogue Valley Medical Center. He learned that obese individuals with type 2 diabetes who undergo weight-loss surgery to reduce the size of their stomachs are five times more likely to see their diabetes go into complete remission than patients who receive standard diabetes care. After carefully evaluating his options, he chose surgery.
To prepare for the surgery, Ben worked with a trainer to develop a workout program as well as with a dietitian to rethink his eating habits. He also joined a weight-loss support group.
Ben’s surgery was successful. Not only did his diabetes disappear but so did 200 pounds! At 55 Ben feels like a new man and looks forward to enjoying thousands of tomorrows.
To learn more about weight-loss surgery, call 1-877-404-SOBC or visit www.sobariatrics.com/ .
Jodi R.
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"Never once did I question my decision to go through the surgery."
Highest Weight Before Surgery: 312 lbs.
Date of Surgery: April 05, 2005
Most Recent Reported Weight: 159 lbs.
What an incredible year this has been. Just to think that I was 312 lbs back then and had Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure that just wouldn't go down no matter what medicine I took, aches and pains everywhere, and the feeling of hopelessness towards ever losing weight. I didn't have a clue that we had such an amazing group of doctors and staff that had the knowledge and expertise to make my life so wonderful.
I feel blessed now, totally blessed that I had the opportunity to go through this Gastric Bypass surgery and come out of it feeling like a new woman with the freedom, and I do mean freedom to do whatever I want without the worry that I am being watched and criticized. (That is what obese people feel: That the whole world is watching and criticizing them). I have the energy of a young woman. Nothing can stop me now, seriously. I've individually remodeled my bathroom, tore out all the carpet in the house and can jump on my new 4-wheel quad and play at the drop of the hat. Life is GOOD!
In this year, never once did I question my decision to go through the surgery. Wonderful Dr. Eaton promised me that I would come out of it healthy and he kept his word. You can't even see the five tiny scars on my stomach where the surgery was done. The whole process from the beginning to the surgery date was organized perfectly. Kathleen did it all. She called the insurance, organized the other meetings with the dietician, the exercise coordinator, and the psychologist. She loves what she does and it shows. What a magnificent person to have on your side, wanting only the best for each of us. I thank her from the bottom of my heart.
The fun part is buying new clothes. I was a 25-28 and now an 8-10. To date, I've lost 143 lbs and will continue to lose another 10 or so at a slower pace. The weight just poured off.
One important thing that I wanted surgery to do was for me to be an inspiration to my daughter. Her first appointment is scheduled this week and I think I am more excited for her than I was for myself. My husband can't stop telling everyone about the surgery. He's so proud of me for taking the stand to become healthy.
Coni C.
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"It is without a doubt the best thing I have ever done for myself."
Highest Weight Before Surgery: 242 lbs.
Date of Surgery: April 05, 2005
Most Recent Reported Weight: 125 lbs.
At 55, I have my life back. A year ago April, I weighed 242 lbs, had very high blood pressure (was on three kinds of meds for this and still couldn't get it down), high cholesterol and was working at knee replacement surgery. With a family history of diabetes and heart disease, my future was not looking very bright.
I started my first diet at 13 years of age and was a yo-yo dieter since. I would lose the weight, but never keep it off or get down to where I need to stay for very long.
Mid-February 2005, I went to the bariatric seminar and met Dr. Eaton and Kathleen and the rest is history. To date, I have lost 114 lbs. I have so much energy and my health is completely turned around. I can keep up with all my family when we go camping and ATVing and I enjoy working in the yard again.
My surgery and recovery were a good experience and I would do it again in a heartbeat. It is without a doubt the best thing I have ever done for myself. I would like to give special thank you to Dr. Eaton, Kathleen and all the staff for their support and caring during this life-changing process.
Peggy S.
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"From the first phone call to SOBC I knew the program was for me."
Date of Surgery: July 20, 2004
Weight Loss: 105 lbs.
On July 20, 2004 my life would change forever...I had Gastric Bypass surgery on that date. I had high blood pressure, high cholesterol, high blood sugars and aching joints. I had tried every diet possible and had lost and regained hundreds of pounds. I had struggled with my weight for 30 years and desperately needed help.
From the very first phone call to SOBC, I knew this was the program for me. The six weeks before my surgery were invaluable to me. I received nutritional counseling, physical therapy, exercise instruction and constant support from the program coordinator, Kathleen. I was expected to weight, change eating habits and exercise, new healthy habits were formed long before my surgery. I was learning how to take care of myself and listen to my body's needs, something I had totally ignored for years.
Surgery date arrived; Kathleen stayed with me until surgery and was back that night to check on me again. The staff at RVMC were outstanding, a special staff trained to care for gastric bypass patients. After my surgery I have continued to receive care. Help is always a phone call away whether it be the nutritionist, counselor or physical therapist.This surgery isn't an "easy way out or quick fix." You are given a tool, lots of education, support and compassion but — you have to be willing to do the work.
This surgery has totally changed my life. I no longer need medications, I have low blood pressure, cholesterol and sugars and my joints no longer ache. I am able to swim, hike, ski, bike and play tennis activities I hadn't been able to participate in 25 years. I have a new body, new outlook on life and unlimited energy.
I have the tools, I do the work but I am so thankful for the wonderful staff at SOBC for all their care, compassion, support and expertise.
July 20, 2004 was truly the first day of the rest of my life.
Mary B.
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"Thank you Southern Oregon Bariatric for giving me my life back!"
Highest Weight Before Surgery: 237 lbs.
Date of Surgery: Sept, 2005
Most Recent Reported Weight: 135 lbs.
My life has been a roller coaster ride of weights up and down. I was heavy as a child, teased mercilessly and nagged by my whole family to lose weight. I am now the smallest one in my whole family! I have done almost all the weight loss programs out there from Atkins, South Beach, Nutri System, Diet Center, Weight Watchers, low cal, low carb, starvation, etc.
At about age 30 I began to have the medical problems obese people have. I was diagnosed with Type II diabetes. As the years pushed on I was diagnosed with high blood pressure, high cholesterol, edema, incontinence, sleep apnea and other problems.
Three years ago I was diagnosed with Lupus. The excess weight I carried aggravated the Lupus joint swelling and pain. I was in a "Catch 22" situation as I needed to exercise to lose weight but the Lupus joint pain prevented me from doing so. I can now walk, play, exercise and have fun without the excruciating pain.
I spoke with my doctor regarding weight loss surgery and he recommended I go to the seminar to get more information. He also told me if I didn't lose weight, my years were numbered.
I met Kathleen at the seminar and she was very helpful and informative. The seminar opened my eyes to what goes on behind the surgery, the good and the bad and the chance I would have to improve my life, health and well being.
After many discussions with my husband, children and family I decided I was not ready to "check out of this world" just yet and decided to go ahead with the surgery. Kathleen spent a great deal of time and energy working with my insurance companies to secure approval. It came down to two weeks before my scheduled surgery when the insurance approval came through. THANK YOU, KATHLEEN.
Dr. Eaton (who also performed my daughter's emergency appendectomy) was my choice of surgeon. He is very kind, informative and supportive...and he listens to me! YOU ARE ONE OF A KIND, DR. EATON!
I would not change the way things transpired, the choice to have this life saving surgery and the results since the surgery. It has been great to go clothes shopping for other than women's clothing. I went from a size 2X to a size 8 in less than 7 months. At 5'5" I weighed 237 lbs before surgery and today I waffle between 135 and 140. I was able to drop 8 medications from the day of surgery and have not looked back! WOO HOO! I AM ECSTATIC! I feel so much better; I have more energy and recently was able to complete a 4 mile hike along the Oregon Coast without effort.
THANK YOU SOUTHERN OREGON BARIATRIC FOR GIVING ME MY LIFE BACK!
Doug G.
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"It's A Wonderful Life"
Highest Weight Before Surgery: 420 lbs.
Date of Surgery: Dec. 2007
Most Recent Reported Weight: 275 lbs.
I found myself just going through the motions at work and then retreating to my home. I found myself never going out with friends because of the fears I had over the thought of not fitting in a restaurant booth, a movie theater seat, or an amusement park ride. There were even times that friends would offer to fly me out for vacations, but I found myself in anxiety knowing that I could not fit in an airline seat without asking for a seat belt extension. The lack of involvement with friends or family due to these fears caused me to find security within my own home, where I struggled even with common everyday activities. I attempted to accept the pain I was having in my knee, the shortness of breath, and looking for a chair to rest my back.
The day I realize I needed professional help started out as a normal workday for me. I struggled to get ready that morning, knowing that I had a home inspection scheduled for that afternoon. During my inspection, I fell outside at the rear of the property, and when several attempts to lift myself off the ground were not successful, I crawled over to the exterior siding of the home and lifted myself up using the windowsill. It was then I was shown that through all the stubbing in my life with my weight problems, I picked myself up for the last time. That afternoon I made the call to the Southern Oregon Bariatric Center and scheduled my attendance at the seminar.
During the efforts of completing my presurgery appointments, I realized on April 1, 2007, that I was no longer a fool-a fool to think that I could get a handle on my weight without the professional assistance of this program. I was a fool not knowing that my weight escalated to 420 pounds and a fool to think that this was good for me.
Since my surgery on May 2, 2007, I have lost 145 pounds and 18 inches on my waist. I find myself more active today than I have been in years. I am not sure I can convey to those reading this article the emotion I felt when I played golf for the first time in three years or the day I was able to sit in a restaurant booth. This past summer I had the opportunity to fly back east to visit friends whom I had not seen in years. What a joy it was when I did not need the assistance of a seat belt extension!
I know that I may not be a professional writer in conveying to you what I feel at this moment, but as we approach this holiday season I am reminded of one of my favorite movies: It's a Wonderful Life. As I look back at the decision to have gastric bypass surgery, I now know it was the right decision-one that has given me a new and wonderful life.