Success Story
LISA H.
Middletown, Ohio
Surgery Patient
(May, 2007)
Over 140 lbs. lost after 1.5 years
Lisa had weight problems beginning in early childhood. In fact, as a youngster her mom enrolled her in diet clinics and hospital weight-loss programs. Among the many hardships she faced while growing up were doing poorly in sports and not being asked to school dances. She recalls suffering through her early years with low self esteem and little self confidence.
As with many overweight children, Lisa’s poor self image carried over into adulthood and affected her career. She never felt “good enough” and people often took advantage of her. Not willing to give up, she tried Weight Watchers and a number of fad diets. Her efforts were usually rewarded by losing a few pounds, but soon she would gain them back.
Lisa’s decision to get serious about losing weight came in an instant while playing tag with her 5 and 7-year-old daughters. Try as she might, she couldn't catch her 7-year-old. She realized how pathetic it was not being able to keep up with a little kid. She spent the rest of the day depressed, knowing full-well something had to change! But how? Diets didn’t work. She guessed genetics might be working against her since women in her family had a history of weight and health issues. The thought of being overweight and unhealthy as she grew older was deeply troubling.
Her interest in bariatric surgery came from a co-worker who spoke highly of Dr. Anderson and New Life Weight Loss Surgery Center. What especially appealed to Lisa was that the fellow employee had achieved her weight-loss goal and seemed quite happy. Lisa’s interest escalated when she met with a few more of Dr. Anderson’s patients who had nothing but good things to say.
Since her surgery in May of 2007, Lisa has consistently met her weight loss goals: To lose 100 lbs. by her birthday in October (5 months later); to weigh 150 lbs. a year after surgery; and to actually get down to 140 lbs. These days her weight ranges between 140 and 145 lbs.
Life for Lisa after bariatric surgery has dramatically changed for the better! “My self esteem and self confidence have skyrocketed,” she exclaimed. Those positive feelings and associated emotions have carried over into new friendships and greater respect at work. Lisa even admitted that her husband looks differently at her now, which she likes a lot. “I have much more energy and my house is a lot cleaner. That in itself makes me happier,” she said.
And what about keeping up with her daughters – the original reason for losing weight? “I can now run and play with my children and we frequently have foot races. Sometimes I let them win,” she boasts.
“As a fat person, I felt invisible. Now that I’m thin, people smile at me. They take me more seriously. They listen to me and take me at my word. I feel like a normal person and finally accepted. I hold my head up higher.”Lisa
