Patient Testimonials

Carolyn's Story

Kathy's Story, Part 1

Kathy's Story, Part 2

Mike's Story

Blake

After high school, I made some lifestyle choices that would change the way I look, and feel about myself. In just a few years I went from weighing 245 pounds to 636 pounds. I was depressed. What little self-confidence I had, just disappeared.

Fortunately, I reached a turning point in 2008. My sister became pregnant and a close friend of mine also was pregnant. I wanted to be a part of their lives. And I knew if I kept going down the road I was on, my time with them might be short.

I asked my doctor if there was a way I could lose weight, improve my health and take back my life. He told me about Memorial Weight Loss and Bariatric Surgery Center. Going to Memorial was the best decision of my life. The Memorial Weight Loss team took their time in meeting with me and understanding where I had been and where I had wanted to go. They make you take ownership in your weight loss. I was even involved in creating my weight-loss plan. I never felt alone on my journey, but it was my journey and they gave me the tools and knowledge to transform my life.

On July 29, 2009 I underwent the sleeve gastrectomy surgery. A little more than a year later, because of the surgery, better eating habits and plenty of exercise, I have lost 339 pounds.

People who’ve known me for years don’t recognize me because I’ve lost so much weight. They’re shocked. It’s amazing.

As a reminder of how far I’ve come, I keep the 6XL sweatshirt I used to wear when I was more than 600 pounds. That sweatshirt is who I used to be. Now I’m the guy who uses the elliptical machine, who eats grapes, drinks water and who wears a 1XL.

I’m no longer depressed. My confidence is back. I feel great, and I have more energy than ever before. Thank you Memorial for what you did – I became the person I wanted to be.

Rita

Like many others, I had battled obesity my entire life. When my weight ballooned to the highest weight ever, I also acquired health issues like hypertension, high cholesterol and diabetes. Making the decision to have weight loss surgery was not a easy one and I knew it required a lifetime commitment. I felt more and more confidant leading up to my surgery date as the staff at the center answered all my questions, provided me the training, education and abundance of support to accomplish what I once thought was impossible. June 6.2007 was a new beginning for me after having RNY gastric bypass. Three months post surgery, I was removed from all prescription meds and I am still med free 2 years post op. One of the things that surprised me with weight loss was not knowing what I was missing. When you are overweight, it simply becomes your way of life and you know no other way or what struggles that the weight is stopping you from achieving. A big Thanks to Dr. Credi and the staff at the Center, I am now able to enjoy life instead of watching on the sidelines like I did when I was living large. It means more to me than you could ever know and with your continued support, I know I will not be living on the sidelines again!
Thanks again,
Rita

Laura

I never thought that I would feel as GREAT as I do today. My surgery was on October 1st, 2008 and to date I have lost 105 pounds. I went from wearing size 20/22 to a size 8/10. SINGLE DIGITS! IT IS AMAZING! This has been, and continues to be, a life changing journey and I am constantly learning and embracing my new life. Dr Credi, Julie (the best dietitian EVER) and the staff at Memorial Weight Loss & Bariatric Surgery Center are all absolutely wonderful. They all made, and kept, a promise to be with me every step of the way. They each will see, talk or email me whenever I need anything. I have had so much fun doing all the things that I was unable to accomplish in the years past. A friend introduced me to rock climbing and I never imagined I would be able to climb up and touch the ceiling. Because of this surgery, I am soaring to new heights every day!! I try to be a role model for my children and an inspiration to anyone that will listen.

Steve

What about your life has changed since your surgery?

EVERYTHING. My whole life has changed. My attitude, my outlook, the way that I treat people and the way people treat me. I now have the ability to get up and do things that I couldn't do before. I can walk without huffing and puffing. I can participate in ballroom dancing on a consistent basis and even my balance has improved. Health-wise, I'm off all my medications - my joint pain is gone - I'm off my sleep apnea machine. Every aspect of my life has improved because of gastric bypass and my own determination and strength of will.