Client Profile: Kathy

Before		After

Kathy's Story:

When I lost my job of five years, I went back to school. After earning a BS in accounting I went on to get my MBA. Prior to finishing my MBA, I wanted to improve my health. I made the decision to have gastric bypass. I knew my body could not continue to maintain an extra 100 pounds for years to come. Family history showed heart attacks, diabetes, strokes, sleep apnea and joint problems. Unless I made some changes, my fate would be similar. I felt I had invested a lot in my school and wanted to advance my career without the complications brought on by my excessive weight. When I interviewed for jobs, I felt employers were less likely to hire someone 100 pounds overweight.

I started my process in May 2007 and within a year accomplished my goal of losing 105 pounds. I went from a size 22/24 to size 8/6, from 254 pounds to 149 pounds. I have maintained my weight by following the recommended program, attending the support group, and staying in touch with my new friends from the group.

Now, I work out three to four times a week and my favorite workout is yoga. I enjoy diving, walking and riding my bike. I walked in my first 5K walk/race -Susan G. Koman --with two of my support group friends and our families. I went on a cruise to the Caribbean and could choose activities without worrying about weight limits. I tried rock climbing. I did not do well, but I tried getting up that wall three times! More than I would have tried in the past. I feel like I have my life back.

Having the surgery is one of the best gifts I could ever give myself. I am asked all of the time, "would I have the surgery again?" My answer is YES without question!!

Weight lost: 105 pounds.