Weight Loss Surgery Testimonials - Los Angeles and Orange County
"My journey through bariatric by-pass surgery has been an extremely positive experience. My overall health, especially my blood pressure, has greatly improved. The surgery is definitely a life commitment, but it has been made easier with the help from informative senimars, monthly support group meetings and the outstanding doctors and staff from California Bariatric Associates."
- Sandy Coker
"My gastric bypass procedure has literally saved my life. How do I know? I know because the path that I was on prior to my procedure was going to be one short trip to a life besieged by medical problems. I was truly a prisoner of my own body and I finally got parole, never to return there again. The final straw that broke the back was falling asleep at the wheel of my car on the freeway with my children with me. Due to my excessive obesity, I had extremely dangerous sleep apnea which put me into moments of sudden sleep. When I realized what had happened, and fortunately nothing disastrous, I knew that my weight had not only become a problem for me but a potential life threatening event for the ones that I love the very most. Quite a sobering and eye awakening experience.
When I went in for my consultation in March of 2008, I was 418 pounds, but I know I was even heavier before that. As of this writing in April 2011, I fluctuate between 200 and 210 pounds depending on my work out schedule. I was very fortunate that I had a "favorable" post surgical outcome. I had no dumping or any real complications from the procedure. Sure I had some moments of stomach discomfort at times, variable on learning the new foods which I could or could not eat but it's all part of the learning process as you begin your "new life" where you become the master of food and not its slave. I have realized that you can not only transform the person that you see in the mirror every day, but also the person that every one else who meets, knows, and loves you sees. Some people will say, "you cheated the weight loss process" or "you didn't do it on your own, you took the quick way out". Those people know not of what they speak because they have probably never walked in your shoes. I looked at my bypass as a tool, not a quick fix or instant problem solver. I looked at it like driving a car to a specific destination. My destination was a healthy lifestyle and increased longevity, the car was just one way of getting me there. Once you're there, the car is of no consequence, but what you do when you get there is all up to you. I've learned that daily exercise, proper portion control, times and frequencies of the day that I eat, healthier food choices, have made my destination a veritable Shangri La. I wouldn't have been able to get there without the car, see? I know the thought of getting this procedure or any other is scary. What's more scary is the thought of what pending issues I would have had if I had not done it. It's all about a lifestyle change and if you are willing to embrace it. I can say with no reservations, outside of my children, the single best thing I've ever done. Always remember that it's a marathon not a sprint. People don't become obese overnight, so getting back takes time and effort but it's all worth it for a new life.
My surgeon was Dr. Bengt Pehrsson and I personally owe him and his staff my life. Without them, none of this would have been possible. I was treated with respect and kindness and they all made me feel as comfortable and confident in decision that I was making to pursue a healthier life. From my consultation with Linda, to my surgical procedure, to my post surgical phone talks with the nutritionist, to my follow up visits, they are at the pinnacle of their profession. They have always answered my questions and helped me with requests, even years later if you can believe that. The doctors and staff take personal interest and so supportive of all of their patients as they take their journey of transformation and your inevitable success. If you're thinking about whether or not you should get the procedure, please take my advice and go to California Bariatric to speak with any of the fine doctors and support staff. They are professionals with the experience and knowledge to help you reach your ultimate goal, to start a healthy new life. They are so much like a family and they will make you feel like a part of their family too."
- Blake Nagel
