I have never felt better. I go for walks now for exercise when before, it would have been too painful on my knees and joints. I have more confidence and tremendous support of my family, friends, coworkers and of course, the team of nurses, physicians, surgeons, social workers and dietitians at St. Luke’s.– Tamara
Like so many overweight people, I’ve been on yo-yo diets my whole life, but nothing ever really stuck. When I started to experience weight-related health issues like high blood pressure, pre-diabetes and sleep apnea, I knew it was time to take things seriously. I found the St. Luke’s program through internet research and a referral from my doctor. When discussing the possibility of gastric bypass with my doctor, I shared my fears about going through this kind of surgery at my age, but after all of my research and consultations, I knew I was in good hands with the highly skilled bariatric surgeons at St. Luke’s so I wanted to proceed.
Barely a month after surgery, I could see a significant change in my body and clothes. But more than that, surgery gave me a new outlook on life. For so many years, I had resigned myself to the fact that I was just going to be fat. Now, I see how ridiculous that was! I had to realize, that yes, I can control this, this is not being “done” to me. I have never felt better. I go for walks now for exercise when before, it would have been too painful on my knees and joints. I have more confidence and tremendous support of my family, friends, coworkers and of course, the team of nurses, physicians, surgeons, social workers and dietitians at St. Luke’s.
My advice for anyone considering surgery? If you are struggling and unsuccessful in losing weight and you are serious about maintaining a healthy lifestyle, you should go for it! I LOST with St. Luke’s and GAINED happiness within myself!