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Testimonials
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Name of patient: Kathy DeGaine
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I cannot say that gastric bypass surgery is the answer for every person but I can tell you that it was the correct decision for me. Weight loss surgery of any kind, is not a decision to be made at the spur of the moment or without self-directed research. I had actually looked into gastric bypass surgery seven or eight years ago (to the extent of meeting with a surgeon) but decided that the open surgery that was being used at that time was too invasive (you had to be out of work for 8 - 10 weeks). I never let go of the pursuit though and followed the progression of types of weight loss surgery over the next several years while continuing to gain weight.
Before surgery:
I never knew my top weight because my scale only went to 300 lbs. I had to "diet" for about two weeks before my weight could be recorded at 299 lbs. I met with Dr. Asbun at the suggestion of my primary care physician and I knew going in that I would be among the first to have the laparoscopic gastric bypass surgery at John Muir Medical Center, Concord Campus. It turned out that I was actually Dr. Asbun's first patient at John Muir Medical Center, Concord Campus for this particular type of surgery. My surgery was performed on September 9, 2002.
The surgery itself:
You would think that I would have been nervous about having the surgery but I wasn't. From the first day I met Dr. Asbun, I had complete confidence in him. He was the most honest and caring physician that I had ever met. He truly has a compassion for the severely obese and is gifted with an amazing talent to treat us. The surgery itself took approximately six hours. I know that it takes a lot less time than that now but because I was the first patient, he took his time. I was up and walking the same evening (I was on medication though) and the next day I was walking much easier. From the day of my discharge from the hospital forward, I did not require any pain medication however, I was very, very tired!
After surgery:
I was very careful to religiously follow the doctor and hospital's instructions. I took all the vitamins and drank all of the water required. I tried to get all the protein in but that was probably the most difficult part for me. In the beginning, when I was still on liquids and soft foods, I added powder protein supplement to almost everything I consumed so I could meet the protein requirements. Later, I added an extra protein snack to the morning and afternoon because my protein levels were low until I reached about the sixth month mark. The only side effect (besides being tired) was that I was nauseous for approximately the first three months. I equate it with the same feeling I had when I experienced "morning sickness" when I was pregnant with my kids. Even the smell of certain foods could set my stomach churning. I could also take naps "at the drop of a hat".
I have to emphasize that everyone is different... some people lose weight faster than others, some people have many plateau levels, some people have had complications, some people, like me, have had no complications, some people have to exercise more, some people have reactions to certain foods and some people can eat anything (just in smaller portions)! My point here is that there is no such thing as "typical" and it is difficult to predict how your body will react after surgery.
Results:
I lost 104 lbs by my sixth month check up. Since my surgery in September of 2002, I have lost approximately 170 lbs! My weight has been stable for the past three months and fluctuates slightly, between 135 and 137 lbs. Once a size 30/32, I am now a size 6!
How the surgery has affected my life:
For the first time in many years, I feel that I am really living my life instead of just existing.
My health is so much better. I'm no longer a borderline diabetic. All of the important health indicators: blood pressure, cholesterol, protein and mineral levels etc are well within normal limits. I no longer get short of breath climbing stairs or playing golf.
The day-to-day tasks such as fitting into a bathtub, tying my shoes, clipping my toe nails for instance are no longer an effort or embarrassment to me. I am able to engage in normal activities such as fitting into a booth in a restaurant, fastening my seat belt, crossing my legs... I could go on and on, these are all quite minor things in my life today but they were once insurmountable!
I'm also doing new things I never thought possible. I took a motorcycle safety class, obtained my license and bought a Harley. I have put 3,000 miles on my Harley in just six months! I go on amusement rides, go swimming and wear a bathing suit without a tee-shirt cover up and I can garden, bending over without a second thought. At my top weight, I recall kneeling down and literally being unable to pull myself back up!
I will always be grateful to Dr. Asbun for starting this program at John Muir Medical Center, Concord Campus and for giving me my life back. He is truly a gifted surgeon and a caring, compassionate man. My only regret is that this surgery wasn't available to me when I was 30 or even 40, but I am living my life now and that is all that matters. I have the philosophy that you should live for today because you never know what tomorrow will bring. Now, I am truly living not merely existing and hiding under layers of fat.
My hope is that anyone considering this surgery will take a long look at their current health and quality of life. I have never doubted my decision for one minute. This past year has been truly amazing and I am looking forward to many more amazing years to come!
Thanks for reading and best wishes to you.
Kathy DeGaine
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