Weight Loss Success Stories

"I never thought the surgery would change my life as much as it has," Andrea.

“Andrea"

Weight Loss & Nutrition Center Testimonial
Andrea, MercyOne Bariatric Surgery Patient

At the age of 23 Andrea was pre-diabetic and pre-hypertensive, depressed and emotional eating ruled her life. After a lifelong struggle with her weight, she made the life-changing decision to have weight loss surgery at MercyOne.

Now she says “I never thought the surgery would change my life as much as it has. I started at 243 lbs. and now weigh 125 lbs. I was able to keep it off even after having three children after my surgery. I am able to do things I never imagined doing. I can run and play with my kids and have endless energy. I love to swim, walk and have taken up a new found love of kickboxing.

Surgery is definitely not a “fix,” I think it’s a tool and a push to learn how to eat and what to eat in order to gain and maintain your health. It’s not about the number on the scale but about the quality of your health.

Being an example to my children is the most important thing. I owe MercyOne Bariatric Surgery so much. They have changed my life!”

 

"It has been said that being overweight is like having a ticking time bomb inside of you, waiting to go off. All my life I had heard this and to be honest, grown a bit weary of this tired old cliche," Gavin.

“Gavin"

 

Weight Loss & Nutrition Center Testimonial
Gavin, Gastric Sleeve Surgery

However, as quick as it takes to snap one’s fingers it seemed like everything exploded, my A1C was 11.9, my FASTING blood sugar was over 300 and my blood pressure went through the roof. In short, I was now a full blown, type two diabetic. It wasn’t like the warning signs were absent. I just didn’t pay attention or adjust my lifestyle in any way. But still, my rock bottom moment didn’t occur until I was receiving 50 units of insulin daily.

I attended an information meeting at MercyOne Weight Loss and Nutrition Center at the urging of a friend who was a former patient and lost over 100 pounds. I decided on a gastric sleeve procedure and my journey began.

I hit my six week goal without a problem and decided that to succeed, my paradigm would have to totally shift. I decided to pick something so ridiculous to work towards that even though there was no chance of me getting there, it would still be a fun journey and along the way I would reap the health benefits from that endeavor.

It was August and the airwaves were filled with ads for the 2013 Hy-Vee Triathlon, I boldly proclaimed that my ridiculous goal would be to finish all three legs of the Hy-Vee Triathlon in 2014.

I began my training in earnest. Day after day, little by little I trained and got a bit stronger with each workout. Along the way, I lost even MORE weight but I started having a blast with it all and even reacquainted with someone I hadn’t seen in a very long time, ME.

One year, 7 months and 23 days after my gastric sleeve surgery, I crossed the finish line at the Hy-Vee Triathlon. The skills I learned during my weight loss journey served me well in preparing for that difficult task. But by the time I broke the tape at Gray’s Lake, I was down almost 100 pounds, I had completely reshaped my body. All my core health numbers; blood sugar, A1C, cholesterol and blood pressure were at or even BELOW the normal range.

Without fear of exaggeration or hyperbole, I can honestly say that gastric sleeve surgery at MercyOne Weight Loss and Nutrition Center saved my life.

"Choose life; trust others to help without fear, let people in," Beth.

 

Weight Loss & Nutrition Center Testimonial
Beth Wright, Meal Replacement Program

“Beth"

Plagued by feelings of shame, not being acceptanced and fading self-worth I battled being overweight most of my adult life. I repeatedly tried several weight loss programs frustrated with the losing/gaining cycle. The common yo-yoing brought health issues requiring multiple knee and foot surgeries. I became sedentary; my weight spiraling out of control as I sat embarrassed by the look of my body compared to others.

At one of the lowest points of my life three difficult conversations made me face my need for help. In May of 2016, as people close to me saw me stationary in a chair, a loving family member said to me “You have got to get your life back!”

Secondly, an annual visit with my doctor connected my weight issue to yet another needed major surgery. He urged me to contact MercyOne Weight Loss Center for counsel. But the third voice came deep from within saying “Choose life; trust others to help without fear, let people in.” My own faith called me to stretch toward hope.

From my very first visit with the staff at the MercyOne Weight Loss Center, my journey has been amazing! The doctors, nurses, dietitians, counselors and office staff have been so caring and understanding. They always made me feel that my struggles and concerns were important and together I found a plan to overcome my challenges.

The support I needed was always there through a kind word, a hug - even a shove in the right direction when I needed it - and sometimes I did! I was able to take authority over my self-doubts and come to truly believe I am more than a number on a scale, I am strong!

The MercyOne products provided were really easy to use, they taste good and helped me get the results I desperately needed and wanted. In 10 months I’ve lost 86 pounds and gone from a size 22 down to a size 8! I no longer take blood pressure and cholesterol medications! Instead of only getting 2-3 hours of sleep at night, I now sleep 7-8 hours and my sleep apnea has disappeared.

I can’t imagine where my life would be right now if I had not come to the MercyOne Weight Loss clinic. I love how I feel about who I am and what I can do now with the weight off. My life has changed in so many wonderful ways. I move - my sedentary life no longer exists.

Not only do I go up and down stairs with ease, garden for longer periods of time and go camping on the weekends but I walk 5-6 miles, 3-4 times a week, workout with a personal trainer, and enjoy running alongside my grandchildren. I am far more confident with meeting and talking with people because I risked being vulnerable and embraced the journey of change.

I would encourage anyone who has weight to lose to come and visit with the staff at the MercyOne Weight Loss clinic. I have experienced firsthand they can help you put together a program that supports your personal needs and achieve the results you long for.