Deanna K.

I didn’t have a life at 5ft 2in, 481 pounds. I still held a 40-hour-a-week job but barely. I could get to work and home but never had the energy to do anything else. Even my hygiene suffered. I calculated every step I took. If it wasn’t necessary, I didn’t do it. High blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, and weight-bearing joint pain never ended.

I was considering surgery when I heard about weight-loss surgery in 2000 when the gastric bypass was my only option. I went to consults, but because of some health issues and the death of my husband, it took me a while to be able to have it. I feel like it just wasn’t my time then, and now, with the less invasive sleeve surgery, it was the perfect time for me.

I love the whole team. Everyone was so helpful and friendly. Every step of the way was a positive experience. The aftercare is what surprises me. The entire team is still right there for me.

Six months out, and I’m down to 360 lbs. So many things have changed. Non-scale victories every day. I have started taking all the overtime I can get at work. I go shopping without riding a cart. Anyone who knows me knows shopping is my favorite sport. I’m off all my diabetic meds and reduced my blood pressure meds. I used a walking cane for long distances and didn’t have to use it anymore. I couldn’t fasten my seatbelt. I would just put it around me to make it look like it was buckled in. I can not only buckle it, but I have PLENTY of room too. With all these non-scale victories, I can’t wait for another 100 lbs to come off.