I had my surgery in 2006, so I am almost 12 years out. Before I started the process, I weighed 320 pounds at one point. I had injured my knee as a teenager playing softball, and years of carrying my weight coupled with a few more injuries to it had left me slipping on custom-made knee braces to get out of bed. I was wearing sneakers to work with my suits and still was experiencing a lot of pain. My doctor told me if I didn't get the weight off and keep it off, I'd be in a "scooter" by the time I was 40. He recommended I look at gastric surgery as an option, so I did.

I went for my initial consultation and felt at ease with Dr. Sebastien and all the staff at the office. As we walked through the process, I felt like every detail was considered to be sure that I would be safe during the surgery and healthy after it. I went to the weekly check ins and did everything I was supposed to (ok well, maybe a few little slip ups here and there.) I felt healthier going into the surgery than I had in a long time, and I was already out of my knee braces. In the process of doing all the required testing for surgery, it was discovered that I have another life-threatening condition that is easily controlled with medication. This would never have been discovered without this testing.

After the surgery, I initially lost 150 pounds, but over several years, I leveled out to about 195 (125 loss), which is a good weight for me, and I have maintained it for many years. I never felt embarrassed about my weight as I am from a large family, and it was just part of who we are. I just got to the point where my knee pain was impacting my daily function and working. Since the surgery and weight loss, I have had none of those issues! I can dance, walk, exercise--all things that caused me pain before, and I am so thankful!