Five years later, I am still as happy as ever that I made the decision to have surgery! There is not a day that goes by that I don't realize that there are plenty of things I do now that I could not do before! Even with Rheumatoid Arthritis, after losing 207 pounds, I run, skate, exercise, do martial arts with my children and I am constantly getting into more and more activities everyday.

Support Group is still a constant factor and always will be. Being the Support Group Leader allows me to receive as much support from our patients as they receive from me. We all have to support each other. I tell everyone, no matter what weight loss procedure you have, you need to go to an effective support group and LISTEN and LEARN from everyone. Hear the good and bad and be honest with yourself. Any exercise equipment, surgery, pill, diet, or whatever you do to lose weight is a tool, you have to PICK IT UP to use it, it will not work by itself. Then once you reach your goal you have to maintain your new lifestyle.

Having a tool like weight loss surgery allows us to have that constant reminder and restriction, but you still have to use it properly. In this field I see people that use their tool and people that sit back and want it to do all of the work. I give my suggestions and recommendations and pray that people realize that if you have come this far to lose the weight you need to be serious about it and make it work and make it last a lifetime; it is not easy.

The question I get asked all the time is would I do it again--yes--in a heartbeat! I am confident in my decision to have weight loss surgery and I am determined to maintain my weight loss and new lifestyle.

I will continue to tell my story because I believe it is important to "pay it forward" and share your experience with others, I will never be the type to lie and say I did not have weight loss surgery, I am proud of what I have done; and it was my decision. The decision has to be yours and only for you, if you are confident, and know that you have chosen surgical weight loss as your last option for medical necessity; then who cares what others think, they do not walk in your shoes or have your aches and pains.

I appreciate Dr. Clarey and Dr. Bruce for the opportunity to continue to help others as they have helped me. To all of my friends that I have met along the way that attend support group regularly, Stay Motivated, Stay Confident and Use your tool well!!!

After losing 207 pounds, my life continues to make a positive turn. Not only in what I can do, but how I can do it. I am not the only one that has benefited from having Gastric Bypass Surgery, my family has benefited also. Sharing my knowledge of the surgery with others gives me the best feeling inside. My entire family continues to support me, especially my husband, children and best friends.

I never keep the truth from anyone when I am asked about surgery. It is something great that you just want to share with others. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion about surgery, but you have to know for yourself if it is the right decision for you. It is not only a lifestyle change but it is a commitment to yourself that you are reminded of everyday. Surgery is not for everyone, I have gone on many diets, I have lost 50, 60, 70 and more pounds on fad diets and on physician supervised diets, but I was never able to keep it off. It is now 4 years later and I am still maintaining my weight loss. I read every label and try to take my time and remember that I am human, we make mistakes, but it is what you learn from your mistakes that will keep you in check!

Gastric Bypass is not the magic switch. You work with it, and it works with you. I run regularly now. I work out and enjoy skating and bike riding. The best thing about it is that I can do it with my children. We play and now, they beg me to take a break. My energy level is awesome!

Thanks to Dr. Clarey and Dr. Bruce doing my procedure, shortly after, I was blessed to start working for them, and have been able to become a Certified Support Group Leader for the Dayton Bariatric Center. I continue to give education, support and nutritional advice to others that have had the procedure, or are interested in knowing about it. The support I give, I get back from every single person I meet. I am compassionate about what I do and take it very seriously. You need to know that there are risks and benefits no matter which procedure you have. It should never be considered simple or the first option.

If you have had Gastric Bypass, remember it is up to you to decide to be successful; the procedure alone is not going to do it for you. You have to be committed. People that have a negative perspective about weight-loss surgery should take the time to learn about it before speaking about it. It has been the one of the greatest decisions of my life and I am thankful for it everyday.

My total weight loss to date is 190 pounds! I still feel great and I watch what I eat. I am able to eat a nice small meal and feel satisfied but of course still no sugar and watch those carbs! It will be a lifetime job making sure that I eat right but having gastric bypass has given me the ability to do so!

Before Surgery Weight: 378 pounds

Surgery Date: May 2002	September, 2002
December, 2002	March, 2004
November, 2005	May, 2006