My Patients
Personal Stories
Nancy - Coppell, TX
My friends and relatives were extremely cautious when I decided to have bariatric surgery as I have been heavy my entire life and this seemed a radical solution. They knew my weight was a lifetime struggle and issue for me. Growing up I always felt like I was on the outside of life looking in. I never fit in and I didn't participate in certain activities that required uniforms or special clothing. I wasn't a shut in but it seemed like I always did things in spite of my obesity and the social stigma associated with it.
I visited my first weight doctor when I was 10 years old. I remember eating cottage cheese, carrots, etc in grade school. I weighed 285 lbs when I graduated from high school and lived with weight issues over the next 29 years with constant diets or weight loss programs. They included Weight Watchers, Nutri-system, Meridia, and the Beverly Hills Diet to name a few. However, as I got older I was developing issues with my joints and other health issues such as high blood pressure. I was very concerned that if I didn't loose weight I would be wheel chair bound or dead at an early age. I knew I wouldn't be considered for total knee replacement or back surgery as an obese individual.
In April 2002, I decided to attend Dr. Ellner's informational seminar to see what had changed in 15 years since I had originally investigated my options related to weight loss surgery. Dr. Ellner reported that all of the side effects I was concerned about in 1987 had been alleviated by the latest Roux-N-Y procedure.
As I work in the health care industry, I wanted to find someone who was skilled with adequate experience and dedication to my medical needs. Alvarado Hospital had an established record of medical outcomes and was where my orthopedist had referred me in 1987 as the place to go. Alvarado also had multiple experienced physicians on staff to deal with any complications. Once I met Dr. Ellner, I instantly felt comfortable with her knowledge, confidence level, empathy and genuine concern. I decided to go forward with my surgery. I lost 203 lbs in 14 months.
I am currently 4 years post operative and I am always asked if I would do this again. I answer a definite yes. However, this is no magic solution. It is a very useful tool that when combined with daily exercise and dedication to improving one's life is very effective. I never felt hungry or missed food and I no longer fear food. I feel more in control of my body. In fact, staying on plan was extremely easy for the first 2 ½ years. I have gained the dreaded 20 lbs over the last year and I attribute it to my reduced exercise level. Once I started to settle back into my normal routine I became more aware of my deviation from the recommended protocols. But even on my worst day, I am positive the decision to have the surgery was the right one. My biggest regret is that the surgical technique wasn't available when I was younger. Now I am limited by my orthopedic issues not my weight.
I recommend Dr. Ellner and the Alvarado program without reservation.
