Cindy's Story

My experience with the gastric bypass has been perfect. I have had no complications at all. The biggest change for me has come from inside--how I look at the world, how I look at ME, has changed drastically.

The support I have gotten from my family, my friends and my work has been phenomenal. I had been told by people who had the surgery, that people (especially women) would treat me differently after weight loss. But I think it is more the fact that I look at the world differently and it shows, and that allows them to approach me differently.

When asked what this last year has been like, I tell people that in order for me to describe how positive this last year has been between my family, friends and co-workers I would need a billboard--that is how big my sign would have to be to adequately describe the change that has taken place in my life.

When I was going to the meetings before and after the surgery, one point that kept coming up with the SWM staff was that people always say "I wish I had done this sooner" and "This is the best thing I have ever done." I always thought this was their way of encouraging us. Now I must say "This is the best thing I have ever done--(but I like to add) FOR ME!"

Return to Patient Stories