Christie, 32, mother of 2
Procedure: Gastric Bypass
Surgery Date: 9/30/04
Weight Loss: 147 pounds

Having been overweight the majority of my life, I learned early the key to losing weight – reduction in consumption accompanied by an increase in activity. Despite knowing this key, I was never successful in opening the door to permanent weight loss (until now). With a succession of failed attempts, I had started to tell myself that I just needed to accept obesity as part of who I was. Despite knowing the consequences of living as an obese person, I continued the process of acceptance – ignoring the negative responses from the public, simply treating my symptoms of morbid obesity, watching life from the sidelines…

In May 2004, on a family vacation to Yellowstone National Park, I realized that watching life from the sidelines meant missing out on life. As a direct result of my morbid obesity, I was unable to scale the hill tops to view majestic waterfalls. I was able to see the falls, from the back of a digital camera – a picture taken by my husband and children during their trek up the hill while I waited in the car for them to return to tell me about their adventure. From that day, I told myself that I never want to miss out on life as a result of being obese. We returned from our family vacation on Sunday, May 30, and on Tuesday, June 1, I attended an informational seminar held by the Bariatric Surgery Center of Dallas.

At the informational seminar, Chris Arrowsmith, Program Director for the Bariatric Surgery Center of Dallas (BSCD), explained both the gastric bypass and LAP-BAND® Adjustable Gastric Banding procedures. He presented both procedures objectively, providing the pros and cons of each. Chris took the time to make sure all my questions were answered and made sure that I understood the procedures and requirements of healthy living after surgery. Following the seminar, I met one-on-one with Dr. Davidson. During that session, Dr. Davidson quizzed me over the material covered by Chris, further verifying my understanding. I was given an opportunity to ask any question of Dr. Davidson and he responded to every question directly, openly, and honestly. From the information I gathered from Chris and Dr. Davidson and based on my own research and personal situation, I felt that the gastric bypass was the best option for me.

On September 30, 2004, the day of my gastric bypass procedure, I was liberated from my 317 pound body! The surgery went very smoothly with no complications and my recovery was quick. Within a week of surgery, I was ready to return to work and my normal routines. My scars are minimal and barely visible. With the support and under the guidance of BSCD, I have been able to lose 147 pounds, weighing in at 170 pounds. With my health restored, I am now able to enjoy things once difficult – playing with my children, walking… I can now say proudly that I am a participant in this world and not a bystander!

If you are considering gastric bypass, I would highly recommend Dr. Davidson and the Bariatric Surgery Center of Dallas. Certainly Dr. Davidson’s skills as a surgeon were a major contributing factor to my weight loss, but the post operative care provided by BSCD will enable me to maintain a healthy weight. With features and activities such as monthly support group meetings, bulletin board postings, online weight loss journal, regularly scheduled blood work and follow-up appointments, full-time dietician services, weekly e-mails of encouragement and reminders, BSCD is a well-developed program designed to improve not only your healthy, but the quality of your life.

BJ, 38, mother of 2
Surgery Date: 7/2/03
Weight loss: 145 lbs.

As long as I can remember, I have been overweight. I missed out on so much because I was too self-conscious and embarrassed to try new things. It seemed as though food and dieting was the center of my world. Just like most people that are overweight, I have tried every diet out there with no success in keeping the weight off. I felt it was impossible to have energy and be ready to enjoy life.

After losing 145lb, I now want to do everything. On our last family vacation, I tried all the things I have wanted to do for so long. I parasailed, snorkeled, sailed, and swam with my children. In the evening we would out and I did not have to worry about what I was going to wear or how I looked. Now, I love to shop for clothes and look forward to simple things that I used to dread like going to the park and pool with my kids, or even just socializing. Now I start each day with a new feeling of self assurance. I finally love life and all it has to offer.

Cristi, 32, mother of 4
Surgery Date: 9/23/03
Weight loss: 115 lbs.

I had the surgery because I had failed at numerous attempts to lose weight. I would lose a little just to gain it back and then some. My feet, legs and back were always in a lot of pain. I always felt sick and unhealthy. I felt like my life was worthless. I didn't feel worthy of love, friendship or companionship. I could not be a good mother. I never felt like taking my kids to the park, going for a walk or just sitting on the floor to play a board game with them. I just felt like I wanted to be left alone to die. I was at the end of the road and I decided I have to go left or right. Right was to get help and live and left was to do nothing and die. I chose to live and now I am living life more than I could have ever imagined...

Catherine, 43, mother of 2
Surgery date: Oct. 23, 2003
Weight Loss: 144 lbs

Hi, my name is Catherine and Dr. Davidson performed my Gastric Bypass October 2003. I consider this to be a birthday, because life as I knew it started over. Today, 18 months later I have gone from 302 lbs. a month before my surgery to 158 lbs, a size 28-30 to a size 8-10. I never dreamed that this body was hiding under all that weight. The years and child births etc just kept adding 20 here 20 there and before I knew it there was this person staring at me in the mirror(when I had the courage to even look) that who was looked like a fat blob. Well today I don’t mind looking in the mirror, I am even getting to the point of realizing how far I have come.

Dr. Davidson and his staff talk with you about the physical changes that happen in your life after surgery and attempt to make you aware of the mental changes. But I have to admit that I was not prepared for all the emotions that come with losing all the weight, not only do your relationships change with others but the relationship you have with yourself. I found a new me that I had buried with every pound that I had added. I stopped participating in life and even friendships. Thank goodness Dr. Davidson and his staff know this better than we do and have formed such an awesome post surgery support structure. I have found information, support and comfort that I never would have imagined that I needed to make me successful.

We just moved from my home state and family in Texas to Utah. Thank you Lord for preparing me and my body for this move. I am self employed and am having to create a whole new business. Never would I have felt comfortable about meeting people and even doing presentations (in my size 8 business suit) in front of a room full of people. WOW. In the past I would have eaten my way thru the stress of the move. Well even that has changed. With the tools that Julie and other members have given us I have not gained one single pound in 4 months. I truly do eat to live instead of living to eat.

My family is also getting the rewards. My husband has lost 60 lbs and my children are much healthier eaters than 18 months ago. I am working on a Web site that has recipes and food planning strategies that should be ready late this summer. I love to cook and have modified and created recipes that support the new me and I can’t wait to share them.

Thank you Dr. Davidson and especially Chris for all that you have done and are doing to create new “birthdays” for all of us. You have no idea how much you have helped me take my life back.

God Bless

Lori
Surgery Date: June 1, 2004
Weight Loss: 97 lbs

My name is Lori and I had Gastric Bypass June 1 of 2004. I have lost 97 lbs and a gallbladder surgery to date. I have not had any problems, really, except for the early stages when I had nausea due to dehydration. I did have a sudden gallbladder issue at 11 months out. I am able to eat anything, within reason, while limiting my sugar and fat. I have been sick one time with what people refer to the dumping syndrome and that was at month 2. It is really easy to forget at this point that I have had the surgery. My deciding factor to choose BSCD was the fact that the Dr. and staff made their religious beliefs known and were not worried about incorporating it in their practice as well as Dr. D having glowing credentials on his wall. In addition to the above mentioned fact I had heard of people who don’t have the kind of aftercare that the BSCD practice offers, and I can’t imagine doing the surgery with out the support of the staff. At nearly a year out I think the decision was the best I have ever made and wish I had done it sooner. I had decided to do the surgery as a proactive step to stop family heredity issues. Best of luck to any one considering the procedure. I am sure you will find the support and help of all the staff and any patients you consult with to help you with your decision.

Brian, Father of 3
Surgery Date: February 12, 2004
Weight Loss: 130 lbs

Despite being active, I have always struggled with my weight. I topped out in the below picture at about 320lbs. You are only as big as you feel and for most of my life I always felt little despite my size. In reality, I would often have to compromise the things I enjoy because of my size. I remember fishing with friends and having to ride in the front of the boat to keep the bow down. I remember not fitting into the rides at Six Flags etc. Now that the weight is off, I truly realize how much more energy I have. I can play football with my kids, walk my dog and still have energy left. Dr. Davidson has been a true blessing to my life. To date he has performed an umbilical hernia, Roux-en-Y Gastric bypass and a gallbladder removal on me. His scars are almost non-existent and to have a surgeon that is willing to pray over you in pre-op says it all. His staff is the best and I would recommend his Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass procedure to anyone who is committed to creating a better lifestyle for themselves and their family.