SUCCESS STORIES

 
 

Ron and Tina Torrey - Together Lost 237 Pounds!

My name is Tina Torrey and prior to my gastric bypass surgery August 28, 2001, I weighed in at 230 lbs on my 5’0” small sized frame.  I have been overweight all my life, even as a child.  I always remember starting my first diet when I was at the age of 12.   I remember kids teasing me, calling me names, and to this day, remember my father even telling me that “I’m fat and will always be fat”.  I have been on every diet imaginable (and not so imaginable).  I’ve done everything from Phen-Fen to Weight Watchers, Jenny Craig to Herbalife, and even Protein Power (Atkins) to Sacred Heart Hospital Diet all with no lasting effects.  This put my mind frame into the research mode of getting all the information that I can about WLS.  I actually knew about this surgery from a friend of mine who had this done in 1994.  I tried to have to the surgery back then, actually had a date scheduled on my 28^th birthday, only to have my insurance then tell me that “I’m completely healthy being fat”.  I never followed through with this again, until now (8 years later). 

 How has having gastric bypass surgery changed my life?  I am 4 years post op, 110 lbs lost, and even having lost ¼” in height (starting at 5”0” and now am 4”11 ¾” with that reason being my shoe size went from a 7W to a size 3-5 kids size).  I am no longer taking any prescription medications (except for my vitamins).  My diabetes is in remission, my asthma is completely gone, as is my back and neck pain and the depression has diminished to a tolerable level.  I am able to bend over and tie my shoes with the bows on top (instead of the side) without turning blue.  I can now get in and out of the bathtub easily.  I am also able to partake in my activities without any difficulties now.  Being in Search & Rescue, I have the endurance and stamina to keep up with the rest of the unit and not fall behind or have to rest because I am out of breath or my back, neck, or anything else is hurting.  I am able to shop in the “normal” size clothing (going from a size 26 to size 6) (and even find that shopping in the kids section is fun!!) and not have to go to specialty shops to buy my bras.  I still am tired some of the time, but that’s only because I’m keeping myself pretty busy and not allowing myself to rest in between activities.   I have the best support system around me that have been there for me through the rough times as well as all the ecstatic times (like the time when I was able to fit into a size 6 pair of jeans and button then up without turning blue).  My husband has been the best support person to me.  He not only is my husband, but he is also my best friend and I feel like we are joined at the hip in everything we do together.   I’m glad to have been able to go through this surgery with him by my side. 

 On 03/03/03, I underwent a hernia repair and subsequent mini tummy tuck.  I managed to lose 5 more pounds as the result of the surgery, but have maintained my weight since that time.

 During the time that I had decide to undergo the surgery, I also decided to change careers (with the help of being laid off from Boeing) to get my degree in Nutrition and specialize in Bariatric Surgery and help educate Dietitians as well as physicians.  I graduated in June 2005 with my degree as a Dietetic Techician.

 My husband, Ron has since decided to have the surgery also 2 years almost to the date of my surgery (08/27/03) and lost 127 lbs (most of the weight loss was within the first 3 months).  He no longer has severe obstructive sleep apnea and got rid of his bipap machine only 2 days after he was home from the hospital.  (Actually the cat snores louder than he does now!!)  His blood pressure is no longer on the high side and he’s able to do more now without any difficulty.  He has not had any complications, with the exception that it is now harder for him to touch the ground on the Harley with the excess weight gone…..

 Would we both do this again if we had to, and the answer is yes.

 Ron & Tina Torrey
Dr. Oh (Federal Way, Washington)
Both of have a 60” common channel
Distal open RNY

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Sherri McKay 5'8"
Before - 350 pounds
www.enjoyhealth.com

 

I am 32 years old and I had Gastric Bypass Surgery September 28, 2000. When I had surgery I was 350 pounds, wore a size 30/32 and I had several co-morbidities. I had been on blood pressure medication for 2 years, I had asthma, sleep apnea, chronic low back pain, and pain in my knees and hips. As you can see from my before pictures I had very dark marks on my face from sleeping on my hands.  I was so heavy that I was actually bruising myself as I slept.

Since my surgery I have lost 195 pounds and I now weigh 155 pounds. I am now wearing between size 8 and 10 and all of my co-morbidities are gone. I was 5 foot 7 inches when I first had my surgery and since I lost the weight I am now 5 foot 8 inches. My shoe size went down from an 11 wide to an 8 regular. I never thought my shoe size would change too! This has been the best thing that I have ever done for myself and I am so glad that I made this life changing decision.

I have since had a beautiful baby boy 4 years after surgery and with the proper protein and vitamins all is well!!!

 
After - 159 pounds

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