In her own words
My name is Lisa. I am a 41 year old Mom and Elementary School teacher.
I live with my husband, and three kids in Contra Costa County.
I have struggled with my weight since puberty, but was always a successful dieter, in that I could lose weight, just not maintain the loss. After taking fertility drugs, and two pregnancies (the second with twins) I found myself at my highest weight ever, and was unable to lose weight for the first time in my life. My gestational diabetes had returned, I was suffering with early signs of sleep apnea, my hormones were causing multiple health issues, and my joints ached constantly. I was 39 years old, and felt 65!! I had 3 small children to raise, and my husband didn't want to lose me! At 338 pounds (5'11" tall) with a BMI of 47, I felt it was a hopeless dream to ever lose weight again...until I discovered weight loss surgery.
I am now 29 months post-op from a laparoscopic Duodenal Switch and 163 pounds lighter. My BMI is 23, and my dress size has gone from a 32 to a 10. I have been at goal for 16 months, my diabetes is long gone, as are any signs of sleep apnea, joint pain, or hormone imbalances! I feel fantastic!!!
Better than the health benefits, are the life benefits I am relishing daily! I can run, ride a bike with my kids, play tag, ride roller coasters, be carried by my husband, wear a 2-piece bathing suit, swing on the swing-set with my twins, fit into any seat..anywhere...easily, wear clothes off the rack...and NOT in the biggest sizes, feel more sexy than I ever have...all the time, and to top it all off, have boundless energy!! My life has been saved, and enriched beyond my wildest dreams.
LapSF Doctors and Staff: I decided to have WLS after considerable research and soul-searching. I discussed it at length with my primary care physician as well as my OBGYN. I went to two consultations with two WLS surgeons before I made my decision to go with Dr Jossart and his associates. Dr Jossart, in my opinion, is a brilliant surgeon. He was informative, knowledgeable, and very honest with me during my initial consultation. However, I didn't really feel a "bond" with him until after my surgery. I was impressed on a regular basis, as a post-op, with the accessibility of all three doctors. They are readily available by email, and more often than not, answered my email within 24 hours. They are consistently available on-line for weekly chats, and do their monthly support group, too. These doctors take a personal interest in making sure that their patients do well, not just with weight loss, but with maintaining their health as well. I feel that all three doctors at LapSF take a personal interest in my progress.
My primary care doctor called me after my 6 month lab reports to tell me how pleased he was with the exceptional follow-up and detailed report he had received from Dr Jossart. I feel safer and better cared for as a result of this collaboration. My one year and two year labs were stellar as well.
I owe my life, and the new incredible quality of my life, to the caring expertise of these surgeons, and would recommend them to anyone in need of WLS.
Sincerely, Lisa
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