My name is Michelle D. I had gastric bypass surgery on January 15, 2004. Since that date, I have lost 115 pounds. The decision to have surgery was not an easy one for me, but now I believe it to be one of the best decisions of my life.

The lowest point of my life was when I hit a whopping 260 pounds. I was wearing a size 26/28 and was rapidly headed to size 30. At five feet two inches tall, it was all the weight my body could handle and my health continued to suffer. I had developed hypothyroidism, asthma, acid reflux, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes. I knew that if I did not take control of my life and my eating, I would not be alive to watch my son grow up.

I heard and read about gastric bypass surgery, but was concerned about the risks that it involved. A friend recommended that I make an appointment with Dr. Caruana because of his high success rate with his patients. Dr. Caruana immediately put me at ease and showed a great deal of empathy toward me and his other patients. He explained that although the surgery had its risks, I was more at risk for health problems because of my weight.
I decided to have gastric bypass and haven’t looked back since. I am very proud of the fact that I used this surgery as a tool to change my eating habits and overall lifestyle to a much healthier one. I definitely eat much less than before; now my diet consists mainly of high-protein, low-fat foods. And, believe it or not, I really enjoy exercising! I go to Dr. Caruana’s gym, Synergy Health & Fitness, five or six days a week. Paul and Julia, two trainers at Synergy, have given me so much encouragement and praise throughout my transformation. My results have been great. I have much more strength and energy now, and I am grateful for the special friendships that I’ve made there. (You know who you are.)
Gastric bypass and subsequent weight loss has given me a new found confidence. I have done things that I never would have even considered doing before. I spent much of my summer at the beach with my friends, (yes, in a bathing suit!), rode on a jet ski, went roller skating, got a sexy low-back tattoo, and jumped on a trampoline. These may seem like small accomplishments to a person who never had a weight problem, but they are incredible feats for a person who used to be severely obese.
Dr. Caruana gave me the opportunity to begin a new chapter in my life. The care and support that I have received from his team and the staff at Synergy has enabled me to be as successful as I have been. I would never tell someone to have gastric bypass. My choice to have surgery was right for me, but I think it is a decision that everyone should make for themselves. If you are considering weight loss surgery, the most encouraging words that I can give you are DECIDE, COMMIT, and SUCCEED!
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