Christina had gastric bypass surgery by Dr. Sherman Smith at Rocky Mountain Assocaited Physicians. Here she shares her story…

I’m sure I am not unlike other Weight Loss Surgery patients who have struggled with obesity their entire lives. I had plenty of excuses – genetics, medication, depression, inactivity and, of course, FOOD, but the loosing/gaining weight loss cycle was cruel and always left me more bitter, resentful and hopeless in the end. So what was it that made me finally decide I had to stop that vicious, unforgiving cycle? 

Flash back to fall of 2010, I was on an extended family vacation inFloridaand we were atBuschGardens. I was looking forward to this day more than any other on the vacation because I love, love, love roller coasters! First roller coaster – it took 3 attendants to push on the safety harness before it finally latched, but I made it. Whew! Close call! Second roller coaster – made it again, but couldn’t breathe! Third roller coaster – never made it… I was too big. I had to be asked to get off in front of my entire family.  Embarrassed, mortified, hurt, angry are just a few emotions I experienced as I took my walk of shame down the exit ramp. Crumbling into a ball of tears, not caring what people thought of me, I made a vow with myself that day to do something about my weight – for good!!! I was referred to RMAP soon after I got home and my WLS journey began.

Of course there have been bumps along the road, and the journey has been excruciatingly difficult both physically and mentally, but I’d do it all over again and again to be where I’m at today. Not only am I conscience now about what I put into my body, I am more active than I have ever been my entire life. Every morning at 5:00 AM sharp, I’m at the gym running, weight lifting or doing circuit training. It was just a few weeks ago that I tried a Spin class for the first time. Long story short, the instructor came up to me after class and said, “Wow! If you wouldn’t have told me it was your first time, I would have never known. I can tell you are a very active, fit person.” As my eyes filled with tears, I thanked her and smiled. There is no way she could have known how much such a comment meant to me. She couldn’t have known that a little under a year ago I weighed over 300 pounds and couldn’t even have walked to the end of my street!

I feel one of the biggest lessons that I have taken from this journey is that I can choose what is best for me and my body. I ran my first 5K at the Walk From Obesity Event last October, and when my legs and lungs were telling me I couldn’t go any farther, my heart and soul were telling me that I could – and I not only finished the 5K, but finished almost 10 minutes faster than my goal! Now six months later, I’ll go outside and run 3 – 5 miles on top of my other workouts just for fun!!!

I’m so proud to say that I have taken this opportunity by storm and made every second count. I feel so empowered and love how it feels to finally be in control of my life. Dr. Smith and RMAP, I thank you, my husband thanks you, and my little girl thanks you so much for giving me my life back. Now I’m ready to show everyone on the outside how fabulous I feel on the inside.

Darren King had gastric bypass surgery by Dr. Steven Simper in March 2012, with the support of Rocky Mountain Associated Physicians, St. Mark’s Hospital and a grant by Weight Loss Surgery Foundation, Darren was able to have the life saving surgery.

KUTV 2 News did a recent story on Darren, which can be found here;http://www.kutv.com/news/top-stories/st … _750.shtml

You can also here more about his journey through his personal social media outlets;
YouTube channel:http://www.youtube.com/user/Bariatricboy
Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/Our4kings
Twitter:https://twitter.com/#!/Bariatricboy‘

You can learn more about The Weight Loss Surgery Foundation on their website; http://wlsfa.org/

My decision to have weight loss surgery was not quick or easy.  I actually attended the initial class lecture at Rocky Mountain approximately 2 years before I finally decided to forge ahead.  So what pushed me over the proverbial edge?  Well, I weighed over 430 pounds.  I was a Type II diabetic, with hypertension and several other medical complications.  I was terribly depressed—severely depressed.  I hardly ever left my house and when I did, I couldn’t do it alone without my husband.  I could barely walk out to the street to the mailbox.  I felt so awful when children would point at me or call me names.  If I went to a restaurant I always had to wait for a “special” table because I couldn’t fit into a booth.  I had to buy all my clothes online.  I spent much of my time crying because I felt useless, ugly and worthless.

In the fall of 2009, my 87 year old father had a heart attack.  While spending time in the hospital ICU with Dad, I met Bryan, my dad’s critical care nurse who had undergone gastric bypass surgery.  He spent several days talking to me about his bypass procedure and how his life had changed.  By the end of the year I was ready to take the plunge and possibly change my life for the better.  I could finally see a glimmer of hope on the horizon.

In February of 2010, I met with Dr. JoAnna Erzinger for the first time. One of my health insurance requirements for the surgery was a six month period of trial weight loss to see if I could follow a program.  I also began seeing Social Worker, Leslee Miller, in order to prepare emotionally for the difficult road ahead.  I was able to meet my insurance requirements by losing approximately 30 pounds before the surgery.  The Roux-en-Y gastric bypass procedure was performed by Dr. Steven Simper on October 29, 2010.  I went home from the hospital on October 30 (trick or treat night that year) to begin a brand new life.

So—did I get my life back!  Yes, I did!  Over the last 17 months I have lost over 235 pounds and lots of clothing sizes. My diabetes and high blood pressure are gone.  And what did I trade the weight for?  Well, I gained a ton … of terrific friends in my support group! My confidence has returned.  I love to walk 3 to 4 miles a day and enjoy being outside.  I can drive my car again.  I have enjoyed traveling and hiking and buying clothes in a real store. I can fit into any seat in a theater and any booth in a restaurant—although I don’t eat much.  Not only have I changed, my family has changed.  My oldest daughter has lost 50 pounds and my youngest daughter has lost 40.  My husband, perennial couch potato, has learned to ski and he went from Clark Kent to Superman—at least in my mind.

Some of my best moments since the surgery:  Losing the first 100 pounds, my 50th birthday being the best I’ve ever had, hiking the Valley of Fire, going to my first baseball game, walking the entire length of the Las Vegas strip, Phantom of the Opera for my 27^th wedding anniversary, my daughter not recognizing me as she came off the plane, being a proud, confident mom at opening night for the new Museum of Natural History, Christmas Day 2011 reflecting on my blessings and contemplating a bright future.  What is in that future?  A daughter’s wedding later this year, travels to exotic places with my husband and going back to college for a second degree.  After that, who knows?  The possibilities are unlimited now.   So, much gratitude goes out to everyone at Rocky Mountain, who made my “second life” possible.   And thanks to my really cool husband who always says:  “Do or do not.  There is no try.”

 Linda had gastric bypass on October 29, 2010  by Dr. Steven Simper.

Are you feeling like you need a little encouragement to get back to better habits?
Do your clothes and hairstyle reflect the old you? Would you like an updated, fresh look for the coming year?
If the answer is yes, we invite you to a special evening JUST FOR YOU!

We cordially invite you, a valued member of the RMAP family to

“A New Year, A New You”
Wednesday April 11, 2012
St. Marks Hospital- Lamb’s Auditorium
6:30 pm

RMAP, along with our generous sponsors
Macy’s Department Store
Sugarhouse Counseling Center
Julie’s House of Style

are offering complete make-over’s for three lucky contest winners.
The make-over will include clothing, hair and cosmetics.
Contest winners will reveal their fresh new look the evening of April 11^th

 Rules and entry forms are found on our website at www.UtahBariatrics.com
Completed entry forms are due by 5 p.m. March 28^th, 2012 to Rocky Mountain Associated Physicians.

 Makeover tips and fun door prizes will be given through out the evening.
Come be apart of an inspirational event where everyone will be a winner.

Beginning in January, 2012 our monthly support group will take on a new look and feel. RMAP will begin offering Group Therapy from Leslee Miller, a licensed clinical social worker who had weight loss surgery six years ago. Leslee has been working closely with RMAP for the past several years to provide both individual and group therapy for our patients in her own private practice. We believe it will be very beneficial to our patients to begin providing group therapy for all patients who wish to be supported in this way. This service is included as part of each patient’s Education Program.

We have teamed up to offer three different support groups to fit the individual needs of our patients. Each patient desiring to participate will be assigned to one of the three groups based on where they are in their weight loss journey. We will meet in these groups every month, except March, July and November where we will combine for a big event!

One important change this year to Support Groups is that they are limited to RMAP patients ONLY, patient supporters will not be eligible to attend group, aside from the Support Group Events held in March, July and November.

Stage I – Early Weight Loss Group. This group will be for patients who have had surgery but are less than six months out from their surgery date. This group will focus intently on supporting and helping new patients as they adjust to the many changes they face after surgery. Questions and concerns about the early stage of weight loss will be answered.
This group will be held on the second Wednesday of each month from 7:00 until 8:30 p.m., starting January 11th, 2012

Stage II – Weight Loss Group. This group will be for patients who are six months out from their surgery date and still in the weight loss phase. This group will focus on identifying habits, thinking errors, self-defeating beliefs, and unresolved emotional issues which, if left untreated, are likely to sabotage the patient’s long-term success. Patient’s will be encouraged to meet their weight loss goal and will be carefully directed in how to approach the maintenance phase successfully.
This group will be held on the third Wednesday of each month from 7:00 until 8:30 p.m., starting January 18th, 2012

Stage III – Maintenance Group. This group will be for patients who are finished with the weight loss phase and are in the maintenance phase. This group will focus intently on helping patients adjust to maintenance without excessive weight gain. Questions and concerns about the lifetime commitment to weight loss maintenance will be the focus.
This group will be held on the fourth Wednesday of each month from 7:00 until 8:30 p.m., starting January 25th, 2012

All group therapy meetings will be held at the office of RMAP, in Suite 4200 and are included in your Education Program, paid with your bariatric program fee at the time of surgery.

Pre-registration is necessary prior to attending group. Please fill out the registration form, found here, and send it back to our office,
1. E-mail your form to Carley.Mills@rmapinc.com
2. Fax your form to (801) 268-3997 Attn: Carley
3. Mail or bring your form to Rocky Mountain Associated Physicians
Attn: Carley
1160 East 3900 South, Suite 4100
Salt Lake City, UT 84124
We must receive this form before attendance

We look forward to an exciting, life changing year!

Before I post the handout that was available Wednesday night, I want to post about the next combined event. This is scheduled for March and will be the Makeover Event, A New, A New You. We are excited for this event, as it was a fun event last year. I will keep everyone updated with more details on our website homepage and our facebook page .

“Lessons Learned”

Aimme learned…

Build a support system. This should include people who are apart of your daily life; such as family, friends and co-workers.

Don’t get stuck in a rut. It may become easy to stick with a few choice foods that you tolerate well. Learn to expand and try new (on plan) items. Change it up! You’ll start dreading meals or your exercise routine if it’s the same thing you’ve been doing.

Aimme Waters
Duodenal Switch 2011
Blog: www.watersweight.blogspot.com
E-Mail: waterswife@gmail.com
Phone: 801-792-1092
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Sean learned…

Break old habits. The magical 18-24 month weight loss journey is the perfect time to break old habits and form new ones. Stop looking to replace popcorn, fudgesicles or other foods that you loved pre-surgery. Those were the foods that got you here, now is the time to learn to eat different, better foods.

Learn how to deal with stress differently. Habits are cycles of behavior that only go away when you replace them with something else. Finding a hobby (such as exercise), other than eating, that allows you to effectively deal with your stress is important.

Sean Joyce
Gastric Bypass 2007
Blog: www.seanstransformation.blogspot.com
E-Mail: sean_joyc@yahoo.com

Joe learned…

Follow the program. Don’t rationalize, don’t cheat (you’ve been doing that your whole life)!  Be psychologically committed.  Your change is not temporary.

Find new ways to enjoy food, research new recipes. I can still enjoy food, I just do it differently now, and in smaller portions, but food is still allowed to be yummy.

Joe Christensen
Gastric Band 2010
Blog: www.thevoiceofjoe.blogspot.com 

Tyson learned…

Build an environment where you can succeed. Talk to everyone who plays a significant role in your life. Make sure they are prepared to make a change with you. No matter what, you’re going to experience some frustration about food that you’ll have to own and deal with, but, if you can get your friends and family aligned with you and your lifestyle change, that frustration will be so much more manageable.

Commit to changing your relationship with food forever. You have to be mentally prepared to continue your diet when cravings return. If you start cheating, it will only trigger more cravings, which is a slippery slope.  To help prevent this, try to find new low-carb, high protein recipes and foods that will help you keep your meals interesting.

Tyson Waters
Duodenal Switch 2011
E-Mail: Tyson@myheck.net
RMAP Forum: TysonDUB
Phone: 801-234-0447                                                                                                                                          

Chris Learned…

Get into a routine of daily exercise. Appreciate what you can do now, don’t overwhelm yourself with what others are doing. Set goals for yourself and enjoy what your body can do for you.

Weight-loss surgery is just a tool. You hear RMAP say that, but it really is just a tool in weight control, not a cure. Listen to your surgeon and staff, they can be a huge part of your support system, where you can ask questions or find advice.

Chris Stevenson
Gastric Bypass 2011
E-Mail: benevations@gmail.com
Phone: 801-791-9933                                                                                                                                   

Jeanette learned…

Enjoy the compliments. They will come and practice receiving them with grateful acknowledgement – don’t make light of your accomplishment. You’ve worked hard to get where you are today.

This is my journey. No matter how many people are supporting you, you are the one taking each step of your journey. Keep a journal about your journey. I found inspirational books and quotes really helpful, they helped me stay focused and committed.

Jeanette Marsh
Gastric Bypass 2011
RMAP Forums: Dollygrandma
Blog: www.dollygrandma-weightlossjourney.blogspot.com
E-Mail:dollygrandma6@hotmail.com
Phone: 801-875-3137      

Thank you to our panel who made this support group a great learning and inspiring event, along with those in attendance who shared their story. If you are interested in sharing your story please contact Carley at Carley.Mills@rmapinc.com

A: Increased absorption years out from weight loss surgery….
 False.

Same absorption as when you first had surgery…. True.

Your stomach gets more efficient at emptying food into the small intestine years out from weight loss surgery…. True. (This is why you are able to eat more food at each sitting, but never more than 6-8 ounces/meal).

For December’s support group, attendance was not as desirable. Was it the busy holidays interfering with the schedule? Was it the weather? Was it the topic (Clothing Exchange)? Or was it all of the above? As we look to 2010 and new changes that can be made, your input is vital.

However, one idea was further solidified during support group this month: Support from peers is vital. Whether it’s 5, 20, or 40 patients in attendance, knowing that you can interact with others who know exactly what you are going through is of great importance. We so value the efforts made by our patients this month to come and feel the support of others and RMAP. We strongly encourage you to make a new resolution to make support group a constant in your life!

E-mail your responses to Meredith@rmapinc.com

A. Thanks to Susan, again, one of our patients, here is the answer: 

“Open your “Paint” program. Usually, that is found in the “Accessories” folder on the Start Menu (lower left corner of your screen).
Open your photo in the program.
On the top bar, click on the “Image” button.
Then select “Stretch/Skew”.
Change the horizontal AND vertical numbers to 50%. This will make your photo half as large as it was.
Then click on File and “SAVE AS”. Save your resized photo with a new name. Do NOT do a “Save” as this will permanently change your original photo.
Then try uploading your new, smaller photo. If it is still too big, repeat the above process, starting with your ORIGINAL photo, and try smaller percentages (maybe 40% or 30%) until you have a size that will upload. It all depends on how large your original photo is as to what percentage change is required to make it small enough for the website.”

Success can be defined in many ways, and to different degrees, but the ultimate definition stems from HAPPINESS received. And the support groups in Orem, Ogden, and Salt Lake City all offered their HAPPINESS from personal success stories.

Our patients’ success:

• Fitting into clothes that haven’t seen the light of day since college. Or even fitting into size 14 of the little girl’s department!
• Running and playing with children, nephews, and nieces.
• Coming off of all diabetic, blood pressure, cholesterol, and sleep apnea (etc) medications/devices
• Flying on an airplane for the family’s annual vacation.
• Motivation to go to nursing school (Hooray for nurses! I am not biased or anything…)
• Seeing a 100 pound bag of potatoes during Idaho’s harvest and realizing that “bag” has been lost from the body.
• Being able to cross the legs when sitting, and not even think twice.
• Changing their family’s health: Teenage daughter losing 14 pounds simultaneously from healthier habits being established
• Has learned to love exercise. Yes, physical activity is now fun!

I cannot speak for all in attendance, but I certainly walked away from support group this month feeling buoyed and grateful for the opportunity to work with people who are changing their lives. Thank you for those who attended, for sharing a piece of yourself. It was rewarding and inspiring.

Many of you have come so far. And I look forward to seeing those same changes in patients to come. Enjoy this journey!

Meredith Mangum, RN