PATIENT STORIES

Greg W.’s Sleeve Gastrectomy Story

My entire adult life I have battled obesity.

Learn more about weight loss surgery at Rocky Mountain Associated Physicians www.RMAP.com (801) 268-3800

I tried many diets, workout programs, ect. Most of the diets I initially had some success, but I was always defeated by the constant hunger. I finally surrendered and admitted I couldn’t do it by myself.

November 2018, I was 344 pounds and on my way to being disabled because I was so overweight and everything just hurt all the time. In February 2019 I had the Sleeve Gastrectomy surgery. This has been life changing for me. At this time, September 2019, I am down to 215 pounds. This surgery, along with proper diet and exercise, has forever changed my life.

–Greg W.
Surgeon: Dr. Nicholas J. Paulk
Surgery Date: February 5, 2019
HW: 344
CW: 215
TWL: 129 (so far)

Read more patient stories here.
Interested in learning more about weight loss surgery? Learn more information here.
If you would like to share your weight loss surgery story with others and on Rocky Mountain Associated Physicians (RMAP) other social media outlets, contact Jessica at Jessica@rmapinc.com.

www.RMAP.com
Rocky Mountain Associated Physicians
801-268-3800
1160 East 3900 South, Suite 4100
SLC, UT 84124

Christie H.’s Gastric Bypass Story

Jul 22 By rmap nurse

From June 12, 2018 to June 12, 2019—just one year—I lost over 100 pounds after having Gastric Bypass surgery with Dr. Steven Simper of Rocky Mountain Associated Physicians (RMAP). Writing that sentence seems a little unreal to me for a number of reasons. One, because I never thought I’d get to a place where I needed to lose 100 pounds. Two, because steady, consistent weight loss has been such a rare thing in my life. And three, because after just one year, a mere 365 days, I’m a different person physically!

***Learn more about weight loss surgery at Rocky Mountain Associated Physicians www.RMAP.com (801) 268-3800***

I haven’t always struggled with my weight. During my childhood, teen years, and early young adult years, I was fit and active. But that all changed with my first pregnancy. I ate like I was eating for two or even maybe three, and not much of the weight came off after my son was born. But, boy, did I try! I ate right, I exercised daily. The weight hardly budged. Children numbers two and three came along, and the saga continued. Gain weight with pregnancy. Work and work and work to lose it. Lose a little. Get pregnant again. Repeat.

Although I only had three children, that didn’t keep my weight from creeping up and up and up. It also didn’t help that other aspects of my health started to crash in my 30’s. My knees hurt. I was tired ALL the time. It seemed like the more I exercised, the more pain and fatigue I dealt with. I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia at that point, but it wasn’t a condition doctors knew much about at the time. I basically pretended I didn’t have it and kept trying and trying and trying to lose weight.

In my 30’s I managed to keep my weight under 200 pounds. Not so much in my 40’s, but it wasn’t for lack of trying. A diagnosis of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) helped to explain my struggle to lose weight, as it is both a fertility and metabolic condition. Unfortunately, the diagnosis didn’t actually lead to weight loss. (Sigh.) I tried diet after diet. I exercised and stayed active. Again, I had small and temporary losses and followed by regain and then some. There were times I wanted to make a t-shirt that said, “I eat right and exercise to look like this.” But who would believe me?

In the two years preceding my surgery, my fibromyalgia flared, and my health worsened. But, ironically, it was the health of loved ones that helped me reach the pivotal moment where I decided to have weight loss surgery. I lost a close friend to cancer, and I watched a family member become almost immobilized with health problems. I looked at my family members and thought, “I share a lot of genetic conditions similar to yours. And I don’t want to be where you are when I’m 70. And I’m heavier now than you were at my age. Something has to change!”

I’m so grateful for the care and treatment I’ve received from RMAP. Surgery went as expected, and although that first week post-surgery was difficult (as predicted), everything else in this first year has gone great! No complications! I give credit for my success to the highly effective post-surgery system and support that RMAP has in place, and for my own preparation—I was VERY ready to try something different and mentally ready for a big change. Thanks, RMAP, for giving me the ability to get back my health!

–Christie H.
Surgeon: Dr. Steven Simper
Surgery Date: June 12, 2018
HW: 272 lbs. (265 officially)
CW: 155 lbs.
TWL: 110

Read more patient stories here.
Interested in learning more about weight loss surgery? Learn more information here.

If you would like to share your weight loss surgery story with others and on Rocky Mountain Associated Physicians (RMAP) other social media outlets, contact Jessica at Jessica@rmapinc.com.

www.RMAP.com
Rocky Mountain Associated Physicians
801-268-3800
1160 East 3900 South, Suite 4100
SLC, UT 84124

Shelly F.’s Duodenal Switch Story

Feb 6 By rmap nurse

I had Duodenal Switch surgery on August 21, 2016 with Dr. Steven C. Simper, so I’m 2½ years out with a surgery starting weight of 275 and a goal weight of 150. My highest weight was 297. Although as a small child I was tiny. At about age 8 I began to get a little pudgy. I was referred to by my grandmother as her baby elephant and I was teased by kids at school for being fat. My mother took me to a pediatrician, and he prescribed my first diet; Atkins. The next diet was macrobiotic at about age 10. Then the parade of fads began.

Learn more about weight loss surgery at Rocky Mountain Associated Physicians www.RMAP.com (801) 268-3800

By the time I was 15 I really wanted to be skinny because it was obvious even then how discriminatory life was with regard to individual weight. People were always telling me I had a beautiful face and I knew the thought that was left unsaid; if only my body matched. I went to weight watchers for the first time and lost 25 pounds and got down to 120. That’s the lowest adult weight that I’ve ever achieved, and I was 18 at the time. This weight loss gradually dissipated as I married at 19, had a baby at ages 23 and 26. My mother constantly made comments and gave me diet ideas. She felt every health issue I had was weight related and even told me I was going to die, and she didn’t want to be raising my children. I yo-yo’d in my weight throughout my 20’s and 30’s and then had a third child, my own business and a series of unfortunate events in my life.

I continue to yo-yo in my weight through my two divorces, a third marriage and into my 50’s. My health was beginning to show signs of serious co-morbidities. I had developed asthma, high blood pressure, pre-diabetic blood sugar levels, knee pain and injuries, a herniated disc in my back, ankle pain and injuries. I needed oxygen at night and I didn’t sleep well because my hips and back hurt all the time. Of course, all those things came with a list of prescription medications for various symptomatic relief. I could only get up a few steps before having to stop and catch my breath, and we lived in a three story townhouse at the time. My pulmonologist told me that although losing weight would alleviate the need for night time oxygen, my chances of losing weight and keeping it off were less than that of an alcoholic getting sober and staying sober.

Socially and professionally I was finding myself being passed over for promotions and positions, not included in gathers and special projects, not respected for my knowledge and professional experience. My son went to a private school and I wasn’t like the other moms. I was fat. The promotions and projects at work were going to the young and the attractive, with little or no experience and no education. I needed to make some hard decisions. I couldn’t do anything about aging, but I could get healthy and change my lifestyle.

I wanted to live a long time. My father had just died from an abdominal aneurysm at 71 and my mother had died previously from ovarian cancer at 62. I didn’t want to continue a pattern of unhealthy living that would lead me to an early death. I knew from what I had read that bariatric surgery was not an easy way out, but it was a permanent commitment to a lifestyle change, and the harshest reality is that it’s a solo journey. I didn’t want to diet anymore. I was done. I knew this was the path I needed to go down. Up until the moment I checked into the hospital for surgery, I wasn’t sure I’d go through with it though. I was petrified of the possible complications and very few people on the outside had positive things to say about the procedures available. All I heard were stories of failure. I was determined to be a success story.

It was scarier than I thought. But that’s okay. It was an amazing experience and it was effective. I reached my goal weight in less than a year, losing 120 pounds, and maintained it for 18 months prior to getting follow up plastic surgeries. My husband was the greatest support that anyone could ever hope to have. If it were not for him, I may not have persevered. He helped me through the emotional and physical trials. He most recently has supported me through skin removal surgery and other body modifications to put my parts back where nature intended.

My health is so much improved it’s truly a miracle to me. I stopped using oxygen immediately after surgery, and the only RX I take now is for mild emotional support. I am seeing a marked difference in how I’m treated at work, and in many social and public settings. I’ve also become something of an Oracle for women at work. Two friends in the office have had a bariatric procedure since mine, and one of their husbands also did it. I feel my results and openness about what I’ve done helped them make a positive choice for change in their lives.

The biggest change is on the inside. I am now able to say I’m comfortable in my skin. I’ve successfully manifested myself from the inside out.

–Shelly F.
Surgery Date: August 21, 2016
HW: 297
SW: 275
CW: 150
TWL: 125

www.RMAP.com
Rocky Mountain Associated Physicians
801-268-3800
1160 East 3900 South, Suite 4100
SLC, UT 84124

RMAP Patient Goal Achievements

Jan 9 By rmap nurse

Learn more about weight loss surgery at Rocky Mountain Associated Physicians www.RMAP.com (801) 268-3800

Weight loss surgery never has been or will be the “easy way out.” This is why we feel the support you receive before and after surgery are vital to your long term success! Rocky Mountain Associated Physicians (RMAP) requires all patients to participate in a comprehensive Education Program to help you prepare, and continue to support you on your journey after weight loss surgery.

One suggestion the RMAP surgeons have for those considering weight loss surgery is to speak with someone who has had surgery. Go directly to the source. Ask questions about how they prepared for surgery, their recovery and the success they have had reaching their goals.

If you are interested in talking with someone who has had weight loss surgery, you can read our Patient Stories on our blog here.

On Rocky Mountain Associated Physicians Facebook page, weight loss surgery patients were asked,
“What goals have YOU reached since having weight loss surgery?”

Marie- My goals I’ve hit so far: Off 24 hr oxygen therapy, no more diabetic medications, I can walk easier, and I can put shoes on again.

Pamela- I am off all my diabetes meds. Down to half on my blood pressure medication. Wearing sizes that I wore 8 tears ago

Rita- Ran/walked a couple of 5k races, hiked and camped comfortably, accidentally put on my teenage boys’ jeans.

Debbie- My diabetes is in remission and I turned in my c pap machine last week. I feel Amazing!!

Tracee- Being able to run a 5k in under 30 min!!

Lizzie- Reached my GOAL WEIGHT!!!! I am 2 1/2 Years out!!! 281 Pounds Lost!!

Sarah- I can tie my own shoes without holding my breath until it hurts, I can jump on a trampoline or play tag with my nieces and nephews, I can sit on the floor and chase my grandson then easily get back up again, i can wear a one size fits all, sit on an chair, air mattress etc without checking the max weight limits, I can walk up a flight of stairs, do pull-ups, sit ups, all the ups, and the best is I can be around now for a lot longer and enjoy the life I gained back by losing!

David- Since my surgery I have hit 2 major milestones. 1. I hiked 50 miles on Yellowstone last summer with my scouts, where the year prior I struggled to make a 3 mile hike. 2. This year I hiked to the top of Angels Landing in Zions National Park. I had the DS With sleeve performed by Dr. Simper Feb of 2017.

Eliza- My asthma is gone and my self confidence has increased exponentially!

Andrea- I’m pregnant with my first baby due April 2nd! Having a baby girl and couldn’t be more excited! The number one reason i had the surgery!

Bart- Here are the goals I have reached so far since having GB surgery: No more blood pressure medicine. I am off all medications. I am now wearing size large clothes and can shop at any store now, no more DXL or Big&Tall departments where I had to pay double or triple for larger clothing sizes. I no longer have knee pain or any other aches and pains, no more migraines, I am pain free! I lost 100 lbs. – a personal milestone! I joined a gym and am now exercising. Feels great! I lost 175 lbs. A major goal of mine! Still losing strong! I walked into Costco and bought a winter coat and clothes that fit! Always wanted to do that. I no longer get overheated or sweat – a thing of the past now. I am never out of breathe now either. Awesome. I can easily take the stairs at work up and down 4 stories. I just got promoted at work and got a raise! My weight loss had a direct impact on that. My next goal is hitting my goal weight. Only 36 lbs. to go! Having weight loss surgery is the best thing I ever did for myself. I would do it again without hesitation!

Tara- I can clip and paint my toenails.

Shalia- I can cross my legs! 🙂 I’m in significantly less pain from an autoimmune disease and fibromyalgia when I’m not carrying an extra person’s worth of weight. I can fit in size smalls!

Gayle- Flying without wearing the extension and going up and down stairs without being out of breathe

Lisa- I am only a month out but I can drive my car again 🙂

Read more Patient Stories on our blog here.
Read our Patient Advice here and here.

What goals have YOU reached or would like to reach after having weight loss surgery?

www.RMAP.com
Rocky Mountain Associated Physicians
801-268-3800
1160 East 3900 South, Suite 4100
SLC, UT 84124

Brittany S.’s Sleeve Gastrectomy Story

Nov 13 By rmap nurse

I had gastric sleeve surgery in August of 2017. I’m excited to say that I lost 120 pounds in my first year, and 165 pounds from my highest weight.

Learn more about weight loss surgery at Rocky Mountain Associated Physicians www.RMAP.com (801) 268-3800

I’ve had asthma my whole life and this weight loss has helped me to go off all of my medications and inhalers. I’ve also had anxiety and depression most of my life, and I’ve been able to go off my antidepressant. I have a two year old son and I feel I haven’t wasted any time with him. I’ve been able to keep up with him and do things I haven’t been able to do for 20 years; wear a swimsuit, go down a slide, fit in a swing, go to the community pool. I just want to thank Dr. Rodrick McKinlay for helping me find my best self and get my life back. I’m truly happy for the first time in a long time! Thank you for letting me share my story with you.

— Brittany S.

www.RMAP.com
Rocky Mountain Associated Physicians
801-268-3800
1160 East 3900 South, Suite 4100
SLC, UT 84124

Becky S.’s Gastric Bypass Story

Oct 31 By rmap nurse

I lost ninety-one pounds total! My blood pressure went down. My cholesterol went down, and my liver count went down. I have never felt better!

Learn more about weight loss surgery at Rocky Mountain Associated Physicians www.RMAP.com (801) 268-3800

I am two years out. When I lost four family members within a year, I became severely depressed and wanted to stay in bed. I put on 80 pounds in four years. My husband couldn’t get me up for nothing. This was my only hope.

I lost the weight, feel better, and I am able to play every day with my grand-kids! My kids finally have their mother back and my husband has his wife back. I would recommend it to anyone. I appreciate the life I got back! Dr. Rodrick McKinlay is amazing!

Thank you.

— Becky S.
Surgery: Gastric Bypass
Surgery Date: 10/10/2016

www.RMAP.com
Rocky Mountain Associated Physicians
801-268-3800
1160 East 3900 South, Suite 4100
SLC, UT 84124

Pamela W.’s Sleeve Story

Apr 17 By rmap nurse

I began the weight loss journey over and over again only to fail one more time. I had all but given up until a friend of mine had lost weight with gastric sleeve surgery. I didn’t think too much about it until my nephew who was 400+ pounds lost weight with the gastric sleeve. Wow, what a change for him.

Learn more about weight loss surgery at Rocky Mountain Associated Physicians www.RMAP.com (801) 268-3800

I would walk across the parking lot at work and would be wheezing so loud that my co-worker could hear me and was concerned. It was embarrassing. I would always take the elevator and not the stairs. When I walked with other people I wouldn’t talk because I was always out of breath. The funniest thing of the weight loss is my sons tell me I’m half the women I use to be and they mean it literally. I can walk without wheezing and talk to others without being short of breath when walking. I can only tell you how good I feel. I didn’t realize how unhealthy I was until I started to lose weight.

I started the process in 2016. I went to the weight loss clinic at St. Mark’s Hospital in February. When I look at my BMI at that time of 50 and now within my journey or weight loss at 25 I am amazed at myself. I don’t really mean to sound narcissistic, I’m just real proud of my accomplishments.

I can’t say it has been easy, because I had a lot road blocks before surgery. One problem is that I fell in the parking lot at work and broke my foot 10 days before surgery, I thought this would delay my surgery.

But I preserved through it all. I went in before surgery weighing 282 pounds, and after a year my total weight loss has been 120 pounds weighing now at 166 pounds. I know I’m not finished. It will always be a battle of watching what I eat. It is a new journey now and a new beginning.

–Pamela W.

www.RMAP.com
Rocky Mountain Associated Physicians
801-268-3800
1160 East 3900 South, Suite 4100
SLC, UT 84124

Corrine N.’s Gastric Bypass Story

Mar 28 By rmap nurse

Let’s jog our memory with a brief weight gain history. When I graduated high school in June 2000, I weighed 170 pounds (35 pounds overweight, but I was still active and happy). Some people gain a freshman 15, but I’m an over achiever. My freshman year of college I gained a whopping 40 pounds in about 6-8 months. I maintained at 210 pounds until I reached comfortable relationship status with my now husband in November of 2004, gaining 42 pounds weighing in at 252 pounds. We continued our life journey and decided babies were the next step. While pregnant with my daughter, I gained roughly 34 pounds delivering her at 286 pounds. In April 2012 I delivered my son weight almost 300 pounds. Four years later we reach my pre-surgery weight, a whipping 314.6 pounds. In carrying this excess weight, I had so many physical and emotional limitations that imposed on my daily life.

Learn more about weight loss surgery at Rocky Mountain Associated Physicians www.RMAP.com (801) 268-3800

On December 28, 2016, I had Gastric Bypass surgery performed by Dr. Steven Simper, and my life has been forever changed! What better way to celebrate this accomplishment than to hike and participate in 5K’s? I completed my very first 5K on April 15^th and I had so many supportive friends and family that joined me. In May 2017, my family and I went to Disneyland and I walked their little legs off! We were averaging over 20,000 steps a day while we were there, and not only was I keeping up, but I was outlasting everyone! My physical abilities have changed drastically as well as my physical appearance. I was on top of the world and decided it was time to rediscover it! I was using a hiking app and had rediscovered nature in the way I loved. The journey of life must continue, by June 2017 I had almost lost 100 pounds! The outdoors was mine for the taking and I was determined to live it up!

My husband had been trying to talk me into ATV’s the entire time we have been together. In June of last year, we went as a family and picked out two brand new Sportsman 570’s. Mine was indigo red and his is some weird camo. We picked up our new toys on June 15, 2017 and decided we needed to break them in immediately. New to this ATV world I had googled trails that would be great for our maiden voyage. We chose the Farmington Canyon ATV trail because it was deemed perfect for new riders getting to know their machine. My life was forever changed on that day and I had no idea my life was about to become very challenging!

We started the ride off slow and steady to get the new rides broken in. I was on top of the world enjoying the day and the powerful machine I was now able to comfortably ride. Well, our joyous time soon came to a sudden end. As a determined, yet inexperienced rider, I wanted to show my husband I can do anything he can do. I attempted to do a bank turn at too fast a velocity without the knowledge of how this machine worked. Needless to say, I went up and over that bank into the ten foot ravine on the other side of it. Moments later I woke up in the bottom of a river taking in very cold water and my body moving swiftly away from my overturned wheeler. Somehow my survival instincts kicked in and I was able to turn myself over and dig my heels into the bottom of the swift moving water before the entrance to a metal culvert. My husband was my knight in shining armor. When he looked down into the bottom of the ravine, all he saw was his wife face down in the water. He quickly rushed to the end of the culvert thinking he was going to be collecting a dead body. However, together can do some darn hard things! Once he realized I was secure and waiting for help, he came to the rescue. Tim exerted some amazing strength, both physical and emotional, that day. He was able to get me out of that ravine, onto a wheeler, as I was very scared to be left, and down the canyon until we had steady cell phone service and were able to stay on the line with a dispatcher. He saved my life that day, and I am forever grateful. Had I not already lost 95 pounds, I do not believe my rescue and recovery would have been as successful as it was.

My life’s journey became harder than I had ever expected it would be. However, I can do hard things! I had a laundry list of injuries, but I was determined to continue on my weight loss and overall healthy life journey. I was taken by ambulance to Davis County Hospital. After an MRI, it was determined I had many internal injuries. I was then Life-Flighted to the University of Utah where I remained in the ICU for a week, then the hospital for a week. After my stint there I was sent to a rehabilitation center for countless hours of physical therapy. I was released to my home where a nurse, an occupational therapist and physical therapist came to do home health. I had ruptured my spleen and had emergency surgery to remove it, I had two blood transfusions, I bruised my liver and my left kidney, I broke 12 ribs in multiple places (some up to 4 times), I punctured my left lung, I broke my left clavicle, my left scapula, my sternum, the head of my right humerus that required additional surgery, 5 vertebrae in my back, and numerous processes along my spine. 16 plus bones in all. I knew I could do hard things, I just didn’t realize how hard those things could be. I stuck to my 70/30 and was on the road to recovery. It has been less than a year since that accident and I have lost an additional 60 pounds.

While I was still in my back brace I went back into nature and took out my good hiking sticks and did mini adventures because I can do hard things. I was so determined to continue my weight loss journey they had to come shave off my brace three times to make it smaller. Finally they had to switch my brace entirely because the hard plastic one was just too big. I kept on keeping on and was not going to let this accident rule my life. I went hiking with my aunt in the new brace. On October 6, 2017 I was out of my brace and I was one dang happy girl! Even though people had seen me while I was still losing weight when I was out of that brace I looked like a whole new person. People, I was tiny! My own husband didn’t recognize me when I walked out of a store once while he was picking me up.

I have been shopping in my own closet for clothes I saved and can now wear. I am back to helping in my daughter’s third grade class and my son’s kindergarten class. This surgery has been not only life changing, but lifesaving. Literally, without this surgery I don’t know how my husband would have been able to save my life that day. I know I am still on the path of this amazing journey, but all the love and support from everyday life friends and family has shown me I CAN DO HARD THINGS! I had friends and family that were willing to come help my family, when my husband was at work, and when I could not care for myself or my kids.

This journey has not been easy, but it has been worth it. There have been some bumps along the way, but determination can be a huge motivator. Through adversity, I have managed to learn how to manage and maintain my new life. In November of 2017, I weighed in at exactly half of what I used to weigh. I have lost the equivalent weight of a whole person! My advice to all of you is NEVER EVER GIVE UP! We have been given the best tool that life can offer! Have I gone off track, you bet! Have I struggled, without a doubt! However, we can do hard things and don’t let anyone or anything tell you different! For once in my life I look forward to what the future holds for me and I have Dr. Simper, Rocky Mountain Associated Physicians (RMAP), my husband and myself to thank for that feeling!

–Corrine N.
Surgery Date: December 28, 2016
HW: 314.6
SW: 312.6
CW: 157.4
TWL: 157.2

www.RMAP.com
Rocky Mountain Associated Physicians
801-268-3800
1160 East 3900 South, Suite 4100
SLC, UT 84124

David N.’s Duodenal Switch Story

Feb 28 By rmap nurse

This has been one of the most amazing journeys of my life. I have spent the better part of two decades trying to get my weight under control. I tried everything I could think of. I had looked at weight loss surgery but at the time my insurance and my circumstances didn’t allow it. My weight got up as high as 425 lbs. and that was a breaking point.

Learn more about weight loss surgery at Rocky Mountain Associated Physicians www.RMAP.com (801) 268-3800

Since my surgery I can’t begin to describe the number of times I have had a NSV (non-scale victory). This past summer I went to the backwoods of Yellowstone with my scout troop and hiked 40+ miles, went rappelling, and for the first time in my life, I tried a kayak without fear of tipping over! It was amazing!

I can’t begin to describe the amount of positives that have taken place in my life! But, by far, the best is seeing the look and the tears in my 17 year old daughter’s eyes when she came up and hugged me and for the first time in her life she was able to get her arms all the way around me! Talk about hitting you right in the feels!

Thank you for this new lease on life. My wife even recently had the same surgery with Dr. Steven Simper and we are starting to live the life that we feel we were meant to have a long time ago.

Thank you Rocky Mountain Associated Physicians (RMAP) and thank you Dr. Simper!

–David N.
Surgery: Duodenal Switch performed 02/08/17
Surgeon: Dr. Steven Simper
Starting Weight: 395 lbs.
Current Weight: 194 lbs.

www.RMAP.com
Rocky Mountain Associated Physicians
801-268-3800
1160 East 3900 South, Suite 4100
SLC, UT 84124

Gayle H.’s Sleeve Gastrectomy Story

Feb 28 By rmap nurse

My name is Gayle, 52 years old, almost 53. I have struggled with weight since I had my first child back in 1986. I continued to gain after my second child in 1988 and then when I had my last child in 1992 I had a caesarian and I was doomed to being obese (in my mind). I tried Phen-Phen diet, Orlistat (Rx diet pills), alternative bypass diet (eating some gel in order to fill my stomach up), joined Curves, weight watchers, any fad diet that came to my attention, I was on it in hopes to lost that precious weight that just continued to climb on the scale. I was depressed, feeling insecure about myself in more ways than one. All aspects of my life became very depressing. I would put on a smile to try and cover how insecure I was about my weight.

Learn more about weight loss surgery at Rocky Mountain Associated Physicians www.RMAP.com (801) 268-3800

I continued to try all types of different diets and even joined my company fitness/wellness program. I would join in as many 5k’s as possible, wore fitbit to track steps trying to motivate me and would participate in the healthy eating programs offered at work. I’d lose maybe 10-15 lbs. and that would be it…I’d plateau and then gain the weight back because of the state of mind I was in. I couldn’t get out of my funk. I didn’t know how I was going to get the weight off, I didn’t want to grow old and not be able to enjoy my grand-kids and be able to move and enjoy activities like I did when I was younger. I would cringe whenever someone would want to do pictures of any type.

I traveled with my last company and would have to use an extender seat belt in the planes. It was more than embarrassing. I went to China on a work audit in August of 2016 and was with a co-worker and we went to a few facilities, and looking back at the pictures and seeing just how heavy I allowed myself to get was frightening. We went on a gondola ride through the Zhujuajiao Ancient Town outside of Shanghai China; as we were going along, a resident Chinese man looked at me and blew his cheeks out and made a motion with his hands like I was huge…I was…I didn’t know how to react but it just validated the fact that I was heavy and I needed to do something about it.

We returned and I started considering weight loss surgery and my daughter’s mother-in-law had just had the procedure done at Rocky Mountain Associated Physicians (RMAP). She was losing weight left and right. I needed and wanted this done, like NOW. I was at my wits end. I practically begged doctors to give me weight loss pills and all I would get is “Your just not trying hard enough” or “This is something you have done on your own and I will send you to a nutritionist because there’s no way you are eating properly.” I left the last doctor’s office in tears…I knew I was either going to have to accept that I would live with sciatic pain and knee pain and go home and lay down because I was to blame and weight loss was not in my future. I actually had decided I was fat, and that’s all there was to it. Dreams of hiking, riding bikes, running and playing with my grand-kids was no longer something that I believed would ever happen. I walked around and went to work with a fake smile and simply got through each day the best I could. I knew it would only get worse. I wasn’t making any headway on my losing weight. I was treated differently and with very little respect.

I started a new job still feeling insecure and I don’t know if it was coincidence or not but they offered coverage for the surgery and I jumped on it and contacted RMAP to get the process moving. I contacted RMAP in September 2017 and had the surgery on November 22^nd, 2017 and I will tell you what…my life has changed in so many ways. I’m more confident and so much more so that my co-workers come to me saying that they not only notice the change in my weight but also in the fact that I walk and walk with confidence and a new found glow. How awesome is that?! I didn’t think it was possible, just a year prior I was sad, and had to seriously force motivation. Here I am today and feeling like I have a new lease on life. I run with my grand-kids, I am up cleaning my house, not feeling like I should stay cooped up in my home not being productive. Before the surgery, it was hard to get motivated to do anything. I hid away and buried myself in my own “self-pity.” “I’m a victim world.” (Yeah, in my own mind.) I have been given hope and I am only two months out and feel completely different. I didn’t realize the extent of my depression and insecurity until I actually have a desire to be active and go out and do things. I don’t think anyone really does. It’s work and the kind of tool that was right for me. I am working hard and I am down fifty pounds and look forward to reaching my goal weight.

I went on a cruise in January and enjoyed it so much, I was only 30 pounds down but what a difference that amount makes. I went parasailing (which is something that I would never have done). I don’t want to miss out on things now and I want to experience all that I can. I may be 52, almost 53, but I have so much to live for and the work that Dr. Paulk and Becky, Jasmine and Jessica and all the office people have done is incredible and have helped me get to where I am and will continue on this journey I am on…it can only get better!!!!!

I have learned so much in just a short time…I have learned compassion for those who are carrying more weight than is healthy. I don’t think I will ever change how I feel about people that struggle with weight. I am one that has struggled for so many years and it affects your self-esteem, motivation and self-respect and how you carry yourself. I hold my head up high because of the new lease on life that I have been given. I have a long ways to go and if I could use my weight loss journey to even motivate one person to want to improve their health or even help them and encourage them on the same journey I am on, then that would be the icing on the weight loss…lol…I appreciate so much of the support and help and guidance that I have received from the RMAP office staff. I see a lot of blogs from people in other states and they seem lost and not really knowing where to turn so they ask medical questions and things that should only be directed to their physician and they are looking for people out on Facebook to help them. I am so grateful for all the tolls that we are given and I look forward to coming into the office for my checkups. It is amazing how wonderful this feeling is.

–Gayle H.

HW= 260
SW= 230
CW=185
GW= 130
Day my journey began, November 22, 2017
My class before surgery, November 2017; Size 20
Feb 1^st 2018; Size 12

www.RMAP.com
Rocky Mountain Associated Physicians
801-268-3800
1160 East 3900 South, Suite 4100
SLC, UT 84124

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