Success Stories

Nancy

 
Nancy, 62, had tried dozens of different diets and walking programs since she was 18, but was never able to keep the weight off. As she got older, being overweight made her fibromyalgia and arthritis worse, making it almost impossible to lead an active life.

“I feel so much more confident now.”

— Nancy, OHSU bariatric patient

When Nancy began to develop painful blood clots in her legs, several of which traveled to her lungs, her doctor told her she would be a good candidate for bariatric surgery. Initially, Nancy was nervous about the procedure, but her doubts were erased after she attended a free seminar at the OHSU Surgical Weight Reduction Center.

“The staff answered all of my questions honestly, and I met with OHSU patients who had already undergone bariatric procedures. The patients I spoke with all said they would do it again” Nancy said.

Before her surgery, Nancy weighed 265 lbs and wore either a size 22 or 24. Dr. Robert O’Rourke performed Nancy’s laparoscopic surgery. She was back at work as a real estate agent two weeks later.

The weight quickly started falling off her and her energy increased dramatically. Today, Nancy weighs 170 lbs and enjoys being able to wear a size 12.

“I lost almost a whole person. Clothes shopping is fun now. Every day I feel better. I went from being sedentary to being much more active” Nancy said.

Although Nancy remains on medication for her blood clots, she has not had any more leg pain or swelling. Her blood pressure and cholesterol have dropped low enough that she no longer needs medication, and she no longer has problems with acid reflux.

“I would recommend OHSU and this surgery to anyone who is miserable about their weight and has tried all the diets. No one treated me like I was fat. I feel so much more confident and better about myself now.”

Bonnie

At 5’4” and 245 lbs, Bonnie knew she had to do something about her weight. She had tried countless diets and was never able to keep the weight off. Since having laparoscopic gastric bypass bariatric surgery at the OHSU Surgical Weight Reduction Center almost a year ago, she has lost more than 100 lbs, and shrunk from a size 22 to a size 8.

“My husband and sisters are so proud of me. I would recommend the surgery to anyone.”

— Bonnie, OHSU bariatric patient

“I feel like a whole new person. For 34 years I have been battling my weight, and now I have the energy to keep up with my grandson.”

Bonnie saw an advertisement for surgical weight loss, and after careful research, thought it would be a good option for her. She chose OHSU for its depth and breadth of expertise, and surgeons with extensive knowledge in bariatric surgery.

Bonnie then attended an orientation meeting at the OHSU Surgical Weight Reduction Center to learn more about the procedures. After her surgery It didn’t take long for the weight to start coming off and for Bonnie to notice a significant change in how she felt.

"I was very impressed with the depth and detail they went into to describe the entire procedure; the doctor made it very clear that bariatric surgery is not something to take lightly. I really trusted my health to them."

In addition to losing weight and keeping it off, Bonnie's overall health has improved significantly. Since her surgery, Bonnie no longer has to take medication for high blood pressure, or acid reflux. And she no longer sufferes from mild sleep apnea.

Gary

 
Before Gary had bariatric surgery at the age of 54, he couldn’t walk more than 50 feet without sitting to rest. He also suffered from sleep apnea. More importantly, he was about to become a grandfather and wanted to be healthy, and able to play with his grandchildren. After trying countless diets, he considered surgical weight loss.

 “I had convinced myself that I didn't mind being overweight, but I feel so much better about myself now”

— Gary, OHSU bariatric patient

Gary started losing weight almost immediately after his duodenal switch surgery, and within two months he was completely healed from the procedure. His energy has increased dramatically, and he no longer suffers from sleep apnea.

“I can walk all day without resting now. I can play ball with my grandchildren or pull them in their wagon,” said Gary . “I had convinced myself that I didn't mind being overweight, but I feel so much better about myself now.”

When asked about his thoughts on weight loss surgery, he tells people he would do it again in a heartbeat if he needed to.

“If you are considering surgical weight loss, go to OHSU. They have done these procedures so many times, and the doctors there know exactly what they are doing,” said Gary .

OHSU is the premier bariatric surgery center for the treatment of obesity in Portland, Oregon. We look forward to serving you. Please contact us at 503-494-1983.

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