Patient Experiences

Have you been curious about weight loss surgery? Then consider attending one of Clarian Bariatrics FREE informational seminars. At the seminar you will have the opportunity to meet with Indiana Bariatric Doctors and ask questions about bariatric surgery costs, bariatric surgery financing, Indiana Hospitals and Indianapolis Bariatric Surgeons.

We know how important it is to feel comfortable, and since you will not be taking this journey alone, we encourage you to bring as many family members and friends along as you need. We can't wait to meet them, and you!

The next FREE informational session will be held on Thursday, January 22 at 6:30 p.m. You can RSVP by clicking on the picture at the top right of this page or by calling 317-275-7010 or toll free at 877-275-2555. 

If diets in the past have failed, and my guess is that they indeed have if you’re visiting weight loss blogs, you may have the feeling that there’s no joy or pleasant surprises in the time between what you weigh now and what you desire to weigh. I thought so and, man, was I wrong.  In addition to seeing some obesity medical problems subside, I’ve encountered many subtle differences since my weight loss surgery in May. Some a big deal, some not so much…however all count.

To date at six months, I’m 70 pounds lighter, 10 inches have disappeared from my waist, I’ve lost several clothes sizes and changed two sizes in underclothing that shall remain nameless for the blog! I’ve always been someone who never wears a coat during the fall and winter. Never. That’s changed, and I now have five and it’s only December! My friends and family can hardly believe seeing me in a coat, and they realize the changes within me that have come along with the weight loss.

I used to be someone who always slept with a fan on, light on the pajamas, and had the heat turned down in the winter and the AC turned down in the summer. Not the case anymore. I’d say my house is pretty comfy now and my biggest indicator is friends no longer bring an “extra sweater” when visiting.

I always thought the reason I couldn’t cross my legs comfortable in a chair like everyone else was because my legs were too short. As it turns out, they’re long enough! Now I cross them and love to sit “like a lady” just like Mom taught me.

The changes are subtle and are reminders of the great work I’ve done. The scale and BMI chart challenges me to continue to work hard and modify, reassess and implement. A big thank you to Clarian Bariatric’s team and Dr. Mattar, I’m well on my way...

Before I attended the informational meeting last October in Indianapolis regarding weight loss surgery, I truly intended to have the lap band procedure, and I left feeling that was my best option. While I’m sure there is great success with this surgery, after careful consideration and speaking to a few patients I learned that it wasn’t the best choice for me. Not only did I want to drastically improve my BMI and have successful weight loss, my strongest desire was to achieve longevity and keep it off...forever.

When comparing the percentage loss of excess weight within the first year between the lap band procedure and the RNY procedure, the comparisons are pretty drastic when you compare 48 percent to 80 percent of excess weight.

I chose the RNY gastric bypass surgery for not only the amount of weight I desired to lose, but also for the proven success of keeping it off. At this point, I’m six months out and 70 pounds more beautiful.

I’m thrilled with my decision it doesn't mean it is always an easy road. I truly miss Coke and am not ashamed to admit it! I’m also filled with gratitude that my energy level is the highest it’s ever been and I feel wonderful about the new me. I’ve gained more in confidence and genuine happiness over the past six months than I’ve ever had and look forward to what 2009 and it’s losses.

There certainly are struggles with everything in life, and weight loss surgery is no exception. I’m learning that choices are at the highest of importance now and that foods that once didn’t sound appealing, now do.  I must stay focused and this requires great energy…but its doable.

My one thing I miss the most is Coke. It’s a staple, rather was a staple. How do you take away something that you’ve loved and known for nearly 25 years and not miss it? To miss it is real, to understand it’s potential danger to a RNY gastric bypass surgery patient is crucial.

Does water help? No. Water, that’s another story. If you’re not a water lover prior to surgery, chances are you won’t be after either. It’s all perspective. The ultimate goal is in sight and I think it’s important to remember that at all times. I remind myself of this with every bottle I drink.

What does help? Peer support, friends and family support, and the ability to do what is necessary to remind yourself and focus daily on the new, healthy version of the same old (or young) you.

After my weight loss surgery, I keep asking myself: Is there truly a way to make protein pretty?  Can you use lettuce as a garnish?  After looking at tuna, a little more tuna, salmon, chicken, and then back to tuna, one must ask themselves how many ways there are to prepare such foods for variety sake.

Currently, I’m four months out and holding steady at minus 59 pounds.  The day it turns to 60 pounds will be a joyous one.  I’m challenged like never before to find high protein/low volume foods and keep the variety fresh and lovely. 

My appetite appears to be slowly returning in the sense that certain foods sound good, and I can assure you there’s not a lick of protein in what I’m desiring.  Last night, for example, garden tomatoes.  Not a bad choice, certainly healthy, however, nada on the protein.

Is it worth it? You bet.  I feel great, have more energy this week, and have much to look forward to…

I attended an informational seminar in October of 2007 at Clarian Bariatrics. I had heard prior to this meeting that there was a “wait” for insurance approval and many hoops to jump through prior to the actual surgery.

The information given at the meeting was presented by one of the bariatric staff nurses, insurance specialistsand surgeons was of monumental importance for anyone considering weight loss surgery. I came to the meeting knowing only what I’d heard from others, but at the meeting I learned the step-by-step process demanded by insurance companies for approval for such a surgery. 

I also learned, because of my own ignorance in this area of specialty medicine, that there are many insurance companies who won’t cover such a procedure. I felt grateful to have coverage from an insurance company who viewed bariatric surgery as an important tool for successful weight loss by patients who had seemingly tried every diet known to man without success.

I am now 12 weeks post-op and I’ve learned that each hoop I jumped through had its place in this journey...it all makes such sense now.  I established relationships with key players at the bariatric center, most importantly the dietitians and my surgeon. 

Their faces became familiar faces and a relationship of trust was formed in one of the most important and exciting decisions I’ve ever made. I’ve come to realize that each step of the experience has its place and contributes to the ultimate goal; your journey is only as grand as the people you take along for the ride.

I cannot imagine having never met my surgeon, his staff and the three dietitians who’ve taught and shown me success is as easy as committing myself to the new me…