Success Stories of our Patients
Regaining A Healthy Body – Weight Loss Surgery Success
On July 10, 2006, I underwent laparoscopic gastric bypass by Dr. Brian Quebbemann. Leading up to my surgery was such a hard period in my life. I had been a stay at home mom for some time and although nothing in the world meant more to me than my boys; I felt less than the ideal mother. I did not want to attend school functions, my son’s baseball or soccer games, or even play in the park. I rarely took a family photo. I was not only a failure to myself, but felt embarrassed for my children as well. My continued diets were always followed by regret at what I failed to achieve and it would send me right back to over-eating again. After meeting with Dr. Quebbemann, I knew he was the right surgeon, with the right plan, at the right time and together I knew we would succeed. Today I feel ecstatic at all my life is. I cannot remember ever feeling this fantastic, mentally and physically. I am no longer going through the motions, but actively living. I not only nurture those around me, but now, nurture myself as well. My children and I really “play” and laugh, and are recreating their childhood by having a mother that “can” instead of “cannot”. I can run, I can go biking, I can kick a ball, I can see their friends, and I can definitely be photographed now, all without embarrassment. They have a mother who participates, rather than just sitting on the sidelines. For so long I would wake up and go to sleep with thoughts of my weight, dreading the day to come, or regretting the day that had passed. Now I can go endless days not imagining a number on a scale. I have learned to listen to my body and recognize the difference between reality and perception. I would always think, if only I was thin, everything would be perfect. I now know that is not true, that life is what you choose to make it. This is a lifelong process, and I am constantly looking forward to what is coming next. Losing weight will not drop the perfect job in your lap, fix a marriage, or even change history. It does, however, give me the courage to actively do those things for myself. Losing weight has brought me so much. Self-confidence is continually being built-up. I have found that I feel like I deserve so much more-that I can change what I had believed to be my predetermined fate. I have been given the greatest gift of life and am so thankful. I truly wish this gift upon every overweight, unhappy, suffering, non-participating persons, and hope for them that they too be blessed with an amazing surgeon to reawaken their being.
-Melissa L
“I used to weigh 248 pounds. My knees and joints continuously ached and I had no energy. Life in general was becoming more and more complicated. My father, who is a healthcare administrator and my mother, who is a registered nurse, both suggested that I undergo gastric bypass surgery. Initially, I wasn’t sure that weight-loss surgery was for me. As the weeks passed I decided that surgery was indeed the choice I needed to make, in order to change my life. I met with bariatric surgeon, Dr. Brian Quebbemann. He has a straightforward professional demeanor that I greatly respected. I also met with Dr. Justin Braverman who has a personal touch that I found comforting. After meeting with both surgeons, I was more at ease with my decision to have the procedure.”
“On June 7th, 2007 I had my surgery and it was a complete success. In addition to my outstanding medical team, the nurses at South Coast Medical Center were also exceptional. I now weigh 125 pounds and my life has completely changed for the better. It is full of energy, friends and fun!. Thanks to Dr. Quebbemann, Dr. Braverman, The N.E.W. Program and South Coast Medical Center, I have a new and happy life.”
-Nicole D.
My name is Liz and I am a sixty-one year old woman who is excited about my life and all that is to come in the future. This has not always been the case, as the last sixteen months have brought about many changes. I believe we are all on a journey and our lives reflect the sum of all our many experiences.
I first heard about Dr. Quebbemann and his practice two years ago from my grown daughter, who against my advice, had elected to undergo gastric bypass surgery in July of 2006. I was a mother that without any first hand information, was fearful, and had reservations about what I considered a life threatening elective surgery. She asked if I would attend an information seminar to help ease my fears. I agreed, and although I felt better about the information given, was still hesitant about the surgery. I also felt strongly that although I would support her and her decision, I would never elect to have the surgery myself.
As time passed and changes were occurring within my daughter, I realized that the changes were not only physical transformations, but emotional, behavioral, and personality changes as well. Suddenly I had my daughter back; the daughter that had once been self-assured, confident, outgoing, and happy.
On April 17th, 2007, I made the choice to reclaim my life. After contacting the New Program and talking with Paula, I met with Dr. Braverman and Dr. Quebbemann who immediately put me at ease. With the skill, support, and guidance from the entire staff, including the ongoing support of Dr. Siegfried, I was given the tools to succeed on this journey.
I am still the same person with the same values, hopes, dreams, and desires, the difference is that now I have the enthusiasm, energy and confidence to use and enjoy these things. I am not afraid to stand up and be seen; to embrace life and run with it. I do not stand at the back of a group or avoid doing things, and I will never settle for less than I deserve again. I have lost one-hundred pounds and counting, but most importantly, I am healthy now.
I am often reminded of the things I once had to worry over. I never wanted to fly because I was worried that the person sitting next to me would be repulsed by my size, and I would feel uncomfortable. I shunned social events because I did not want to shop for clothes that I knew would not make me feel good about myself. I worried that my grandchildren would feel embarrassed about having an obese grandma. I avoided seeing old friends because I knew they would be surprised at my size and felt they would tell others.
Life now exists completely different. I am excited about clothes and love getting dressed up. After years of the same hairstyle, I received a new haircut. I am no longer tired and sluggish throughout the day. I do more, participate more, try new things and meet new people! I live life MORE! I am a new person, and yet, still the same person I always was meant to be. I am the improved model, the healthy and happy model.
I am not sure it is the actual amount of the weight loss, or maybe, what finally losing the weight says about me. I now know I have the strength and determination to follow through; to recognize what is truly important. I understand that I am no good to anyone if I am not good to myself first. Having good health is so important; it is a gift to all those around you who love you.
I am a cancer survivor, and I have survived what obesity tried to steal away. Both of these aliments took work and a positive attitude, and definite medical intervention. I am so proud for taking control and for making the tough choices that saved my life. I am forever indebted to the amazing doctors and staff at the New Program for reminding me that I am worth it! My journey begins now, sixty is my new birth-day!
-Liz C.
In November 2006, Matthew and Karen S. both had gastric bypass surgery and their lives have never been the same. Prior to his surgery, the 6’4 Matthew, age 54, tipped the scales at 417 pounds, Suffering from sleep apnea, diabetes, sore bones and an enlarged heart, his cardiologist urged him to undergo bariatric surgery. Matthew, however, was reluctant. I was against having the surgery, he says. I figured if I could just get a handle on it, I could lose the weight on my own.
However, Matthew’s physician told him he didn’t have much of a choice. My doctor said, Matthew, you may not make it to Christmas. You don’t have a lot of time to make this decision.
Meanwhile, Karen, age 57, who at 5 feet tall, weighed 236 pounds. Years back I had a hysterectomy, says Karen. Her recovery from that surgery was slow and it led to a steady increase in her weight. I also love to eat, she continued. After I started putting on the pounds, it just became easier to overeat.
The couple continued to discuss the possibility of weight loss surgery. Matthew was still reluctant, but because of the seriousness of his health, they decided they were ready to proceed. They were referred to a number of bariatric surgeons, but didn’t feel comfortable with any of them. Everything changed when Matthew and Karen met Dr. Quebbemann and Dr. Braverman. They immediately liked Dr. Quebbemann’s very direct style. One of the things the said was, You people have a problem. You think you are here just to lose weight. I will help you accomplish that, but what I also intend to do is help you change your lifestyle so you will have optimal health, look good in clothes and be able to play with your grandchildren. Karen stated, That made us feel more comfortable. We had a lot of respect for him and he immediately won my heart.
Matthew and Karen also responded to Dr. Braverman’s approach, which was gentler in its tone and they connected with him on an emotional level.
Between Dr. Quebbemann’s confidence and Dr. Braverman’s sensitivity, they made the decision to have gastric bypass surgery.
Karen had her surgery on November 15th, 2006. My recovery time was miniscule. I had one overnight stay at South Coast Medical Center. The next day I left the hospital and I was out walking my dogs. Dr. Quebbemann insisted that Karen not be sedentary, that staying active would help with recovery. She made it a point to go on daily walks. Karen’s quick recovery made it easier for Matthew to proceed with his surgery two weeks later, on November 28th, 2006.
The day after his procedure, Matthew felt like a new man.
Currently Matthew weighs 243 pounds and Karen weighs 110 pounds. Matthew is off his blood pressure and diabetic medications. They can both exercise and travel again. They have changed physically and grown emotionally. Matthew hikes quite often and Karen walks on the treadmill and bikes frequently. Instead of dieting and counting calories, they just try to make good food choices. When Karen and I go out to dinner we share an entrée, said Matthew. It’s been easy for us to maintain our new weights, Karen says. We just make sure that we eat protein, veggies and low carbs.
I would do this again in a heartbeat if I could, said Karen. This was absolutely the best money we’ve ever spent. Surgery involves trust and we trusted Dr. Quebbemann and Dr. Braverman completely. Plus, I am just so happy I feel like a girl again. Matthew feels the same way. In addition to living an enjoyable life with my family, I get to see Karen walking around in her cute little skirts. I always loved her, but now, if it’s possible, I love her even more.
-Matthew and Karen S.
Jim D. Stephens, 44, knows the “ups and downs” of dieting. Since his early teens, he has been putting on weight and taking it off—at one point losing 100 pounds only to see them come right back on – and more. When the 5’8” Placentia resident reached 264 pounds after yet another roller-coaster ride, gaining 45 pounds in four months, he finally decided to make a permanent weight-loss change – bariatric surgery.
“Unlike a lot of people, I didn’t have any real health problems related to my excess weight, except high blood pressure,” notes Stephens, a San Diego native. “I had learned to live with my weight, although the thing that bothered me most was walking around the pool in a bathing suit while on vacation. I felt myself grabbing for a shirt. I just didn’t feel comfortable.” Stephens, who is Director of Child Development Services for the Orange Unified School District, also felt uncomfortable in public places such as stores and restaurants. He felt that people noticed his weight before anything else – prejudging him before he could say or do anything.
This all changed in April 2002 when Stephens attended a seminar sponsored by The N.E.W. Program. “I was impressed with the scope of expertise with the program,” Stephens recalls. “The one point that really made an impression, however, was when Dr. Quebbemann reminded us that we don’t see too many severely obese 70-year-old people. They don’t usually live that long.”
After a comprehensive medical evaluation and patient education program, Stephens underwent minimally invasive gastric bypass on July 12, 2002. “The experience was terrific,” notes Stephens. “Everyone was really, really wonderful. They have a lot of expertise in caring for bariatric surgery patients, and take a very compassionate approach. I had the surgery at 3 p.m. on a Friday, was discharged on Sunday afternoon and by Monday was out shopping with my wife, Barbara. And the surgery didn’t leave any scars because it was done laparoscopically.”
Since his surgery, Stephens has lost close to 100 pounds and today weighs 167 pounds. “I feel great, and have been able to adjust well to my new eating habits, which involve smaller portions and very few sweets,” he says. “I also have a lot more confidence. I walk into places now and feel a lot more assertive and self-assured. It’s a great feeling.”
“Every day is wonderful,” adds Stephens, who has been married to Barbara for 11 years and has two children: Waverly, 6, and Spencer, 4. “My kids notice not only a physical change in me but my energy level as well. It is an amazing, life-changing experience.”
We are awaiting Brad's remarkable weight loss story. Check back soon to read it!
- Brad N
Check back soon to read about Gary's weight loss success story.
- Gary Garcia
The reason I decided to have Gastric Bypass surgery and finally do something serious about my weight problem, was because of my kids! I was so heavy and tired all the time, I just could not keep up with the daily demands of 2 small kids. They ran me ragged every day. I could not walk to the park (2 blocks away), or play with them at the playground because I would get tired of standing and my feet hurt so bad. I felt that I was cheating my kids on having a fun, healthy mom. I wanted to be that kind of mom for them. I also wanted to be able to teach them how to eat healthy and for food not to be such a huge monster in their lives. I could not tell them to eat healthy foods, and excercise when I was not able to do it with them. The old motto "kids learn what they live" kept replaying over and over in my head. I had to do it for them. Kids can be a great motivating factor. Even today I am proud to be able to teach them about eating healthy foods and participate in their activities.
- Holly McCabe
A year and a half ago I made a decision that changed the rest of my life. Over the years I had tried all the weight loss programs and diets you can think of, but the weight loss was slow at best. Despite all of my effort, I realized that I was gaining 5 to 10 pounds every year and wondered what am I going to do. I was the largest I had ever been in my life and was concerned about my health. It seemed that I was becoming shut out of my own future and all I kept thinking was that “I want to live to see grandkids one day”, “I want to feel healthy again”, “I want to be active with my family not an observer”, “I want to travel and be comfortable on a plane.” After trying really hard so hard, and worrying about my future for so long, I finally decided to look into the gastric bypass and made an appointment with Dr Quebbemann. When I went to The N.E.W. Program Center, the completeness of the system was really comforting and all the doctors and nurses were supportive and professional. I was confident in their expertise and decided to proceed, I had my laparoscopic gastric bypass on January 20th, 2007.
Within the first month the weight started coming off and I was dropping clothes sizes faster than I could shop for new outfits. It was truly amazing. My recovery was without complications but learning what I was ready to eat was a bit challenging. I was easily filled up with small amounts of food and there were even days it was difficult to get all the water down. But, with the help of the program staff, I gradually developed new eating habits. Now here I am, a year and a half later, and I wouldn’t take back my decision for anything. Without all the extra weight I’m able to be more active so I’ve hired a personal trainer and work out or run five to six days a week. I’m so healthy that I’ve stopped taking the blood pressure medication I had been on for 16 years. Some days it’s hard to believe how good I feel.
As I reached my goal weight, and as my body started to maintain this healthy weight, I started thinking about how my body looked and was I satisfied. I had quite a bit of excess skin on my stomach and started thinking about a tummy tuck. After an information seminar at The NEW Program on different plastic surgery procedures that would enhance my appearance, I made an appointment with Dr Lee to discuss the tummy tuck and breast lift. Then, three months ago I had both procedures done. Dr Lee and his staff have been wonderful and I am thrilled with the results. I actually bought a bikini!
My Mom started calling me her mentor because she said after watching what I had done she was ready to make the same decision. It really is important to have supportive friends and family. She had her gastric bypass surgery last October and has lost over 100 pounds and looks and feels great. I now have two other friends that have had gastric bypass surgery and say that seeing my transformation helped them make the decision to change their lives too. It is not an easy process, but this permanent result, that improved my life forever, far outweighs the challenges to get here.
- Suzanne B
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