Surgical Bariatrics Northwest

Testimonials

If you would like to submit a testimonial, please use this form.

Jeff O'Bleness

Date of Operation:

August 30, 2010

Before	After

My weight was like a rollercoaster ride...up and down and not a very fun ride I might add. I got up to 315lbs at one point and wondered what I was doing wrong. I thought I ate good, but I guess a diet coke with my burger and fries was not the answer. I had gone through the ups and downs of dieting and it was not working for me. I am in Law Enforcement and I needed to be in shape and stay in shape. I was hitting the gym, but not doing any cardio. I tried the cardio route and it still was nottaking the pounds off like I wanted. I was becoming miserable and did not have the drive any longer to diet and do the gym thing. I called my doctor and we started the process for the RNY surgery. I thought I was going to have trouble getting approval, but to my surprise I was not. I did have high blood preasure, sleep apnea, Narcolepsy, diabetic and high cholesteral. I guess when they saw all of that my approval was in order. Once I got the approval from my medical I made an appointment with Dr. Pennings office and within 30 days I was in surgery and got a new lease on life. Since the surgery almost a year ago, I have lost about 90lbs and keep it off by running, working out at the gym and eating much healthier. I do not have high blood preasure, no sleep apnea and any of the other problems I had and now can enjoy my life the way I have always wanted. This is not a magic pill, this is a new way of life that you have to work at. You cannot go back to the foods you had in your past and you must work hard at this and make it your marathon, not a sprint. Good luck to all and enjoy your new lives!

Myrna Dossey

Date of Operation:

November 10, 2008

myrnad@lakecitycc.org

Before	After

LIFE CHANGING! RNY surgery was an answer from God! I am thrilled with the results so far and have no regrets for having done it. My highest weight (that I know of, because after awhile you just stop checking because you don't want to know), was 340 lbs. I had surgery 11/10/08 and I now weigh 170 lbs. What does that feel like? Go into a grocery store and pick up a 40 pound bag of dog food. Not easy, eh? Now try to pick up 4 of those bags... and another 10 pound bag on top. Now try to walk around the store with them for a few minutes. That is just a small snapshot of what I packed around on my frame every minute of every day for years. I now feel terrific! I have energy that I didn't think was possible. I can climb a long flight of stairs without even breathing hard, sit in any chair with room to spare, tie my shoes without grunting, sit in any restaurant booth, walk through turnstiles, take long walks without pain, cross my legs, and a myriad of other small triumphs that only an obese person could appreciate. I got my life back. I had sleep apnea, lower back problems, knee problems, not to mention my heart and a history of diabetes in my family were only health disasters waiting to happen. I have none of those issues now. God put Dr. Pennings and a couple of deeply kind friends into my life so that I could be here on the earth longer and reclaim the quality of life that I lost years ago. I am grateful! P.S. Excuse the "After" photo--I don't have many skinny pics yet, but not everyone can pull off this outfit!

Curtis Smith

Date of Operation:

March 27, 2006

curtsmith1@yahoo.com

OBESITY I never did like that word! But at 580 pounds, I had to do something about it. I knew my work was cut out for me, but with the help of Dr. Pennings, his support staff, the support of my family and friends. I knew I could achieve my goal. I first went on a protein diet and to the weekly support groups for about a year. The time finally came when I had the RNY surgery done. It has been a long road, but I would do it over again in a second. I now weigh 237 pounds. I have my health back , with a better life. I can once again be an active, and productive person. I can wade the rivers and fish again, work in my yard, plant flower beds and other activities that I could not do before. I would like to thank Dr. Pennings, and everyone for their encouragement and support! Curtis Smith

Dan Rennick

Date of Operation:

November 3, 2008

djrennick@comcast.net

I finally made the decision to stop my diet yo-yo and do something that would change my life. I was on all kinds of blood pressure medicines, had bi-lateral knee replacement from to much weight, and hated the size clothes that I had to buy, no style, just clothes. So I went to one of Dr Pennings meetings and from that evening on I have been a changed person. I have lost a total of 140 lbs with a goal of 150 lbs, or 37% of my starting weight wanting to end up losing about 40% total. I weigh less now than I did when I was 20 years old. I am actually looking forward to my next BodPod test to see what my BMI is, I know that it will be close to my goal of around 20% or less, and when you start at over 48% and in less than 7 months you can achieve such a change and still feel good, that is a big WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I now can bend over and pick something off of the floor with out feeling that I will topple over and be winded for a few moments. I can walk for ever with out being out of breath, my new clothes fit and I feel good in them, this is really a first in my life that I can remember. To all of you guys out there that think this is something that is not macho, that you can hold your weight well, and you do not need to take control, that the way you feel and look is just the way it is. I am here to tell you there is a better life out there, one that you walk proud in a crowd, you can get on an airplane and not have everyone hoping that you do not sit next to them. You can get into and out of your car or truck with ease, you can go for a walk and know that you can make it without having to stop because you are winded and it is an effort to go any further with out resting. The biggest bonus is that my wife loves to hold me now, I can tell because she does more of it, and she tells me that she can feel more of me with her arms rapped around me. What a great feeling to know that she wants to hold me, now. If you want to do something to change your life go to a meeting, talk with the people that have gone through the system, and it is not without some difficulty at times, but the end results are unbelievable and what a way to feel the rest of your life. that you know you will live longer because you took that step to change your life by having the RNY surgery, I know I feel that way. With a new grandchild I want to be around and watch her grow up to be a fine young lady, with the surgery and my new body free from medicines I have a better chance of seeing that happen, and what a nice thing to look forward to. Thank you Dr Pennings and all of your staff, you make the change easier, knowing that at anytime I can ask a question and know that I will get an answer, and be supported in my life changing venture. THANKS FOR THE NEW ME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!