Patient Testimonial

Meet Anthony

Describe your life before you had Weight Loss Surgery.
I have always been, or attempted to be an active person. I have rollerbladed, bicycled, motorcycled, worked on cars, love all things outdoors, motorized or otherwise. I was unable to drive my vintage car due to the seat/steering wheel. Bicycles weren’t rated high enough to haul 400 lbs. Won’t even discuss rollerblading. I had started talking with orthopedics about knee problems, back problems, and surgical interventions to help me live my best 400+ pound live. My wife won her battle with metabolic syndrome by losing weight and getting on a regimented diet. And i was about to lose her too. She couldn’t bear the thought of having to bury me due to my obesity.

How long were you considering Weight Loss Surgery before you came in? If you put off the decision, why did you wait? What eventually made you decide to “go for it”?
I have considered weight loss surgery for at least a dozen years. I felt that it was a copout. I work in the software industry. My brain was broken; i felt that weight loss surgery was an attempt at fixing a software(brain) problem with a hardware (surgical) solution.

I had recently take a job that has me jet setting around the world (pre-pandemic). I knew which airlines had roomier seats. I wouldn’t book a flight unless I could guarantee myself an aisle seat or first class upgrade. The shame of always asking for seatbelt extenders was it. I knew I had to do something. Wife, Shame, and running out of sizes at the store.

What was it like to work with the team, from the start of your journey to today?
When talking with Dr Lough, he presented 3 options for myself. Sleeve gastrectomy, roux en y gastric bypass and duodenal switch. We talked about some of the other “trends” in the industry, we ruled out those options, along with shared experiences with other friends about what’s happened with their journeys. I met with nutritionists, I met multiple times with Dr Lough… and finally set the date.

Describe your life now, after Weight Loss Surgery. What is the #1 thing you love being able to do now (that you could not do before)?
Have lost over 160 pounds. I have bought and worn out, and bought another pair of rollerblades. I bicycle around the neighborhood. I have bought a new bike. I enjoy shopping for vintage styles at the local thrift stores. I’ve taken great joy in cleaning out my closet and donating all of my fat clothes to the next person. I’ve considered stuffing the pockets with business cards for my dr. But given the pandemic, I think I will limit exposure for everyone involved.