Greg

One patient’s journey to better health

Greg Helms of Norwood knows first-hand how beneficial bariatric surgery can be. He’s suffered from diabetes for 14 years and because of his gastric band and new lifestyle changes, he’s almost free of taking diabetes medication.

He received the Realize band in June 2010 and stayed overnight as a precaution since he suffers from diabetes. In the days and weeks to follow, it was a big change for Greg not only in clothing size and pounds lost, but in his eating habits as well. The staff at Stanly Surgical Weight Loss had already taught him how and what he could eat after surgery, but Greg says the band would tell him too. He had to adjust the way he ate meals, making sure he had water both before and after meals. Some foods that were once a mainstay in his diet were no longer digestible.

Now he says that he doesn’t even know the band is there and that he’s become comfortable with food choices and portion sizes.

“I knew I didn’t eat like I should before surgery. I’d eat a large steak, baked potato, salad and dessert for dinner and not think anything about it,” says Greg. “Now, Sandra and I split a meal and it’s more than enough for both of us.” Sandra has lost weight as well, so the couple has a new-found sense of energy they haven’t had in years. Greg goes to the Stanly County Family YMCA regularly and enjoys working out on the elliptical and lifting weights.

Greg attributes much of his success to the Stanly Surgical Weight Loss Center staff, who he says are very knowledgeable and made sure he and Sandra were comfortable with all aspects of the procedure.

“They’ve gone the extra mile for me, both before the surgery and now,” says Greg. “Everyone has been excellent, and Patti Shoe…she’s super!”

He learned about the gastric band from a friend and makes sure to tell others of his success story as well in hopes that they may rid themselves of insulin and medications for a longer, healthier life too.

Seminars on gastric banding and gastric sleeve are held the fourth Monday of every month at 6:00pm at located at 923 Second Street, Suite 205. Register online for an upcoming seminar here or to learn more, call (704) 982-0648 or 877-414-6515.