Rachel

One patient’s journey to better health

I have battled my weight for 35 years. I would discover a new “diet” and would dive in, lose weight and then gain back the pounds and a few more. Dieting was a roller coaster ride for years.

I resorted to a scooter just to shop for things like groceries because of my weight. I could not walk through a parking lot without becoming short of breath. Later, my weight brought a new, and much more serious problem besides limited mobility and high blood pressure into my life. I was diagnosed with diabetes.

The final straw in my battle with weight came when I was told I needed a hip replacement. I was in chronic pain in my hip, knee and back. All I could envision was a future of medicine, surgery and possibly, immobility.

It was during these dark days that I learned about a procedure called “gastric banding” being performed at Stanly Regional Medical Center by Dr. Eric Mallico of Stanly Surgical Weight Loss Center. I made an appointment to talk to Patti Shoe, the program manager, and she spent a lot of time explaining the procedure and how it helps particular types of people who have tried dieting and failed numerous times. She told me the procedure was also aimed at people like me who were at high risk for serious, weight-related health issues. After that consultation and talking with my family, I knew that gastric banding was the way to go.

My insurance required a six-month pre-surgical program that included an educational plan about nutrition and exercise I needed to follow to support the weight loss procedure. In June 2010, I had the Realize Lap Band procedure at Stanly Regional. Today, I am 77 pounds lighter and still losing thanks to a better understanding of nutrition and the surgery.

I’m so excited about my new lease on life because I am becoming more and more active. I no longer have Type II Diabetes, high blood pressure or pain in my hips, knees or back. Just being able to walk through the grocery store is a great feeling!

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.