Medical Services: Bariatric Success Story

"I have dealt with weight problems since childhood," the 45-year-old Westover woman said. "I am extremely touched when coworkers or old friends say, 'Sharon, you look wonderful.' Those are words that I have yearned for all my life."

Sharon's remarkable transformation began after having laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery at Altoona Regional in March 2006. Her surgeon, Matthew E. Newlin, M.D., performed the procedure through six small incisions, which, according to Sharon, "left barely visible scarring."

Before the surgery, Sharon faced several health problems. Her joints ached, and climbing a flight of stairs left her short of breath. She was prediabetic and had a family history of diabetes mellitus. Each time another diet attempt failed, she became depressed and needed medication to help her feel better.

"I knew in my heart where I was headed and I made up my mind that I was not going to let that happen to me at my age," Sharon said. "Plus, I became inspired by what I heard from those who already had the surgery and decided it was time for a real change."

Although gastric bypass surgery reduces stomach size and limits the calories that can be absorbed, becoming slim and healthy is not a guarantee.

"Some patients have a false idea that the surgery fixes everything. It doesn't work that way," Sharon explained. "The surgery is only a tool. You have to be compliant. You have to make healthy changes with your diet and exercise."

Altoona Regional's Bariatric Surgery Center counsels patients through a support system of physicians, clinicians, dietitians and psychologists. Patients can also attend monthly support group meetings at Altoona Hospital Campus.

"The support I received during this experience was overwhelming, beginning with the encouragement of my primary care physician, Russell Miller. Dr. Newlin was absolutely wonderful, and the dietitians really made me think about what I was eating and how much I was putting into my stomach," Sharon said. "I also learned that you have to get to the point where you decide to make a change. No one but yourself can make this decision for you."

Today, Sharon exercises with coworkers on her lunch break and takes a brisk 1 1/2-mile walk four times a week at home. She no longer experiences shortness of breath or aching joints.

"I used to live to eat," Sharon explained. "Now I eat to live. I just eat smaller quantities and remind myself that 'nothing tastes better than thin feels.'"

Like many gastric bypass surgery patients, Sharon says she has renewed confidence in herself.

"I don't cringe when I walk into a room of people anymore," she said. "I no longer fear riding amusement park rides or an airplane because I know I can fit into the seat. For my one-year gastric bypass anniversary, I took a Caribbean singles cruise, which I wanted to do all my life and would not have done without having the surgery."

Sharon would recommend gastric bypass surgery to anyone who is ready and willing to make a change in his or her life.

"I am a firm believer in gastric bypass surgery. It was the tool that I needed to get my life and habits under control," Sharon said. "I wouldn't be where I am today without the surgery. It has saved my life."