Our Patient Success Stories

We are most proud of all of the things that you, our patients, are able to accomplish. Many of you have seen your diabetes or high blood pressure cured. Many are no longer suffering from sleep apnea or chronic joint pain. Many of you are living such a more full and enjoyable life. These pages are dedicated to you and your successes. We are honored that you chose BMI of Texas to help you in your journey.

To see more testimonials, please click here!

To watch the video from our 2009 Walk From Obesity Event, please click here!

We are so proud of our patients for sharing their stories, that we wanted to allow them to speak in person regarding their experience with us. Please click here to see what they have to say!

To submit your own testimonial, please click here! We would also like to invite you to "brag" about your successes on our message board forum. Please take the time to share!

Patricia

I finished the insurance required dietitian appointments and had RNY Gastric Bypass on March 31, 2008. At the time of surgery I weighed 256lbs and since I was only 4’10” I was wearing a size 28 and had shown signs of diabetes as well as suffering from sleep apnea and was on the road to heart disease. Unfortunately my recovery didn’t go as smooth as I would have liked it and Dr. D said that I was in a very small minority of patients who experience minor complications. Dr. D and his staff were very encouraging and I remember he kept telling me that in a few months I wouldn’t any of it. A few months went by and I felt better and better each day. I follow all the instructions provided and I was down over 100lbs and I was no longer a 28 but a size 6. I no longer show signs of diabetes and have been doing things that I never thought I would do again. I do not regret having done the surgery and feel that I have been given a 2nd chance at living.

Todd

My name is Todd Brooks and in June, 2008, I began a journey that would change my life. Before that month I was on a path that was leading to an early grave. Then I weighed 364 Lbs, wore a size 58 pant, and took medications for dangerously high blood pressure, cholesterol, and constant heartburn. I couldn't walk up stairs without getting short of breathe and having pain in my knees. My doctor was even ready to put me on diabetes medications. Then came a change in my path, because on June 27th, 2008 Dr. Duperier performed my gastric bypass surgery. At my one year anniversary I was off all my medications, weighed 200 Lbs and wore a size 32 pant. I continue to lead a healthy life and now weigh 195 Lbs. I am a regular at the gym where I run a 9.5 minute mile before my workouts, no knee pain or getting short of breathe. The path I am on is leading to a healthy, happy, and long life. I am so thankful for the 27th of June, 2008, and the path Dr. Duperier and his staff helped me find.

Margot

I started considering Gastric-Bypass when I would get on the scale at the doctors office and it would not register... the little weights would go to the end but the level would not go down... so I knew I was weighing in at more than 400 pounds. I had a problem with being borderline diabetic, hypertensive, my leg was swelling (retaining water), and I had a problem with sleep apnea. I was taking minimal medication but then I was charged with my father's care during his hospice stay... He past away from complications of diabetes. After his death, my blood pressure skyrocketed; I was under a lot of stress, anxiety, and suffering from depression which was exacerbated by my obesity and self image. Approximately a month after witnessing my father's painful passing, I was walking past a mirror and thought I saw my father. Realize, he was weighing in at over 450 pounds, and we had to get an oversized coffin for his body. There were additional pal bearers required to 'lay him to rest'. Anyway, I thought I saw him and turned and found I was looking into a mirror and the image I thought was my father...was me. I did not want to suffer his demise - I did not want to go through the remainder of my life not being able to enjoy life. The rest is history... I have gone from a size 4X to a size 14-16. I'm able to go up a flight of stairs without having to stop and catch my breath. I am able to ride a bike for hours on end... and best of all I've started to take ballroom dance classes. I had surgery when I was 50 years of age - and I'm feeling like I'm 20 years old. My journey has just begun.
Thank you for all you do

Michael

Michael had his surgery a year to the date after mine, on March 31, 2009. His surgery was very smooth and he recovered within a couple of weeks without any complications. Michael had hypertension, which was difficult to control even with medication. Additionally Michael had sleep apnea as well as joint and back pain and like myself he was on track for heart disease. Now he has no signs of any major health issues. Going into surgery Michael weighed 320lbs and wore a size 46-waist snuggly. Now 9 months out he weighs 194lbs and wears a size 33 waist. Like me he feels that we have been given a 2nd chance on life and we are living our life together. We are no longer spectators in our daughter’s life we are now active participants.

Joe and Carol

Carol - Dr. Duperier performed my lap band surgery in October 2007. It’s been one of the greatest things that I have ever done for myself. Prior to my surgery, I was diabetic, had back issues, high cholesterol, etc. Since the surgery, I no longer take medication for diabetes or high cholesterol. My back pain has improved and I have more energy that I thought I ever would. So far I have lost about 55 lbs. I did have a few set backs but with Dr. Duperier’s help, we are back on track and feeling more confident and better everyday. I would do it all over again in a heartbeat. It’s been a life changing experience and I wish I would have done this sooner.

Joe - Dr. Duperier performed my gastric bypass surgery in July 2007. Prior to my surgery, I had severe back problems. This was the main reason for wanting to drop the weight quick to improve my back and overall health. I had lower back surgery in 2005 and that did not improve my pain due to all the weight I was still carrying. I was 296 lbs approximately before my surgery and now I weigh in about 185 lb today. It’s been a life changing experience. My lower back pain has improved since dropping the weight and I have better movement and energy now. Dr. Duperier and Dr. Seger also performed general surgery in 2009 to repair a herniation. I would recommend both doctors to anyone looking into weight loss or general surgery.

Rebecca

A friend of mine wanted to do something to help her lose weight, she weighs about 500 pounds. So, as a good friend of support I said “I will research gastric bypass in my town and she would research it in your town and we will find the best doctors in Texas. Boy, I never thought this was for me I was trying to help someone else. During the research I was diagnosed with sleep apnea and suffered lower back pain and have Arthritis in my knees. So, there was no reason why I was not ready to get into a healthier life style as a mom trying to raise a 2 and 4 year old, I thought I was tired due to the kids not because I stopped breathing 60 times an hour. It was easy for me to give gastric bypass a chance to help me live for my husband and boys instead of food. I am now 1 1/2 years post op lost 110 pounds look and feel great and most of all my sister also saw Dr Duperier she is 14 weeks out and has lost 55 pounds look super great, off most of her meds and has a new lease on life for her children. I tease her and ask her if she wants to buy matching bikinis and go to Florida or Hawaii where we can show off our new self. That was a bonus; I never know I was a size 2 hiding under my 22 clothes. I owe everyone at Dr. Duperier’s office a great deal of thanks. However no one ever recognizes me in my extended family at reunions, funerals and weddings ( till I speak ) I am still getting use to looking at my reflection in windows wondering who's long legs those are ? My husband now carries me up the stairs and over his shoulders the boys laugh and think we are silly in love, our love is still there and maybe even stronger. He also says I am still the same person inside and never changed my personality.
Date of Operation: November 7, 2007

Terry

My name is Terry Hepworth. I was overweight all my life. I was teased as a child and throughout high school. When I was in the band, the trombone players would play “Baby Elephant Walk” when I passed by. As I got older, had a child and life happened, I kept gaining (and losing) and regaining weight until I was severely, chronically ill and weighed 306 lbs. My major illnesses included Type 2 Diabetes, Hypertension, Gastric Reflux, Asthma, Obstructive Sleep Apnea, and severe liver disease (which I was told would most probably require a liver transplant in the future). This does not include all the other illnesses that go along with being morbidly obese such as low back pain and severe shortness of breath when walking short distances. On a visit to my endocrinologist in January of 2005, she told me point blank, “If you don’t do something drastic, you’re not going to live much longer.” Talk about knocking the wind out of your sails. She suggested I have weight loss surgery. This day was a turning point in my life. I had researched the surgery several times before and decided it was just too risky and too drastic for me. I really didn’t want surgery and procrastinated 2 weeks before calling for a seminar appointment. I went to my seminar the next week and met Dr. Seger. After hearing his presentation and doing hours of research about the surgery and Dr. Seger’s qualifications and credentials, I decided to proceed with the process.
I saw Dr. Seger in March 2005 and he performed my surgery on 15 June 2005. The day I left the hospital was the last time I took Insulin or any medication for my diabetes. Two weeks later, I was totally off my blood pressure medication. Six weeks after surgery, I no longer required the CPAP for my sleep apnea. The only time I’ve used my rescue inhaler for my asthma was after climbing a 30 ft rock wall, 7 months after my surgery. My liver function has been normal since about a year post surgery. All my blood tests are within normal range and the only medications I take are for allergies (the surgery won’t cure that!) and my supplements, calcium, vitamins and B-Comp (every day…forever!!).
Due to my health since the surgery and my 145 lb. weight loss, I was able to pass the FAA Flight Medical Exam (something that was not remotely possible before surgery). I am currently working on obtaining my Private Pilot Certificate. I’m so busy now I don’t have enough time to do everything I want to accomplish. I was told I only had 5 years to live and now I have another 50!! (I was almost 50 when I had the surgery)

Now, 3½ years post surgery, my life is full. I can eat what I want (in small amounts) and do anything. I would recommend the surgery and do it again in a heartbeat!!
Dr. Seger is absolutely perfection!! He truly cares about his patients and you can’t find a better surgeon in the whole world!! He always wants to know how I’m doing and responds to my e-mails and calls promptly…yes…a doctor who actually calls and e-mails his patients!! He has saved my life twice and also performed another surgery (not related to weight loss). I trust him implicitly and would not hesitate to recommend him in a minute. I not only value him as my surgeon, but as a member of my “extended family”.

Shirley

At the age of 62 I was diagnosed with an extremely large hiatal hernia and was referred to Dr. Michael Seger to have it surgically repaired. During my consultation, Dr. Seger noticed I was being treated for high cholesterol, severe acid reflux and arthritis in my knees. I was also very close to having to take medication for diabetes and hypertension. Dr. Seger knew that the hiatal hernia repair was just one of my medical conditions that he could help with and asked me if I had ever considered weight loss surgery. Dr. Seger explained how weight loss surgery could resolve my current medical conditions and prevent me from having to take medication for diabetes and hypertension. He also told me that he could perform both procedures at once which would mean only one trip to the operating room for me.

After carefully researching Dr. Seger’s credentials and gastric bypass surgery, I made the decision to take control of my health and have the surgery. It was one of the most important and best decisions I have made in my life. At the time of surgery I was 283 pounds and wore a size 26-28. I am two years out of surgery and weigh 140 pounds and am a size 8 -10. I left the hospital off all my medications and have not needed them to this day.

Dr. Seger keeps a close watch over his patients and celebrates each weight loss surgery milestone with them. Dr. Seger provides the best care I have ever received from a physician, including giving me his personal email to contact him with questions or to share my accomplishments. I am 64 years old, but look and feel much younger than I have in years. I am able to do anything I want physically. I know that this surgery has added quality years to my life. I tell everyone I can about the surgery and the excellent patient care I have received along with how weight loss surgery has improved my life and how it can improve theirs. I will be forever grateful to Dr. Seger for caring enough about me to suggest I consider having the surgery.

Chris

In early 2004, I made a decision that would change my life and allow me to take control of one area of my life that I was never able to control… my weight. Endless rounds of diets and visits to physicians all resulted in great attempts but never the final goal of achieving better health and taking control of my weight. In October of 2004, I gathered the courage to attend a weight loss surgery seminar. The presenter for the evening was Dr. Terive Duperier. Dr. Duperier covered all aspects of the journey and answered every question with patience and compassion. I knew before the seminar was over that he would be the surgeon I would select to perform my procedure. Some may say that Dr. Duperier saved my life; I believe he gave my life back to me. Prior to surgery, I was being treated for severe sleep apnea, high blood pressure, and back and knee pain. I have lost 222 pounds and have no need for any medications. Additionally, I am able to participate in physical activities like walking, jogging, and running.

Weight loss surgery has changed my life. I am able to actively participate in activities with my young daughter and know that I will be around to watch her grow up and have a family of her own. I also have a very supportive relationship with a man who treats me like a princess. Weight loss surgery gave me the courage to leave my job as a financial analyst and pursue a career in the medical field. I actively participate in our practice support group and speak to new patients at weight loss surgery seminars. One day I hope to find a permanent position in the bariatric field.

My story is proof that “fairy tales” can come true. I am so thankful that I made the decision to have surgery and that I found a surgeon who is compassionate and dedicated to his patients for life.

Myra

My issues with weight began at an early age. When I was in elementary school, I was never considered “thin”. I was always bigger that most girls my age. By the time I was in high school, I weighed over 200 pounds. Over the years, my weight escalated to 365 pounds. I had lower back pain, knee pain, and feet pain and had difficulty walking. In 2004, I realized something needed to be done with my weight when both my parents faced major health crises, and if I did nothing about my weight I would end up with serious health problems in the future. Being unhappy with my situation, I talked it over with my mother and she suggested I look into weight loss surgery. I began researching the various procedures on the Internet and discussed it with my family and friends who have been very supportive.
On March 3, 2006, I went to a seminar presented by Dr. Seger which was very informative. Not only is Dr. Seger a very knowledgeable surgeon with a unique sense of humor. I immediately felt comfortable with Dr. Seger and decided at the end of the seminar to make an appointment. On May 23, 2006, I met with Dr. Seger and discussed the different surgeries, the risks, and my family history of obesity. When I first met with Dr. Seger, I had not decided which procedure I wanted—gastric bypass or the lapband. I told Dr. Seger that I was leaning toward the lapband because I felt it was a better fit for me. Dr. Seger told me to come back in one month with my decision on what procedure I wanted and lose 5 pounds. I came back a month later with my decision to have the lapband surgery as soon as possible and to my surprise I had lost 15 pounds. I wanted to schedule the surgery on July 5, 2006, the day after Independence Day, because it symbolized for me my freedom from being morbidly obese, however, I had the surgery laparoscopically on July 6, 2006. In the pre-op holding area, Dr. Seger came in to talk over some last minute details before surgery and asked me if I was ready. I immediately told him, “I’m ready, let’s go, I got things to do”. The surgery took approximately 45 minutes, and I was back in my room by 11:00am. I ended up staying overnight due to a minor issue during surgery. I did not have any major complications after surgery. I was up and walking around and was discharged the next morning. The next two weeks after surgery I drank nothing but liquids (water, diet tea, Jell-O, broth, and sugar-free popsicles). I really did not feel like eating anything. I did not have any major pain at my incisions, only a slight stiffness in the midsections. My surgery was on a Thursday and one week later I was walking on a treadmill—very slowly—without any major problems.
My results have exceeded my expectations. I believed it even surprised Dr. Seger. On July 6, 2009, I will celebrate my 3 year anniversary and I have lost 196 pounds. On the day of surgery I weighed 351 pounds. I now weigh 155. I went into surgery with the mindset that this would not change my life. I was wrong. I am a completely different person. I hated exercise. I now exercise on a regular basis and I cannot believe I actually like it. I have a different relationship with food than I did before surgery. I am not controlled by food. I eat to live, not live to eat. As a child, I was very shy. Since surgery, I have come out of my shell. I am so grateful to Dr. Seger for giving me back my life that I decided to pay it forward by speaking regularly at the seminars sharing my experiences.
Do I have any regrets having the surgery and what would I do differently? No. I do not have any regrets about having the surgery. I would do it again in a heartbeat. My only regret is I did not do it sooner, so my grandparents who have passed on could have been here to see my success (deep down I think they are up in heaven smiling at me). If anyone one is considering weight loss surgery, my message to you is “Life is too short to be living with a prison sentence called obesity”. Weight loss surgery is a good investment, not only in your health but in your life. Do your research, weigh all of the options. In the end, the decision to have weight loss surgery is a personal choice. The choice to live a life beyond your wildest dreams.

Roxanne Garza—lost 115 pounds. No longer suffers from sleep apnea or diabetes.

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