Gastric Bypass Success Stories

Ok for the skeptics, I have been a large man for my entire adult life over 380 lbs. last year it was recommend I see BMI of Texas for health related reasons. On July 14, 2014 I underwent gastric bypass surgery, everything went as planed with the help of BMI staff the weight started falling off and today I weigh 225 lbs. my life is so much better it is like being a new person. This is what I weighed in 1967 after graduating high school. More energy, able to exercise and just have a better quality of life. I enclosed a photo of me in a power chair in Florida and one of me now on a 3 wheel bicycle before a bicycle race, you can see the new me. So if you are considering a weight loss program I highly recommend BMI of Texas to guide you through the process!

*Individual results may vary

Letter to Dr. Michael Seger…… Dr. Seger, I’m sure I’m not the first to have questions about having a baby post bypass… I know you know the stats but if others ask feel free to tell them my story! Delivered 7/23/12 (almost 23 mths post op) Lots of research shows a higher c section rate for bypass, however I had my son not only without a csection but as a successful VBAC! He was healthy 6lbs 6oz. 19in. Long and no issues from my bypass according to the Drs. I had to work hard to do so but…. I put on 22lbs during pregnancy (lots of protein bars and shakes) Thought I’d share for others because I know going into your office this was a concern pre op!!! Here is a pic 4 min post delivery! (Ps epidurals are amazing!!!) Hope you have an amazing day! Shannon Alfaro (Bypass is by far one of the best decisions in life) I’d do again without question if I had to!

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When I first came to BMI of Texas to meet with Dr. Duperier I had a lot of medical issues. I was suffering from sleep apnea, joint pains, GERD, and stress urinary incontinence. After reseraching my options I decided to have the Gastric Bypass. I am now 82 pounds lighter and no longer have any medical conditions. I have more energy and have been able to increase my exercise to participate in multiple 5K runs and currently training to complete a 1/2 marathon for the fourth time! I am a much happier person and have absolutely no regrets about having weight loss surgery. I would recommend it to anyone who is suffering the same as I did back then.

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Prior to surgery I wasn’t even able to walk across my apartment without getting winded. I couldn’t do any normal activities at all. I decided to have the Gastric Sleeve surgery with Dr. Duperier and that was the best decision of my life. Since surgery I have lost over 77 pounds and now I can walk up to 2 miles without much distress. I am very grateful to Dr. Duperier and the staff at BMI of Texas and wish I would’ve had the means to do this sooner.

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I am so grateful to Dr. Seger and the staff at BMI of Texas. I had the Gastric Bypass last year and since then I have lost over 105 pounds. I no longer suffer from high blood pressure, diabetes, sleep apnea, high cholesterol, or GERD. Having this surgery has truly changed my life and has allowed me to start living again. I feel great about myself and feel like a new person.

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I had tried every other option to lose weight before I finally decided to come in for a consultation with BMI of Texas. I knew this was the answer for me after my first meeting with Dr. Seger and his staff. I decided to have the Gastric Bypass surgery and I can honestly say I have absolutely no regrets. I now have a much happier and healthier life and my children and spouse are very happy with the new improved me! I always knew there was a good person inside of me and now everyone else can see that same person on the outside because I am so much happier with myself as well. I have lost 87 pounds and no longer have diabetes or high blood pressure. Thank you Dr. Seger and BMI for helping me regain my life back.

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Gastric Bypass surgery was a decision that was thought of many years ago. Never felt that I could or wanted to. I had gone to Dr. Seger’s seminar way before at the Medical Towers that my PCP recommended that I go to. His demeanor was like no other Dr. Did I decide that day to do it? No actually I didn’t. Years went by I found a new primary Doctor. Dr. Linda Esquivel also brought up gastric bypass surgery. She didn’t push me to have it, it was just mentioned. Even my OB/GYN brought it up because I have endometriosis. She couldn’t perform a hysterectomy due to my weight. I even couldn’t be put to sleep due to my weight. Cardiologist never pushed me. Dr. Ortiz felt if it was going to happen, it’s going to happen. I was prescribed 14 different medications. I would take 2 oral meds for diabetes. 1 shot of Lantus of 80 units a day. 20 mg of Humalog 3 times a day. That was only for diabetes So here comes August 29, 2011 when the decision was made to have the surgery finally, I remembered Dr. Seger. He was the one I knew that was going to take care of me. So in August of 2011 I finally got the courage to go speak to the staff of BMI of Texas. This is a place that performs Gastric Bypass, Gastric Sleeve & Lap band surgeries. At that point the process began. Dr. Seger saved my life. The BMI of Texas staff has saved my life. I have no regrets of having this surgery. I would do it all over again. His goal was at 180 pounds. My personal was 190 pounds. I workout 6 days a week, I started walking at 10 minutes a day. Moved up to 20 minutes a day of walking, finally the most I have ever walked is 5 miles. Then finally I started taking classes at Gold’s Gym. I now take Body Combat, Body Pump & Body Attack. My instructors are amazing there. They gave me the confidence and the drive. I shadowed my first class with my Body Attack instructor. Body Combat is my heart and one day I hope to shadow one song. Until then I will keep moving and doing what is good for my body & heart. I am no longer on any medications for diabetes, high blood pressure or high cholesterol. I will be doing my first half marathon in December with the BMI of Texas staff at the Rock-N-Roll Marathon here in San Antonio. I have a huge family system and friend support that has guided me through this journey. I am so grateful because of this surgery. I will live longer for my Daughter who is 11 years old and is Autistic. She needs me so much but honestly, I need her so much. Without you BMI of Texas I would have never reached where I am now. You guys have given me the goals and strength to move on in my life. I been a prisoner in my body and now I know what it is to live for me. My daughter taught me life has so much meaning. But now, I know what it’s like to love myself and be there for me. Thank you guys with all my heart. I love you all with everything I am. I AM FREE!!! My highest weight was recorded at 420 Pounds 11/2/2011: Surgery weight was 380 Pounds Current Weight as of 1/21/2013: 162 Pounds Total weight loss: 218 Pounds Hope Marie Cueva

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My experience with Dr Duperier was totally positive. Don’t think I wasn’t afraid or hesitant but I had utmost respect for my Doctor and I think that is the beginning of the positive process. You will hear negative remarks but I didn’t let that stop me. I did my research too. I called everyone I knew that had the surgery and researched online both negative and positive before making a decision. Dr. Duperier was the best choice for me. I honestly had no second thoughts after meeting with him. I was in a size 18 when I had the surgery and now I am in a size 6, in just 6 months! I followed every suggestion I received from Dr. Duperier and I was a success. I can breathe better, my feet and legs no longer hurt, acid reflux is gone and I couldn’t be happier. I had my surgery on the November 25th, a Tuesday, left the hospital on Thursday and went back to work the following Monday. Everyone was amazed but I felt great. If anyone needs to talk to me you can email me at brenda@thesamfordgroup.com. I am writing this because I know how you are feeling and it made me feel better to talk to someone that had been there. You are in very good hands with Dr. Duperier and he is cute too!

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I had a gastric bypass in February 2009. I’ve lost 75 pounds since then and feel great. But this is only part of the story… The primary reason for my gastric bypass was not weight loss. I’ve suffered from stomach-related health problems for almost 20 years, and was finally diagnosed with GASTROPARESIS in March of 2007. After exhausting other treatments without much success, I heard about a surgeon in Texas who was using gastric bypass to treat the disorder. I contacted Dr. Duperier’s office, and for the first time I had people who actually wanted to help me…and soon! A very short time later I found myself traveling from Idaho to San Antonio, Texas, where Dr. Duperier and his staff gave me the V.I.P. treatment. In addition to the gastric bypass, I had a gastrectomy (removal of the stomach), and now I no longer have gastroparesis! I feel better than I have in 20 years, and owe it all to Dr. Duperier’s willingness to help me. Yes, it was a radical surgery, and a bit of an experimental gamble, but if it weren’t for doctors like this I wouldn’t be living my life again. And the weight loss is definitely an added bonus! Thank you, Dr. Duperier!

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In February, 2007, I found myself at 5’5″, 256 lbs–a BMI of over 42. I was always tired, depressed, and feeling hopeless. I had high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obstructive sleep apnea, GERD, and stress incontinence. I was also prediabetic and on lots of medications for my various ailments. My primary doctor suggested that I go to a seminar to explore weight-loss surgery options. After the seminar, I made an appointment and spoke with Dr. Duperier. We decided that the gastric bypass was going to be the tool for me. I began to prepare for my surgery. I got all the tests done, but began to try to eat more slowly, exercise more, not drink liquids with eating solids, and other precautions discussed pre-surgery. I knew that the surgery was merely going to be the tool to help me jump start my lifestyle change. If I was going to put my body through this, I was going to make it work for me and the sooner I began, the better. I had my surgery on Oct. 22, 2007. Immediately after surgery, I no longer needed medication for my GERD. After 3 weeks, I was given the ok to work out. I went from Dr. D’s office to the gym and signed up. I began with water aerobics (I have arthritis in my knees so low-impact exercise is best.) By Christmas, I had lost 45 lbs. By the spring of 2008, I was off most of the medications and no longer needed a C-PAP to sleep. To date, I’ve lost 100 lbs and am keeping it off. I have a BMI of 25. By using the surgery as a tool and changing my habits, I’m able to live again.

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I had a few years to ponder the thought of the surgery. My husband was very overweight and was told by numerous doctors that he would benefit from the surgery. In 2001 my older sister and younger brother had the gastric by-pass, they said they would be the “testers” for the family. My husband had weight loss surgery in the fall of 2002. Shortly after his I started the process for myself, I had high blood pressure, acid reflux, metabolic syndrome, (of which I was on diabetic medication for this) I was not very active, my son was now almost 13 and I wondered when I could stop saying the weight was from being pregnant! Just when we were ready to file with the insurance to get approval, my husband lost his job, which meant we lost our insurance. So the path was now gone. In the meantime, I had four more sisters that had the surgery. and five in-laws that went through the surgery for a total of 12 people. Upon seeing their success, it made me want the surgery even more. In the late fall of 2004, I contacted the Doctor’s office to let them know that we again had insurance and they did cover the procedure. They re-opened my file. I was declined by the insurance in February 2005 due to not enough paperwork being given. So we finished my paperwork, the psyche evaluation, my appointment with the doctor and such. Then we re-submitted to the insurance company and it was approved. The only surgery date that was available was one month away… I grabbed it! I was scared to death for the next month. I could not get it in my mind that it would be ME in the operating room instead of my husband. I drove to San Antonio , from the Houston area the night before my surgery date. Dr. Duperior told me from the get go that I would be staying in the hospital for an extra day due to the fact that I lived out of town. He wanted to know why I chose the full gastric by-pass instead of the lap band. I told him that I was the 13th in the family to have it and everyone had had the gastric by-pass, I did not want to be a guinea pig for the lap! He stated: enough said! I had the surgery on Wednesday June 22, 2005 weighing in at 245 lbs with a BMI 40, the heaviest I had ever been! The Doctor came to visit me the next morning and told me that everything went beautiful! On Friday he came to see me and told me that I could go home, he said that everything was going well. I was a bit surprised as he told me I would be in the hospital 4-5 days! He said I could stay longer if I wanted, but that he would let me go home. I called my Mom and I was gone by noon! J I hate hospitals! Weight loss surgery has changed my life for the better. I lost 105 lbs within the next seven months, it just melted away! It was hard to buy clothing, as when I finally reached a size 12 I figured that this was the smallest I would get, I bought new clothes for work, and then the next month NOTHING fit! I went from a size 20-22 to a 4-6! My health is much better; I am no longer on any prescription medication, only my vitamins & calcium. This past summer 2008 I did have to go through IV infusions for iron, and take large doses of calcium as my body was not absorbing either one. I did this for 3 months, and since have been doing just fine. People that I have met since having surgery do not believe me, I have to show them my before & after photos, of which I still carry them with me. I am able to eat just about anything that I want, just in small portions. I try very hard to stay away from sugar, as it makes me sick.. I also still follow the rule of not drinking for one hour after meals. (It is hard but worth it!) In March of 2008 my husband and I divorced, and through this process I found out that he felt I had lost too much weight and had gotten too skinny for him. Yes, my husband went through the same procedure, and actually has gained about 50% of his weight back. We are still friends. I am able to work a lot more, travel more and go the extra mile with my job. I love being able to do this! If I had to go back and make this decision again, I would most definitely do this surgery! I have had a few friends have the surgery after finding out that this is how I changed my life. I feel comfortable talking about it to anyone that wants to know more. I really would not do anything differently; I had a very good experience with this surgery. I love Dr. Duperior! The message that I would have for anyone looking into this surgery is “just do it for you!” It will be worth it!

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In 2006 during a routine visit to my family doctor, he told me that it was very likely that I would not live another 8 years unless something was done about my weight. I had been obese my entire life and had severe obstructive sleep apnea, hypertension, and joint issues. Combine my health issues with a familial history dating back to 5 generations of obese women; it was obvious I had to find a way to gain control of my health through controlling my weight. I researched several options and several surgeons and selected Dr. Duperier. To date, I have lost 140 pounds and am still losing. Of greater significance is the fact that I no longer suffer from severe obstructive sleep apnea, hypertension, and most of my joint issues have been resolved. I am testing for my First Degree Black belt in Taekwondo in 2009. I thank Dr. Duperier for giving me the gift of life through God’s blessings.

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I knew that I was over weight and had many problems because of it. I had already had Cardiac Bypass and I had severe heartburn with small bleeding ulcers that caused me to be anemic. I was referred to Dr. Duperier from my Gastroenterologist because of my very large Paraesphogeal Hernia. Dr. Duperier explained that he could do surgery on this large hernia but because I was so over weight it would just come back. He asked me if anybody had ever told me that I would be a candidate for Weight Loss Surgery. I told him no, but I had thought about it and that I had a few friends that had the surgery and they were doing so well. I went to one of Dr. Duperier’s Seminars and there were about 200 people there. Very informative. I decided to have the Lap RNY but my insurance would not pay for it. So I financed it because I knew that my quality of life was bad because of my obesity and I felt like I was dying. I had even hired a trainer to work with me 3 times a week for 3 months and I didn’t lose any weight. Dr. Duperier did the Lap RNY and corrected the large Hernia and Wow, I have no more heartburn or reflux and I was able to get off half of the medications that I was taking. The date of my surgery I weighed in at 240lbs and I am now 143lbs and feel wonderful, with so much more energy. Dr. Duperier and his staff were wonderful and Dr. Duperier still calls to check up on me from time to time.

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About three years ago, I was having problems with my stomach. I went to my gastroenterologist and had so many tests done and nothing ever came from the results. One day I just came out and asked my doctor about weight lost surgery. I felt that nothing ever worked for me. Diets ane exercise just seemed to be a no win situation. I wanted to hear from him what he suggested. He recommended Dr. Duperier right away. I started to do my research. I looked up everything I possibly could about the diferent weight loss surgeries and about Dr. Duperier. Unfortunately I just couldn’t bring myself to schedule the appointment. I knew that this would be a difficult process to go through, but in June of 2009, I decided enough was enough. Just getting on the scale and seeing it at 296 lbs. was the final straw. I knew I could not live like this anymore. So my husband and I took the trip to San Antonio from Corpus Christi, and went to a seminar. After meeting Dr. Duperier face to face, I knew that this was the time and place to have my procedure. It seemed to go so fast from seminar to surgery. At first I thought, why would I have to wait so long to get the surgery? Now going through it, I understand you have to prepare yourself mental and physically. Before I knew it the day of surgery was here. I believed one that date I was reborn with a new outlook on life. The pounds seemed to melt away. I had so much to give thanks for. I coldn’t believe that all the little things I was so worried about before my suregery, didn’t seem to mater anymore. Before I knew it, I was able to exercise without getting so overworked that I wouldn’t go back to the gym. I now make it a part of my day. I will never forget how on of my CCD students came to me one day about two months after surgery and told me, “You look so beautiful, Mrs. Venegas. I don’t know why, but you are so beautiful.” Even my students at school, would tell me that Ilooked so different but they didn’t know why. Finally one day I was able to were shorts and the students thought I was so pretty. They wished I would dress like that more often. I just laughed, but that just gave me the encouragement to do what I needed to do to make this work. Now I weigh 180lbs., I can’t tell you how great that feeling is to me. I have a new outlook on life that will propel me to the future. I can now go to amusement parks and not worry if I will fit in the rides. I can take a trip with my family and friends and not worry about do I need two seats on the plane. I can fit in a queen size bed with my husband. Those things are the best results I can imagine. I am ready to begin again. I am going back to school to become a Physician Assistant. All my life I wanted to be in the medical field, but my weight was something that prevented that from happening, now I hope I can help others.

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Dr. Seger performed my Gastric Bypass surgery on June 15, 2009. Since then I have lost over 192 pounds. My name is Jerek Laughlin and I’m 18 years old. I knew I wanted to get the Gastric Bypass for a while. Not really sure why I went to all the parties. I was always the big kid in the back of the room by myself. I would stay for a little bit just to say I went but then I left early. My senior year I gained more weight. When I stopped playing football, I lost the few friends I had, then I knew I had to do something before I got any bigger. I was 390lbs. Six days after graduation, I had the surgery. I started losing 2 to 3 pounds a day, and sometimes, even more. After two months, I had lost 75 pounds. Now after 6 months, I have lost over 192 pounds. Although my recovery from the surgery was one of the most difficult things I have done, it was also the best thing I ever did. Dr. Seger got me going right away during my hospital stay. Through some hard times, Dr. Seger reassured me it would be alright. BMI of Texas has the best office, no matter what the question, there was always someone to answer it, at anytime. Words can’t do justice to how grateful I am to them. They gave me a new life! I am now comfortable traveling by air and going on amusement park rides. My thighs no longer rub together and I fit in the seat belts. When I visit my family for the holidays, it’s not about the food anymore. I was happy to see their faces and finally be able to socialize. They were happy for me and I was happy to be there. I am finally being part of the party, not just watching it from the corner. I have become more social and I feel at ease when I am in a crowd. And I don’t feel like everyone is watching me. I don’t deny myself a treat here and there, but who doesn’t? This surgery has turned my life around for the better, and I would never go back. It has not been easy but it has been more than worth it to me.

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My name is Christopher Ramirez, I am 22 years old and I had my Laparoscopic Gastric Bypass Surgery on April 27, 2009 at Foundation Surgical Hospital, my surgery was performed by Dr. Terive Duperier. One of the greatest gifts and decisions I have ever made for myself. I was 5’6 and tipping the scale at 430 lbs…I was heading for disaster. I wore a size 64×30 pair of jeans and a size 5x shirt, you cant buy these sizes at any of your local stores. Everything I wore had to be ordered online at a costly amount. I have always been a happy and active person but something always seemed to slow me down, it was my body. It wasn’t designed to carry all of the weight that I had put on it and it was eventually going to give out on me, I didn’t think that I had that many health problems, I knew that I was overweight but I guess I never saw myself the way others saw me. Your friends and your family want you to be happy and they love you for who you are they will never tell you how big you really are it is up to you to recognize that there is a serious issue. I was a closet eater, the moment that everybody left the house I was on my way in the kitchen, I would eat anything and everything I never read labels the bigger it was the better I liked it. On a dare I once ate two triple cheese burgers from Wendy’s…That is more calories in one meal that I am supposed to consume in 3 days worth of regular meals. I knew at that point that I needed to make a major lifestyle change if I ever wanted to enjoy the rest of my life. I didn’t want to be bed ridden and have all of my friends and family call or stop by to tell me what its like out there I wanted to experience it for myself. In April of 2008 I looked online and researched weight loss surgery and I attended the next scheduled seminar. When I found out all of the changes that I would have to make I freaked! The first thing I was told was this is a decision that you have to make, this is something that is a complete lifestyle change and you must be prepared because it is not as easy as it sounds. I started the program at BMI and they put me on my way. There are several test that must be ran prior to surgery and sometimes the results are terrifying. I was diagnosed with severe sleep apnea at the age of 21, I had a lot of trouble sleeping and I was dieing a little everyday. I was approved for surgery by my insurance provider in March 2009 and Dr. Duperier scheduled my surgery for the end of April 2009. I went in thinking that my life was over, I cant eat anymore…what will I do in social situations?? But it turned out to be a the best thing I ever did for myself…and that is what you have to do, you must do this for your self nobody can do this for you. It will be 6 months on October 27, 2009 and so far I have lost 183lbs. I still haven’t reached my goal but I am heading the right direction. Today I wear a size 38×30 pair of jeans and a 1x shirt…I feel amazing and I would do it all over again tomorrow. I love the person that I see in the mirror now and I wasn’t able to say that for 22 years I will be 23 in December 2009 and I will begin 2010 a brand new person, I got my second chance at life and not many people get that lucky. My life was saved by Dr. Terive Duperier. Will yours be next?

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I had the gastric bypass surgery with Dr. Seger about a year ago. I knew that if I didn’t do something soon that my health would only get worse. I had so many healthy problems just from being over weight. I had sleep apnea, diabetes, high blood pressure, back and neck pain and a lot of joint pain. Since having the surgey I have lost over 83 pounds so far and couldn’t be happier. I am no longer taking any medications and I’m enjoying the life I have now because I know I’ll be around a lot longer for my grandkids. Thank you Dr. Seger for giving me my life back!

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My name is Jeremy Spencer. I am currently 28 years old. I have been over weight my ENTIRE life. I was born weighing 10lbs 2oz. June 1, 2012 I made the decision that changed my life forever. I went to see Dr. Seger at BMI of Texas. I weighted in at a shocking 591lbs. I was in utter shock. I had no idea I weighed that much.I suffered from sleep apnea, severe lower extremity edema, and hypertension. My wife and I discussed with Dr. Seger our options. He told me I would need to lose about 100lbs before he would consider doing surgery on me. I figured that would take at least 6 months to get that weight off. But, this life changing event HAD to have been written in Gods plan because in 3 months the 100lbs that I had tried to lose many times before was GONE! September 10, 2012 I went in to have my gastric bypass performed weighing in at 506lbs. Today I have amazed myself as well as all of my family and friends. I am weighing an AMAZING 225lbs! So, for those of you who don’t think you can do it, or you are too big and there is NO HOPE. Look at me. I did it, with the help of Dr. Seger and everyone at BMI of Texas. If I had it to do over again the only thing I would have done differently is to have done it SOONER!

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Hi, my name is Andrea Farmer. I don’t always know where to begin with my story. Some people want to hear about my weight loss while others want to hear about regaining my life and being free from pain. So, I’ll start at the beginning and hope my story inspires some to have hope and faith. I had just moved back to Tulsa, Oklahoma because my husband was going to Korea for a one year tour. We had two small children at the time. Luke was turning 3 and Mitchell was about 4 months old. I had been having headaches and thought it was simply having two kids and a husband. (LOL) Then I woke-up one day with my eyes crossed. I thought, well this is just what I need, crossed eyes to go along with the headaches. My husband, John got me right into a long time family doctor who knew right away this was serious. Of course, I shrugged it off as stress. Nevertheless, I was sent straight to the hospital. I was later diagnosed with Pseudo Tumor Cerebri. Basically means “false tumor of the brain”. My four ventricles were no longer moving the spinal fluid around in my brain and it was not being absorbed into my body. Therefore, the pressure would build in my head and cause the headaches and my eyes to cross. Lovely, huh? Well, my husband being the military hard-core guy that he is was simply beside himself. He still went to Korea. I went on to try numerous drugs and eye surgery before I had brain surgery to drain the fluid off of my brain and insert a shunt in my spine. It was a terrible recovery. But by the time John returned from Korea, I was up and walking again. Couldn’t hardly tell I was sick. Other than the terrible headaches, nausea, stars, and dizzy spells….I was fine. I continued to do the work, be a mom of two and a wife. So, lets fast forward a couple of years…I started to feel even worse. I returned to my neurosurgeon and he said I now had hydrocephalus in addition to the Pseudo Tumor Cerebri. So I had another brain surgery to insert another shunt. This time in my brain. I never did feel any better. I either had too much fluid in my head or not enough. I simply would get through the day the best I could. I continued to move all over the country as a good military wife and saw numerous neurosurgeons who never wanted to treat me. The depression set in and I turned to food for comfort. I wasn’t moving around anymore either because the more I moved the worse my head felt. Well, the weight came on slowly at first, but before I knew it I was a size 24 and 254 lbs. I had another brain surgery to remove one shunt. I kept the other one so my brain wouldn’t hemorrhage. Life was crazy…I developed high blood pressure and was now packing my head in ice most every night to get some rest from the pain. I had been suffering for 10 years at this point. I didn’t even want to live. Why live, I thought. It was too painful. Then Jerry came into my life through my youngest son, Mitchell. They were and still are best of friends. Through their friendship, I met Laura Rodriguez, Jerry’s Mom. What a lady! I love her so much. I told her I had been researching my illness and was considering the Gastric Bypass. I’m sure she thought I was crazy trying to explain all my issues. I probably sounded like I was a hypochondriac….but it was all true. She listened so intensely and promised to help me. Help me, she did. She worked for Dr. Seger. She went to him and became my personal advocate. Within three weeks I was sitting in Doctor Seger’s office. I thought, great another doctor to tell my story too. This will be a long shot for sure. He will never agree to help me, I thought. So many doctors in the past had simply dismissed me because of my complex diagnosis. Laura promised me Dr. Seger would listen. You know what, he did. He was so compassionate. Not only did he listen, but he promised me he would help me and if that meant having surgery, then he would do it. I cried. I just couldn’t believe it. Laura helped me through the insurance dilemma. But you know what, I didn’t care how much it cost….I wanted my life back and this was the only opportunity for me to try and make it happen. See having a Gastric Bypass might just throw my Pseudo Tumor Cerebri into remission according to the research I had done. It was a long shot, but I didn’t care. I was tired of not wanting to live and just surviving by the minute and hour of each day. So with the grace of God, the support of family and friends (my Laura), and Dr. Seger I had surgery on July 27, 2009. The turning point in my life. You know I don’t remember a lot of important dates, but this one I will never, ever forget. It is the day I was given my life back. Dr. Seger and Laura made this happen for me. I am forever grateful to them. I’ve since then lost 70 lbs. I’m now a size 16 and still losing. My Cerebral Shunt has been turned down from 120 ml to 90 ml. (I’m going into remission)!!!! This is the real miracle. My head no longer hurts. I’m off my blood pressure medicine and I love life. I’m no longer in pain. I don’t have nausea, dizzy spells, or stars. I feel normal for the first time in 12 years. Thank you Dr. Seger and Laura Rodriguez.

*Individual results may vary

March 15th, 2010 is a day that I hold special, more than my own birthday even because this day is my “re-birth” day. I started living on 3/15/10. I had roux-en-y gastric bypass surgery by the amazing Dr. Duperier. I truly feel that he, and all of the staff at BMI were my angels. I was 430lbs at 22 years old. I have been obese my entire life. I was 180lbs by the time I was 8 years old. Obesity has robbed me of my childhood and was killing me quickly. I have researched weight loss surgery seriously since I was the age of 16. My sister passed away in late March, 2008 at the age of 29, from a massive heart attack caused by prolonged morbid obesity. We grew up both trapped in our own bodies by obesity. After her death it was a wake-up call. I went faithfully to the gym, even had a few personal training sessions and within about two months lost 40lbs. Then life happened. I lost my job and I was devastated, I found comfort in my old “friend”- food. Within the next year I went from 330lbs to 430lbs. By January 2010, I needed something dramatic to save my life. I met Dr. Duperier on Feb. 1st, 2010. I was completely blessed with my surgery. I had the fastest approval rate by insurance BMI has seen. I was approved for Roux-en-Y gastric bypass in 8 days. My surgery was scheduled for March 15, 2010. Everything was moving so quickly! The only problem was, Dr. D wanted me to lose 30lbs in a month’s time. I was determined! There I was in the Foundation Gym at least 5 days a week walking on the treadmill, I took it upon myself to adopt the liquid diet for the last 3 weeks before surgery. Honestly, I was terrified of complications, and not being able to get the surgery in general because my BMI was SOOOO High at a whopping 69.4! I’ll never forget the last meeting I had with Dr. D a week before surgery. Mind you with all of this hard work, I only lost 10lbs, but found most of the loss in inches. Dr. Duperier was needless to say, VERY concerned that I had not lost enough weight, and actually suggested that maybe we should post-pone the surgery or if I should get a gastric sleeve. Oh, if you could see my expression. I expressed to him that I have worked SO hard in the time and I was ready. I think at that point her really saw that I “got it” and my mindset was right, and the surgery stayed scheduled as planned. As far as the actual surgery, I had no complications. I was at Methodist Specialty Hospital for 4 days, a few days longer than the normal patient because I was deemed an “at risk” patient because of such a high BMI. I was on blood thinners in the hospital because of it. The worst pain that I had was the drain on my left side. I COULD NOT wait to get that out. The first weeks out of surgery were -bizarre- to say the least. When I had gone into the hospital I had lost 15lbs total, when I left I was 21lbs heavier because of swelling, gas, and fluid. In the next few days the water weight poured off. I’ll never forget 3 days after I was back to my beginning weight; I got on the scale and had lost 19lbs! Are you kidding me! I cried and immediately called my mom and said “This was the BEST decision I have ever made” Eight months later, I still feel the same. In the first few weeks after surgery I dealt with A LOT of head hunger. I was NOT at all physically hungry but seeing Pizza Hut commercials on tv were nearly excruciating. After week five, I started to eat more solid foods. One of the first things that you will realize is that NOTHING tastes the same. CHEW SLOWLY because that “stuck” feeling if you don’t will feel like you swallowed a peach pit. I hated meat for the first four months. I lived on peanuts, string cheese, protein shakes and raw cauliflower. Zoom to the present, I am now eight months post op and I have lost 150lbs!!!!! I went from 430lbs-280lbs. I still have 120lbs until my goal weight of 160lbs. I cannot put into words what this second chance means to me. I am very much still “In Progress” and each and every day is a struggle. Anything worth having is worth fighting for, and I’m not going to settle. The same determination that I felt in the beginning is intensified now. I exercise 4-5 days a week. I do Zumba 2 days a week (salsa, hip hop dancing) and I love IT! I always say find something you love and get moving! I do have a personal trainer now that I see 2 days a weeks, and I do cardio and form training another day a week. I have gone from a size 32W pants to an 18/20! I have SOOO Much energy now that I finally feel 22. But, there is still so far to go. One of the biggest things I’ve realized, and a mentality that is VERY important to go into this with is that my bypass does NOT do everything. It does NOT deal with the emotional issues, or bad relationship with food, it does NOT drive me to the gym, it does NOT give me will power. It did “force” me in the right direction, and that is EXACTLY what I needed. It took me back to basics and gave me my life back, and for that I am foreveer grateful. Because of my second chance, I have dedicated myself to also helping others. There is an amazing online community of people who have had WLS that has been extremely supportive. I have been blogging my journey on youtube: www.youtube.com/ellewilliams I am also very active in the weight loss surgery community on facebook: www.facebook.com/ellestartingover I have a written blog: http://www.simplyellegance.com/ One organization that I am very passionate about is the Weight Loss Surgery Foundation of America: www.wlsfa.org They are performing charitable services and supporting research to find solutions to enhance the quality of life of the morbidly obese community. Raising awareness and funds for not only weight loss surgery but also skin removal surgery as well for patients who cannot afford it! I have a much better life now than I could have imagined and I am working towards reaching my goals. I am a motivational speaker, and supporter, and hope to one day be a Zumba instructor and personal trainer. Please feel free to contact me about anything! I am an open book! Many Blessings Gabrielle Castellanos A.K.A “Elle Williams”

*Individual results may vary

Over and over I’ve thought about and attempted to write a testimonial for Dr. Duperier and BMI of Texas. Every time I would end up putting it aside. There really isn’t an easy, quick way to type in words what Dr. Duperier and BMI of Texas doctors and staff have done for me. I’ve struggled with my weight my entire life, but thanks to Dr. Duperier, Dr. Seger and the BMI of Texas team, I’m still alive and doing well. About five years ago I walked into Dr. Michael J. Guirl’s office with gastroenterological problems. He quickly discovered that my stomach was not processing the food correctly and worked with me to help fix my problems. At the same time, he encouraged me to call and make an appointment with Dr. Duperier’s office regarding my weight. I shoved it off knowing my insurance wouldn’t pay for any type of weight loss surgery. Meanwhile, I kept gaining weight until I realized I was no longer living life but instead just existing on earth. I was in such bad health that it took all my energy just to get out of bed. If you’ve been overweight yourself, I’m certain you’ve heard the famous “I can’t make you lose weight, you have to be ready for it.” I thought it was all hogwash until one day one of my aunt’s sat me down on Christmas Eve and asked me why I wanted to die. She also asked me if I realized how unfair it was to my family to have to deal with possibly losing me so young. I was 35 years old and couldn’t even stand long enough to spend even a half hour shopping in a store. You think I’d have been ready to lose weight way before then but that wasn’t the case. You’d think after having my aunt tell me I was going to die that I’d have done something the next day. “I” still wasn’t ready. The conversation with my aunt kept repeating itself in my mind but I didn’t make any moves. One day, I heard a radio advertisement for a weight loss seminar. With my aunt’s comments in my mind I scheduled to attend the seminar. Of course, my insurance declined me the opportunity so I didn’t return to the doctor’s office. With my aunt’s comments still on my mind, I finally was ready. I realized it was time to live my life again and not let anyone tell me I couldn’t. After Dr. Guirl handing me a BMI of Texas business card twice during all this time and having me throw it away twice, I realized it was time to call his office again. Hoping his office could give me his recommendation again (for a third and final time I hoped). Sure enough they did and I immediately scheduled to attend a seminar. I didn’t even know until I showed up the night of the seminar that it was Dr. Duperier’s night to attend the seminar… I had no idea the night of the seminar I’d be asked to get on a scale to find out how much I weighed. Before that night, weight scales and mirrors didn’t exist for me. Ask me how I managed to brush my hair and I really couldn’t tell you other than I really concentrated on looking at the brush and my hair and nowhere else. I was too ashamed to look elsewhere. When I arrived to attend the BMI of Texas seminar I immediately met April, who was to be my advocate. April immediately made me feel welcome and by some means managed to get me on a scale. This was something that no one for years had been able to do and took quite a bit of courage on my end. April wrote my weight on a piece of paper and handed it to me. When I got the courage to look at it, I immediately struggled to hide my tears. I was over 500 pounds at age 36 at this point. I was shocked, ashamed of myself and wanted to go hide and die. The seminar was very inspiring but at this point I just wanted to give up. My mind kept repeating my weight and at this point I didn’t feel there was any way to go but down. I felt I was beyond fixing. For the next few days my life stopped. I waiting hoping April’s call would be that my insurance company would pay for weight loss surgery. I had this small amount of hope that April would call with good news. At the same time, I was ready to just give up if her answer was no. I spent every second so focused on preparing to give up and just let myself die that I was ready for her answer. Of course, nothing was ever easy for me, or at least that’s what I had instilled in my head. Then the call came and the answer was NO! I lost all hope but April hadn’t. She insisted I keep trying. I applied for a loan and of course again was declined. They needed a co-signer and I didn’t have one. Ready to cancel my office visit, my mom called BMI of Texas to tell them the bad news. I had definitely given up and wanted to just forget I had even tried again. Keep in mind, about 3 years before this I had tried to get insurance to approve weight loss surgery for the first time. This had been my third attempt and my third no… Instead of letting me cancel and letting me continue on my path to death, Dr. Duperier instructed his team to waive my office fee and keep my appointment. From there it was fate. I was destined to make a huge change in my life. I went to visit Dr. Duperier and immediately felt comfortable with him and his nurse, Nina. Since day one, Dr. Duperier has always showed concern and support for my continued weight loss. He encourages me and understands when I have my bad days. Most importantly, at a time when I had given up on myself and my life, Dr. Duperier didn’t. When I met the BMI team, it was a time in my life that I most needed to hear the honest truth, something that Drs. Duperier and Seger respectfully told me. They didn’t beat around the bush but instead were straightforward and completely honest with me. They give 100% of their time and effort and expect you to do the same. They spend their mission helping to fight obesity and you can tell they are just as excited as you when you show positive progress. After my beginning visits to BMI of Texas, things went so fast for me. Several tests were run and it was realized that I had several things wrong with me including sleep apnea, reflux, high blood pressure, etc. During each of my visits to BMI of Texas I realized that I had a team ready to help encourage me, a team who cared about me. For the first time, I felt like I belonged. Instead of hyperventilating because I had an upcoming doctor’s visit, I was excited to go to my visit. Everyone, and I do mean “EVERYONE” at BMI has welcomed me with open arms. It’s now been over a year since my original visit. I’ve lost over 200 pounds and gained a huge family. It’s not just words when I say I owe my life to Dr. Duperier, Dr. Seger, Nina and everyone at BMI of Texas. Because I started at such a large size, I’m still not at my ideal weight. I continue each day to struggle with obesity but I continue to fight thanks to Dr. Duperier, Dr. Seger, my family, and friends in and out of BMI of Texas. Thank you all for giving me a chance and giving me my life back  and Nina, I will continue to strive for more of those Stars!

*Individual results may vary

Before my gastric bypass surgery in 2008, I wore a size 24, had sleep apnea, high blood pressure, GERD, depression fibromyalgia, Lyme disease and various other ailments too numerous to list…sigh I now wear a size 4, no sleep apnea, no high blood pressure, no GERD (thanks to Dr. Duperier who removed a hernia the size of a dinner plate that no one else seem to be able to find) and the depression has decreased.The Fibromyalgia and Lyme are still with me and probably always will be, but he told me from the start that he could not fix those. Dr. Duperier’s professionalism and caring bedside manner really made the whole process a wonderful experience. His staff was outstanding from the very beginning and still are some of the nicest medical personal and office staff I have ever had the pleasure of dealing with. I would highly recommend this procedure to anyone who is truly motivated to make a change.

*Individual results may vary