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Bariatric SERVICES
Patient Testimonials
We Can Help.
Interview: Ruthel
"I have lost 100 lbs since my Lap-Band surgery and I have more energy! When I was 100 lbs heavier, I felt very heavy and exhausted all of the time. My knees hurt, I couldn't climb stairs without getting out of breath, and by the end of a work day all I wanted was to take an hour nap. I used to have a negative self-image and was ashamed of myself for being overweight.
Now I am always on the go! I have a mental alertness as well that I didn't have before. I love to exercise! I do yoga and Pilates, as well as weight training with a personal trainer. I love the treadmill, the stair stepper, the elliptical bike, and the stationary bike! Swimming in the summer is great now that I am not scared to be seen in public in a bathing suit!
Losing the weight inspired me to do the things in life that I always wanted to do but didn't have the self esteem to even attempt. I have returned to school to earn my PhD in Theatre Scholarship and Directing. I also teach and direct theatre at the college level. It was my life goal to get a PhD and I am achieving it! And there was a bonus because I met my fiancee' at school and we will be married October 27, 2007! I am so excited to wear a strapless dress and to be a beautiful bride! Before losing the weight, I always felt my life could really start once I lost weight. The weight literally weighted me down from living my life. Once I lost weight, I realized that there were no more excuses keeping me from making my life what I want it to be! For the first time in a long time, I am really happy! Plus, I know that I am healthy without all of the extra weight and can look forward to a long life with my husband to be and future children!!!
Dr. Veninga is a wonderful doctor! He is very personable with a wonderful sense of humor. He really cares about his patients. He explains everything in a way that I was never left with any questions and I always felt safe in his care. There is no other doctor I would have wanted to perform my Lap-Band surgery. Trinity Medical's Center staff is extremely compassionate and caring! I look forward to visiting the staff at Trinity Medical Center because they are my biggest cheerleaders! Staff members like Barbara are angels! They always answer my questions and are very supportive! I received wonderful care at Trinity Medical Center.
I would tell someone considering having weight loss surgery that it is a life change. Weight loss surgery is a tool, but the patient has to be willing to make healthy changes in their lifestyle in order to successfully lose weight. Follow the guidelines that Dr. Veninga and his staff set forth and never be afraid to ask questions. Surgery may not be for everyone; however, I certainly have no regrets and know that it has changed my life tremendously for the better!"
-Ruthel
"These testimonials reflect results achieved by these patients. As each case is different and must be independently evaluated and managed, actual weight loss will vary."
Interview: Bernie
"Since my surgery I have lost 111 pounds. I have a lot more energy and I feel much more confident; I feel good about going out and enjoying a full and active life. I've cut down on my medications and I've joined a health club (I was too embarrassed to do that before). I do water aerobics, I can walk farther and I'm going to take up golf again.
When I look in the mirror I think "wow" that really is me!
Dr. Veninga and his staff are amazing. They provide a full comprehensive solution from start to finish. The support group has been great because you have a chance to share and understand that other people have gone through what you've gone through. The staff was incredible and very compassionate. From the very beginning, they told me what to expect and what would happen and really put me at ease. I know I wasn't the only patient that day, but I felt like I was.
The word I would use to sum up my experience is "phenomenal". I have talked to other weight loss patients that have attended other facilities and they didn't have near the same kind of positive experience that I did. The nurses even sent me a card a few days after my surgery. I was really impressed.
Weight Loss Surgery is a tool, everyone loses weight at a different rate, but it is up to you to be part of the process. Look for a surgeon and facility that will see you through the entire process and you will succeed. I wish I had done this years ago."
-Bernie
"These testimonials reflect results achieved by these patients. As each case is different and must be independently evaluated and managed, actual weight loss will vary."
Interview: Shannon
How much weight have you lost?
135 pounds.
How do you feel physically now versus before when you had the weight?
My biggest improvement is the increased energy level.
What activities do you enjoy now that you couldn't before?
I do more walking. When I take the grandkids to the park, I no longer sit on the bench and watch. I don't take elevators anymore. I don't cruise the mall looking for a close parking space - I no longer park by the door.
I feel like a normal person again.
I travel quite a bit for work and my son lives in Germany and since the surgery I have flown quite a bit more and to be able to get on an airplane and have slack of a seat belt is awesome. Traveling is so much easier... I'm in my own seat.
I can go to the movies and don't have to pick a theater with chairs where the arms come up.
Has having weight loss surgery improved your mental image of yourself?
Funny that you ask, that is one of the hardest things to get through. The mental image is one of the hardest things to get past. I didn't see myself as heavy. But once I lost the weight it took a long time to see myself as a thin person.
How has your life improved since having weight loss surgery?
I am able to do so much more. I can get around better; do a lot more things. I had to move my husband completely out of our closet because I enjoy buying new clothes. It's little things like that for the first time in a long time, I FEEL LIKE A NORMAL PERSON... I don't carry around extra baggage... both physical and perceptions of other people.
Describe your experience with Dr. Veninga?
Dr. Veninga, out of all the doctors I've had, is one of the best doctors. He has total absolute concern for his patients and it doesn't stop with the surgery. I still call Dr. Veninga if I have a question and talk with him and his nurse. I am extremely impressed with him.
Was the staff compassionate and caring?
The staff is wonderful. Yes!
Did you feel comfortable with the facilities at Trinity Medical Center?
I really like that hospital.
What would you tell someone considering having weight loss surgery?
I've actually recommended it to two people that have had it done. Another person is going to be attending a seminar. Based on the experience I had, I recommended the surgery...
It will change your life. Not only did it improve my life, I feel like it has actually extended my life. I feel like I have added years to my life having the surgery.
-Shannon
"These testimonials reflect results achieved by these patients. As each case is different and must be independently evaluated and managed, actual weight loss will vary."
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