Learn how safe, effective weight loss improves lives

Meet Jeanne Mills
	Name:	Jeanne Mills
	Age:	51
	Pre-surgery weight:	327 pounds
	Current weight:	165 pounds
	Treatment:	gastric bypass surgery, January 2004
	Health benefits beyond weight loss:	increased energy and decreased blood pressure
	Favorite post-surgery activities:	home improvement and decorating projects

“I had known about weight loss surgery for years, but I wasn’t sure if it was right for me. One of my biggest concerns was what other people would think if I had the procedure. I was worried that they would figure I hadn’t tried hard enough to lose weight on my own.   “Finally, I realized that it didn’t matter what other people thought. I knew that I had been on every diet out there, and had lost weight and gained it back several times. I knew I couldn’t do this alone. The surgery was a tool to get me where I needed to be to live a healthy life. “Carrying all that weight dragged me down. I was tired and miserable all the time. My family was really worried about me, because I had gotten to the point where I didn’t care about anything. “By the time I decided to have the gastric bypass, I knew it was the right thing to do. I can honestly say that this surgery has been a miracle in my life. My energy level has quadrupled, my blood sugar and blood pressure levels are normal, and I don’t end up out of breath any more. “I’ve always loved home improvement and decorating projects, but I couldn’t do much because of my weight. Now, it’s hard for me to sit still. I enjoy being active, and I have been helping my sister and brother-in-law fix up my nephew’s house. “I have so much energy now that I think I could paint a whole house by myself, if I had the time.”

Meet Harold Mann
	Name:	Harold Mann
	Age:	43
	Pre-surgery weight:	380 pounds
	Current weight:	250 pounds
	Treatment:	gastric banding surgery, July 2005
	Health benefits beyond weight loss:	no longer takes any medication to treat diabetes or high blood pressure
	Favorite post-surgery activities:	kayaking, fishing and golfing

"I had type II diabetes. In 2004, my primary doctor recommended the gastric banding system to me because I couldn't get my diabetes under control. Basically he told me that if I didn't lose 100 pounds, I may only have a short life. "For about a year, my wife Stephanie and I researched various surgical weight loss options and surgeons. We went to a seminar at Blount Memorial Hospital and knew that this was the program for us. My wife also needed to lose at least 100 pounds, so we wanted to go through this together to support each other. "Before the surgery, I was nearly 400 pounds, so it was difficult to do anything. It was hard for me to mow the yard without taking a break every five minutes, and I didn't have the energy to deal with my nephews and nieces. "Now, I am very active, instead of being a couch potato like I was before. I enjoy spending time with my family and have taken up kayaking. I also fish and play golf. I'm back to my high school weight, which is a healthy weight for a tall guy like me, and I feel great. "Since my wife also had the gastric banding surgery at Blount Memorial, we work together to make healthy food choices. It's a lot less expensive now when we go out to eat because we can share entrees. It takes a lot less food to fill us up."

Meet Stephanie Mann
	Name:	Stephanie Mann
	Age:	39
	Total weight lost:	130 pounds
	Treatment:	gastric banding surgery, September 2005
	Health benefits beyond weight loss:	increased energy and no longer experiences joint pain when walking
	Favorite post-surgery activities:	shopping and walking

"I've struggled with my weight since I was a teen. I could lose weight, but I would always gain it back plus some more. When I was about 30, I was diagnosed with a hormonal imbalance, which was contributing to my obesity and increasing my risk for diabetes. "A physician recommended my husband have gastric banding surgery to lose weight and control his diabetes. Since I also was more than 100 pounds overweight, both of us considered surgical weight loss options. "I did a lot of research and learned that it was important to find a surgeon who was knowledgeable about the procedure and who provided a comprehensive aftercare program, including a specific support group for gastric banding patients. When I went to the seminar at Blount Memorial, they had all the pieces in place -  from nutrition to exercise, and from expert surgeons to ongoing support. "Since the surgery, I've been told that I have a ‘pep in my step.' I never realized how much pain I was in when I was 100 pounds overweight. It hurt to walk. I always felt tired. I never had any energy. Now, I feel more confident and outgoing. "I still want to lose more weight, and I know I can do it this time, as long as I follow the program. The gastric band is a tool for me to use, but also I need to exercise and make healthy food choices."

Meet Kim Williams
	Name:	Kim Williams
	Age:	46
	Pre-surgery weight:	260 pounds
	Current weight:	160 pounds
	Treatment:	gastric bypass surgery, July 31, 2006
	Health benefits beyond weight loss:	no longer takes blood pressure medication, over-the-counter medication for osteoarthritis joint pain or uses an inhaler for exercise-induced asthma
	Favorite post-surgery activities:	being active outdoors

"I was always heavier than the other girls my age. From the age of 13 on, I began to have a real weight problem. It only got worse when I graduated from high school, got married and then had my two sons. Each year, the weight seemed to creep on until I finally got to the stage where I was disgusted with myself. By that time, I couldn't get a handle on my weight issues on my own. "I had tried every fad diet that was out there, and I've probably joined and re-joined weight loss programs a half-dozen times over the past 25 years. I always was able to lose some weight, but then I'd gain back whatever weight I had lost -- plus some more. "What attracted me to Blount Memorial's program is that it is a complete package. The surgery is only one part of the process. There's also the registered dietitian, the exercise program at the Wellness Center at Springbrook and the ongoing support. "Before the weight loss, I had difficultly tying my shoes and picking things up off the floor. I couldn't walk very far or exercise because it was difficult to breathe. Now, I can just live my life, and enjoy my family. "And my husband and I love boating and camping, and enjoy being active outdoors. I'm looking forward to going mountain biking with him, which is something I never could have imagined being able to do before. I feel great. I no longer have any pain in my joints due to excess weight, and I feel so much better about myself."

To determine if bariatric and weight loss surgery is right for you, click here. If bariatric and weight loss surgery is an option for meeting your weight loss goals, register online for an upcoming education seminar in Maryville, Knoxville and the East Tennessee region.