• Name: Ann W. Stephens
• Age: 69
• Surgery: Gastric Sleeve
• Surgery date: September 16th, 2014
• Testimonial date: December 18th, 2014
• Surgeon: Dr. Almanza

My diabetes was out of control. I had stopped the diabetes medication because I couldn't tolerate the side effects (extreme anxiety). I was on two blood pressure drugs and had previously stopped the statin drug also because of side effects. My lab numbers for everything were bad.

Five weeks after surgery I had an appointment with my primary care physician. He ran routine tests and was stunned to see that my weight had dropped about 20 pounds since my last visit and that my LDL had dropped from 149 to 95. My A1c went from 7 to 6.4. It would be much lower now because all of my fasting sugars are below 100.

I didn't have as much to lose as some but I knew I'd never get the weight off and the weight was the source of all of my medical problems. How did I know that? I'm am a former lecturer for Weight Watchers and I have tried every diet out there including low carb/high protein and low fat. I even spent one year in counseling -- a waste of time and money. And my weight was climbing. Ever since I was a kid, New Years resolutions always included dropping weight.

I knew I had to do something to get healthier. My son sustained a traumatic brain injury 21 years ago and is totally disabled. My husband's health is declining in several ways and I see that I will probably become his caregiver as well. I have to be healthy.

I've now lost about 35 pounds and hope to lose another 20. I feel great although it took me a while to feel like myself. I now have a feeling of freedom I've never had before.

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* This is an actual testimonial, however, your results may vary. For more information, please read our Testimonial Disclaimer and Risks of Surgery.