Testimonials
Lap-Band Surgery Changes Life of a Yo-Yo Dieter
As a healthcare professional, I am very aware of the risks associated with extra weight. For nearly my entire adult life, the medical community has used the word “obese’ to describe my physical condition. Adjectives from “mild” to “morbidly” appear on my chart bringing with them every emotion from slightly uncomfortable to utterly humiliated. In spite of my own increasing number of “fat-related” health issues, and a complicated family medical history, I was unable to make lasting changes when I tried to take control. Obviously there was something terribly wrong with my character or I could conquer this problem using one of the endless diets and programs available to the public.
I tried countless methods… everything from hypnosis to medically supervised fasts and group meetings. I became a yo-yo dieter with endless disappointments to show for it.
You can only do so much with diet and exercise, and sometimes, even medications don’t do the job as simply and efficiently as physicians would like. Trying one treatment option after another may not do the job either. Often it takes a combination of therapies to yield noticeable results and long-term success. One of the many tools now available to aid in weight loss is surgery, making permanent alterations in what and how a person eats.
I became interested in these surgeries as they gained more media attention in the past year. The topic covered most often was gastric bypass although I did stumble across a little about Lap-Band. Ironically, last summer my husband was diagnosed with a digestive tract cancer and some of my interest and enthusiasm was derailed during his treatment. Many of the options presented to us sounded similar to the bypass operation. I decided it was a pretty radical approach to a comparatively frivolous concern. His treatment began to wind down in the fall and as his health improved my curiosity about banding returned, prompting more Internet research into programs.
The closest surgery I found, which seemed reputable and well-supported, was in Madison. I really couldn’t get enthused about more trips back and forth for doctors visits. I was looking for something closer to Beloit. It was about that time, I learned Dr. Karin Blumofe was now certified for the Lap-Band surgery. I contacted the surgery department immediately to find out the criteria for consideration.
Dr. Blumofe’s staff was great! I had a packet of information that afternoon and was able to make an appointment for consultation fairly soon. Each question was answered with care and concern. It was thoroughly explained that the surgery was not a quick fix… it’s a lifetime commitment. A commitment that comes with strength built in on many levels, both medically and emotionally. There are no false promises, but plenty of encouragement and resources when you need it. Everything about this process has been positive.
It’s been approximately 8 weeks since my surgery. I will soon celebrate my first 50 years of life… nearly 30 pounds healthier and happier, knowing that I made the best choice for me.
Respectfully,
