"Gastric bypass surgery changed my whole life."
- Lori lost 165 pounds.

My health is what finally prompted me to have the surgery. I was 33 years old and my doctor told me if my triglycerides didn't come down that I would have a stroke. I didn't want my children to have to take care of a stroke victim. I was also having knee problems. I had been overweight for 14 years and I was ready to be physically active again. I had tried EVERYTHING to lose weight including Phen fen and Redux. A few things worked, but only temporarily. The weight always came back.

I chose weight loss surgery and PBSMG because I had known several people who had gone through it before. I really liked PBSMG because of their follow-up program.

I knew that would make a huge difference for me. The laparoscopic procedure had less complication risks and side effects than some other ones.

Gastric bypass surgery changed my whole life. Before, I couldn't go on roller coasters with my kids. I had the humiliating experience of standing in line and having to walk back down because I couldn't fit on the ride. This summer, I was able to take my daughter to Magic Mountain and not have to worry about riding the coasters. I also coach volleyball and t-ball. I couldn't have done any of that before. Even the small things have been wonderful—sitting down and having a lap, being able to sit with my legs crossed, seeing my feet (I wasn't even sure I still had feet, it had been so long since I had seen them!).

"I was ready for something that was going to work." - Rebecca lost 123 pounds.

I had been overweight to some degree for my entire life. I was tired of making the effort and getting nowhere. I felt like I was wasting my time with these intermediate steps that didn't work and it was time to do something that was going to work.

I knew three people who had used PBSMG and had phenomenal success. I had heard about gastric bypass before, but seeing the results really got me motivated. The surgeons and doctors at PBSMG really answered my questions and listened to my concerns.

I started at 263 and now, after gastric bypass, I weigh 140. I can fit into a size 4 or 6 now. People started treating me differently; more men were opening doors for me! I can now fly in a plane without having to request a seat belt extender. I can sit in seats at a ball game without being squished.

"I knew some people who had the bariatric surgery at PBSMG and started doing my research. I called a couple of other hospitals, but came back to PBSMG and am glad I did. They seemed more confident, knowledgeable, and professional. I felt really comfortable there." - DeAnn lost 141 pounds

Obesity runs in my family and I had been heavy my whole life. I had tried everything to lose weight including Optifast and fat camps. Nothing worked. I was very unhealthy and had been struggling for quite a while. I wanted to enjoy the simple things in life that most people take for granted like flying in airplanes, going to the movies, riding in roller coasters. I didn't want to be heavy anymore.

I went from 286 pounds to 145 pounds and from a size 26-28 to a size 5-6. What's more, I've kept the weight off for three years now because of the gastric bypass surgery. I can ride on airplanes and just got back from a long trip to Europe. I can ride roller coasters, I have more energy, and people look at me differently now. Four of my family members have had the surgery through PBSMG and all have been successful, too!

"Since I’ve had the surgery, all of my medical conditions are now gone." - Bob lost 170 pounds

Before, I had high blood pressure and high cholesterol. I was too heavy to exercise. Food consumed my life. Now I’m able to exercise daily. When my family and I went on vacation to the Caribbean, I was able to do all the excursions, and even wore a bathing suit without covering up with a t-shirt for the first time in many years.

Pacific Bariatric was my first choice from the beginning. As the only surgical group to use Scripps Mercy Hospital (the best medical center in the Western US), I was determined to have my surgery done the right way. That meant Pacific Bariatric.

Scripps Mercy is the best hospital a person could ever want. The staff was ALWAYS attentive. The facility was absolutely conducive to helping my recovery.  The nurses, several of whom were traveling nurses, took very good care of me. They were quick to answer the buzzer, and they were very understanding. Having gastric bypass is a traumatic experience. The staff at Scripps Mercy not only helped me physically, but mentally as well.

What can I say about Dr. Tanaka? He is a combination of Albert Einstein and the Marquis De Sade. He is VERY strict about following all the guidelines, but that is exactly what I needed. I have had a number of other doctor’s comment about the quality of my surgical scar. However, the most important thing about Dr. Tanaka is that when he found a problem with my intestines, he didn't hesitate to take care of the problem. This saved me additional surgery later on .

The aftercare program is great. There are plenty of support group meetings no matter where you live.  

As a firefighter, I was literally unable to do my job effectively.  Now, 170 pounds lighter, I am in the best shape of my life. My life has changed drastically, and I couldn't be happier. Thanks Scripps Mercy Hospital, PBSMG, and especially Dr. Tanaka. You have given me a whole new lease on life.