I had my gastric bypass operation on November 21, 2006. It was the best thing I have ever done for myself. Like all of you, I have been on different diets all of my life. On some of them I have lost weight only to gain it back at some point or another and usually some extra pounds as well.

It is now easy to avoid the pit falls of some foods. I have found no foods that I can not eat, just a lot less of them and yet I am still satisfied.

The day after my operation, just as Dr. McKenna was leaving, he stuck his head back around the corner of the door and said "I forgot to wish you a Happy Birthday yesterday". I said that yesterday was not my birthday. He said, "Yes, it was, just think about it." And indeed it was. It was the first day of the rest of my life. I will never regret having this surgery and I thank God for helping me find such a kind and compassionate doctor as Dr. McKenna.

If you decide to have this surgery, it will be the best thing you will do for yourself. I just wish I had done it sooner in my life. I am 69 years old and so far I have lost 76 pounds and still losing. May God bless you in whatever decision you make as he has for me.

-Lynn

---

Prior to April 24, 2007 R Y Surgery
My knees used to hurt...all the time.
My stomach was alway upset... Burping, belching and all the rest.
My 4x's were getting too tight.
I couldn't shop for clothes anywhere "normal" people could shop.
I didn't have a suit that fit to wear to church.
I would cringe when I saw myself reflected in a store window.
I wouldn't fly because I was embarrassed to ask for a seat belt extender.
I couldn't ride horses or my motorcycles anymore.
I was just too fat for many of the things I had always liked to do...

Then, I met Dr. McKenna and his staff and became educated on what I could do to change all of the above. It was a tough decision...a life-changing one that my wife as not in favor of, at first. It's not that she didn't want me healthy, she was just scared it was too dangerous. I can't say it was all great. I was part of the small percentage who did have a few complications, but would I do it all over again?

A resounding "YES"... but only if I was able to have the support of Dr. McKenna and his team. I always felt that, unlike my experience with other doctors, Dr. McKenna always heard me, always talked to me with respect, and was always there watching out for me. He is a fine man and a fine doctor.

I would have to say I am one of his successes because as of today, only a little over 2 months from my surgery of April 24, 2007 I am 85 pounds thinner. I was 365 at my highest. I am now 280 and continuing to lose at a rapid rate. I am learning what I can eat and am finding that the high fat/high sugar foods I once craved no longer have much appeal! ...Quite a healthy surprise to me. I am full and content with very small portions. I often share a meal with my wife when we go out. She says I have become a very "cheap date".

Even with many more pounds to go, I can do most of those things I once could not.

And probably one of the best side effects, my knees don't hurt...ever.

Thank you, Dr. McKenna

- Bernard

---

(31 years old)
I had a gastric bypass in 1991, pre weight 270 - final weight 135 for 10 years. Gastric fistula discovered. revised May 15, 2007. Pre weight 235
(47 years old)

Struggled with weight most my life - Weight Watchers, liquid diet no luck - short term - yo yo affect.

Gastric Bypass does work - it is a long term - lifestyle change.

Gather info - See Dr McKenna - think about it - have it done - start life anew!

Is it work? - yes
Is it worth it? - yes

Have the support of family and friends and Group!

let your scale be your friend again!

-Hope E.