Tell Us Your Story

Our Program only grows through our patients' successes. We hope that you will take the time to share them with our team as well as with our current and future patients. Your story can have a significant impact on someone just like you who is considering weight loss surgery.

If you are interested in sharing your story with us, please feel free to email bariatrics@gbmc.org, or call us at 443-849-3779; we would welcome the opportunity to hear from and speak with you. If you would be interested in recording a patient testimonial video and/or serving as a guest speaker at an upcoming information session, please let us know that as well. Please help us as we strive to help other prospective patients in their decision to pursue weight loss surgery and in their journeys to a healthier life.

See Debbie's Before and After Pictures!

For years, I was overweight and flat-out obese. I had the will to lose weight, but I couldn't see the results with taking diet pills and being a part of various diet and exercise programs. I was at the end of my rope and knew that I needed to find a tool-a better tool to help me make the necessary lifestyle change. I learned about GBMC's Comprehensive Obesity Management Program through some Internet research. I decided to attend one of their free information sessions-boy was I impressed. The information that was presented seemed to be geared directly to me; I was also blown away by the guest speaker, who was a patient of their Program. After hearing the seminar and talking with the guest speaker, I felt that the lap gastric bypass was the best procedure for me because it would not allow me "to cheat". So I decided to go through the Program as I knew that this was what I needed.

So here I was, December 5, 2007-the date of my surgery. After all of the special testing and insurance requirements, I was finally ready for the big day. As I was laying in the hospital bed waiting for Dr. Moein to take me to the OR, I started thinking about where I had been and what I had to look forward to. I was 270 pounds and a size 24 pants. I had terrible knee problems and suffered from insomnia. I did not feel like leaving my apartment because I did not want to be seen. When I did leave my apartment, I made my trips short and definitely did not use the stairs-talk about a challenge. I lost 30 pounds prior to surgery-the preoperative nutrition education really helps-however I knew from my past experiences that I would not be able to keep it off. I do not remember anything about the surgery for obvious reasons, but what I do remember is that when I woke up in my hospital, Dr. Moein was one of the first people that I saw. Thankfully, I also did not feel any pain after my surgery. I was thrilled with the hospital staff on my inpatient floor; they were as enthusiastic as I was and made sure that I was up and walking around as soon as possible-this is important so that you do not get any blood clots. There was a member of Dr. Moein's office team that was there too to watch me walk. He was working on the floor the night of my surgery and said that he would come back the next day to check up on me-he did this on his day off-talk about commitment. My insurance company approved me for a 3-day hospital stay, however I was out of the hospital the next day.

So where am I know? I am a whole new person! I am 135 pounds and a size 4 pants. I do not have knee problems anymore, my insomnia has resolved, and I love being out of the house. There is no place now that is off limits. I do not have to worry about long walks, public places, or small chairs. I love going shopping now and trying on 'cute' clothes. It thrills me to have to ask the store clerk if he/she has something in smaller size-before the surgery, this was something that would have never come out of my mouth. Dr. Moein and GBMC COMP have given me the chance to really live my life; this is something that I will never take for granted. I will be celebrating my "3-year surgery anniversary" in a few months. I have no regrets that I went through this journey, and I am in great debt to Dr. Moein and his staff. The staff was great to work with. They really know who you are. They know more than just your name and what's inside your medical record, but rather they know your story. The GBMC program was very well-rounded. It was full of education and guidance, and I was definitely prepared pre- and post-surgically to deal with all of the challenges, especially the psychological and emotional issues. The Program was 'on top of everything from start to finish', seamless, and flawless.

If you would like to submit a testimonial, please email bariatrics@gbmc.org.