Michelle
Surgery Date: 10/1/2018 
Starting Weight: 298
Current Weight: 115
What made you decide to have weight loss surgery? At the time, I lived in a bi-level apartment and I was so tired of walking up the stairs and being winded. I was also praying I would be blessed with grandbabies. I wanted to be able play with them. I wanted to be able to get on the floor and play. Take them to the park. Be that fun grandma!!! (Since surgery, I have 2 grandbabies, (Malea-4 and Coi-2), and because of them, I am thankful I moved
forward with surgery!!) I was also tired of looking in the mirror and seeing what I saw.
How long did it take for you to decide to have weight loss surgery? I had moved to Des Moines from Illinois, and every day I would see an advertisement for Iowa Weight Loss Specialists. Dr. Eibes was having a meeting on an evening that I was going to be free, and I thought what the heck….I had no idea what the surgery was even about. I had never spoken to anyone who had had the surgery. I was going into it clueless.
Did anyone either encourage or discourage you from having surgery? My family stood behind me 100% either way. My co-workers were also behind me. I believe everyone wanted to see me have a healthy future. I didnt really have anyone discourage me from surgery, except for….my insurance company. Which they ended up coming around.
What do you wish you'd known before the surgery? I may have already have known before surgery, but I never admitted it. I was an emotional closet eater. I would use food when I was happy, depressed, nervous, upset, and BORED. We don’t realize food is always the most important thing when we celebrate, grieve, or start something new. That was extremely hard for me to accept and change. I found myself staying home so I wouldn’t have to fight the urge. But that was definitely not the answer because I became very depressed and had to deal with that also.
What things are you able to do now that may have been difficult or impossible before surgery? Pass up a cupcake!!! Never in a million years did I think I could say no to a cupcake!!!! They were my go-to. My happiness. Also, walking without dreading it, as well as getting on the floor but most importantly getting UP!!!
Which conditions or diseases have you seen decrease or disappear since your surgery? Pre-surgery I had been diagnosed with high blood pressure and was on a blood pressure medication. Now my bp is in normal range and I'm off of the prescription. I also had to see a cardiologist prior to surgery, and he encouraged me to move forward with surgery. He informed me that if I didn't, in 5 years I would be sorry I hadn’t. Today my heart is great. At rest, my heart rate and blood pressure are both within healthy range!!!
How has surgery altered your outlook on life, your emotions, and/or relationships? Surgery definitely gives me happier look on life. And hopefully helps with a little longevity also. My husband never said anything about my weight before surgery. But now he tells me everyday how proud he is of me and how nice I look. My grown children also encourage me and remind me how far I have come and how proud they are of me!!
Why did you decide to have surgery with Dr. Eibes? After the “meeting” that I went into the evening completely clueless, I left feeling that I understood what the outcome of surgery and
about anything and everything that had to do with surgery would be, and I knew Dr. Eibes and his team were who I wanted to continue this journey with. I left there feeling encouraged and hopeful, yet also knowing I was going to have to make some serious life style changes. Dr. Eibes is very knowledgeable.
What would you say about Dr. Eibes and his team? The BEST!!! From walking in and being greeted with a smile to checking out and to “have a nice day,” his team makes you feel welcomed. The clinical staff is always listening. They sit down and actually talk to you. Not behind a screen. Not writing things on paper. They sit with you. Listening. Caring. And offering ideas and support.
What would you tell someone who is considering weight loss surgery? I would first encourage them to do their own research. Then come in for a consultation. Take all the info that they had tossed at the home and sit down. Take their time. Talk it over with their partner and make the best decision that suits them. If there is any doubt in their mind, talk to someone at the clinic. This is a life style change that is hopefully for the rest of their life. And it isn’t as easy having surgery and hitting their goal weight in a snap. All of them has got to want it. They need to make sure they can take time and focus.
Is there any additional information you would like to share? I just have to say that the clinical staff is a message away. I reached out several times when I was getting discouraged and needed a little pep talk.
