Anita Moore

Surgery Date: March 2016
Starting Weight: 300 lbs.
Current Weight: 205 lbs.

Anita’s excess weight and high blood pressure were putting a strain on her career. After having the surgery, she no longer has to have a physical every 3 months for work – saving her time and money. She says: “I couldn’t be more thrilled with the results!”

Before your surgery, what medical conditions were you suffering from? Before surgery I had high cholesterol and high blood pressure. I had kidney infections all the time and had a lot of swelling in my legs. Diabetes runs in my family so I knew I was at risk for that as well.

Since your vertical sleeve gastrectomy, in which conditions or diseases have you seen a change? In six months post-surgery, I am off all of my cholesterol medications and only take one-quarter of a blood pressure pill (2 mg instead of 20 mg). I haven’t had a single kidney infection and all of my leg swelling is gone!

What made you decide to have a vertical sleeve gastrectomy? I’m a truck driver and last October I was told by the Department of Motor Vehicles that, because I was overweight, I would have to go through a sleep apnea study to get my license renewed. My blood pressure was high as well so they would only clear me to drive for three months (instead of the normal 12 months) before I would need to return and get a new physical. Not only does this prevent me from working at times, it’s also expensive. Each physical costs one hundred dollars. I’ve tried my best to lose weight, but I just couldn’t keep the pounds off. When a Facebook advertisement popped up about Iowa Weight Loss Specialists, I asked my  daughters (one of which is a nurse and the other a nursing student) what they thought and they encouraged me to at least check it out. One of my daughters attended the information session with me and we both ended up having surgery on the same day! Since then, one of my cousins from Missouri has chosen to have surgery with Dr. Eibes. All three of us couldn’t be more thrilled with the results!

Besides the external changes you have experienced, how has the surgery altered your outlook on life and your relationships? I have so much more energy now! This has been a huge change and my husband and kids love the new me! It’s a wonderful feeling when your grandkids can now put their arms around you. I can do my truck driving job better and now I only have to go in for a physical once a year instead of every 3 months, saving me time and money.

What kinds of things are you able to do now that before the surgery were difficult or impossible? We have horses and I can now stand on the ground, put my feet in the stirrup and get on my horse! Before I’d have to get up on a picnic table, a bucket or the back of a truck! I can now ride a bike and run; my knees and back don’t hurt any longer. The change is amazing!

What do you wish you’d known before the surgery? IWLS prepared me well for surgery. I did end up losing some hair but that could be due to other thyroid problems I’ve struggled with for years. The IWLS nutritionist is helping me be sure I’m getting enough protein in my diet so the hair grows back fuller.

What would you say about Dr. Eibes and the Iowa Weight Loss Specialists team? They are absolutely amazing! My daughter and cousin have had surgery with this wonderful team as well.

What would you tell someone who was considering the surgery? Just go for it! The three of us in our family who have had the surgery love the results!