Julia Roose

Surgery Date: October 2014
90 lbs. Lost to Date

Julia, concerned about the effect her unhealthy lifestyle was having on her children, decided to make a change!

Before your surgery, what medical conditions were you suffering from? Before weight loss surgery I was very concerned about the effect my weight was having on my health. I already had high blood pressure (I was on medication for this) and I was becoming very concerned about diabetes.

Since your vertical sleeve gastrectomy, in which conditions or diseases have you seen a change? I feel fantastic! I have gone off my blood pressure medication and am no longer concerned about my risk for developing diabetes.

What made you decide to have a vertical sleeve gastrectomy? Before surgery, I thought that I had lots of energy. I thought that I could do most of the things I wanted to do. I thought that my extra weight was not really slowing me down that much. I worked very hard, I was very busy and I managed to get everything done that I needed to get done, so I thought I was doing ok. I was wrong. When you gradually gain weight over years and years you do not realize how much impact that is having on your life. I have lost 125 pounds since starting this journey. You cannot even begin to imagine how much better you will feel after losing that much weight. Now I have crazy amounts of energy and my body feels so much better!

Besides the external changes you have experienced, how has the surgery altered your outlook on life and your relationships? Now I have lots of energy and am actually enjoying exercise! I am able to keep up with my children and enjoy playing ball with them, riding bikes and going for walks. The whole family has benefited from our healthy eating habits and my children will take these healthy habits with them for their entire lives.

What would you tell someone who was considering the surgery? I would encourage them to talk with Dr. Eibes and his team to see if surgery is a good option. Surgery is truly a tool, not a quick fix. It is work, but it makes it possible to lose the weight. And when you can see the results that have eluded you for years, all the effort is completely worth the reward. I haven’t felt this good in 15 years and I am so grateful for this tool to help me achieve my weight loss goals.