Happy and Free Thanks to Bariatric Surgery and Support

“Before my surgery, I was just too heavy, and it felt like nothing I did made a difference. I was at my wit's end — I just couldn’t get any smaller. I was trying everything,” said TBHC patient Lorenzo Phillips. “I’d eat a plant-based diet, try a program like Weight Watchers or exercise more. But I'm older now, and I just can't keep up with that pace.

“I had two bariatric surgeries at TBHC. The first surgery was in August of 2014, and I was 391 pounds at that time. Dr. Stephen Carryl did that one - he was great. Unfortunately, I didn’t really take care of my eating habits afterward. After my first surgery, my weight came down to 333 pounds, but it went back up to 412 pounds. It’s just not healthy to be that heavy.

“Dr. Pratibha (‘Prat’) Vemulapalli did my second surgery, and it was fantastic. She is so nice and so professional. And, the surgery — Wow! — it's like it didn't even happen. It was so easy, I had no discomfort, and they released me the next day. Dr. Prat was great, the nurses were great — I’ve had nothing but great experiences at TBHC.

“For me, it was my mindset and habits that needed to change. After my second procedure, I continued to work with the nutritionist to change my habits, which I hadn’t done after my first surgery. Today, the nutritionist helps me make better choices and make them part of my day.

“I can focus on my health now, like eating smaller portions, eating on a more regular schedule or managing my cooking better. I don't eat in abundance anymore — I just cook a normal amount and eat a normal amount. I’m currently weighing in around 340.

“Now I’m able to do the things I enjoy, like traveling. I've been seeing a lot of great things and planning trips I’ve always wanted to make. It’s been amazing, though I have put on a few pounds. I guess I've just been having so much fun!

“But, unlike the old me, I’ve checked in with Dr. Prat! I need to show some improvement in the next four months. I don't want to disappoint her, so I will do what I need to. I'm not going back up to 400 again!

“Thanks to Dr. Prat to the nutrition team, I know what success feels like. Now, I have motivation, instead of giving up — I know what I have to do and how to do it. I have a plan and accountability. It’s been a great experience, and everyone at TBHC makes sure it’s a great experience every time.

“This has been just a huge improvement on my quality of life. I feel so happy and so free again, and I just want to keep on going with it.”

To make a bariatric surgery appointment, call 1-855-FIT-TBHC (1-855-348-8242) or make an appointment online.