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Mailyn

Almost two years after having lap band surgery, I can only think about how grateful I am with Dr. Quaid, Becki Mudgett and the entire team at Northern Colorado Surgical Associates for the great care, educational and emotional support they gave me and continue to give as a patient. Before my surgery, I was a young mother with all sorts of medical problems after a very complicated pregnancy. Now I have gotten back not only my physical health but also my usual self. I have lost 82 pounds and gone from a size 20 to a size 4. I no longer get home each day with swollen feet and my blood sugars are under control. I will now have pictures taken with my baby and live an active and happy life. I kickbox, do yoga and mountain bike several times a week. I enjoy every single second (and picture) with my son. The only thing I can add is a huge, “Thank you.”

Claudia

Forty-four years of obesity, depression, disappointment and frustration is where I came from. A life time of health problems was where I was headed. A world of comfort, happiness and personal fulfillment is where I am now! I contemplated gastric bypass surgery for almost 7 years until I found myself in a place emotionally and physically ready to make the thought a reality. I wrote down a list of my goals which included beating diabetes (done!), reducing back and knee pain (done!), beating reflux (done!), having a perfect BMI (done!). With all those amazing accomplishments I thought I could never be happier. But along with it came amazing changes that I could never have imagined. Things like bending over my knees to paint my toe nails, walking in high heels without pain, being able to squeeze past my shopping cart in the checkout line, fitting into airplane and movie theatre seats, and not having to gauge whether or not I can fit through a crowd or through narrow openings. These were things I never imagined because I’ve never lived without those struggles. In addition, I have added things to my life like bicycling, hiking, swimming, walking, playing basketball, joining walking clubs and running up stairs because I want to. Thanks to a team of fabulous doctors, support staff, loved ones and friends, I have forever changed my life, my attitude, and my future.

Heather

I have been obese for 17 years of my life. I tried every diet without success. In April 2009 I decided to start the process of trying to have gastric bypass surgery. After a one year battle with my insurance company, I finally had surgery on April 1, 2010. Fifteen months later I am down 120 pounds and numerous inches. My life before surgery consisted of forcing myself to get out of bed, fighting high blood pressure, sleep apnea, low self-esteem and lots of depression. Thanks to Dr. Pettine and the wonderful staff at NCSA I have no health issues and am loving life. I am off all anti-depressant medication, my self-esteem is soaring, and I LOVE to shop. I know that making the choice to have this life changing surgery was the right decision for me. -Love and God bless.

Augustina

I started this journey two years ago when I weighed 545 pounds. Today I weigh 250 pounds. My life has changed dramatically and all for the better. I want to thank Dr. Dickinson and the staff of NCSA.

Bobbie

I have tried every diet imaginable with little success. I have always gained the weight back, plus more. When I finally made the decision to have gastric bypass surgery, I officially changed my life forever. I am thankful every day for Dr. Roller. He was the one who finally gave me the tool I needed to lose the weight and keep it off. I have lost exactly 100 pounds and could not be happier. Life is good!

Bryan

With a nickname like “Windbreak”, my out of control obesity, onset of diabetes, high blood pressure and other health problems on the horizon, my decision to have gastric bypass surgery and Dr. Pettine’s expertise, compassion and caring, literally saved my life. Starting out at 394 pounds, you can only imagine the struggles doing my very physical jobs in farming. Within one year after my bypass, I lost 200 pounds and now weigh 188 pounds for a total loss of 206 pounds. It is much different now getting up and down on the large farm equipment. I’m able to maintain my energy, my diabetes is gone and my blood pressure is under control. I’m able to put my shoes on easily! I can now say I will never again have to buy two airline tickets to have room to sit. I am now getting “triple takes”, not just “double takes”! Life is good!

Trisha

I have been overweight and on a diet roller coaster since middle school when food controlled my life. After having gastric bypass surgery I am now in control of the food and it no longer has power over my life. I am the mother of two energetic boys and I have an active husband. At 270 pounds, all activities were difficult. Now I can hike, bike and do anything else my family wants to do. I recently visited my grandmother who did not even recognize me. I want to thank my wonderful husband and family who loved me an supported me even when I was overweight. We will now have many more years to spend with each other since weight is no longer slowly taking my life away. Thank you Dr. Pettine and NCSA staff and also the staff at Poudre Valley Hospital who were super during my recovery.

Peggy

This has been such a wonderful journey for me. I feel as if I have a second chance at life. Just one year ago I could barely walk through a store pushing a cart. Now I walk and run three miles a day! I am so thankful for all the help I have received. I really look forward to support meetings each month. I want to thank each and every person there for sharing their stories with us. I am also thankful to the doctors and staff who share their time and knowledge to help us all to succeed. And special thanks goes to Becki for her hard work planning the meetings. I have all the tools I need now to keep the weight off and live a joyous, healthy life. I have found my old self again and she is a really happy person.

Meade

Before I had my surgery I was tired, I didn’t exercise, I spent most of my time at home and I didn’t eat healthy. Now I have lots of energy, I exercise every day, I’m always out and about doing something and I don’t think about food…I just eat small healthy meals. The coolest thing is, being 18, I can shop in regular stores for the styles for my age and not in the big and tall sections where most of the clothes are geared toward older men. Having gastric bypass gave me the confidence to live life to the fullest!

Robin

Before weight loss surgery, I couldn’t walk a flight of stairs without wheezing. I could barely buckle myself into the seats on airplanes, and my snoring was so bad my husband constantly complained or would just sleep on the couch. I had high blood pressure and severe sleep apnea. The sleep apnea had gotten so bad I would pass out and not even know it. The last time was during my daughter’s graduation party. Six months later, I had the Lap Band surgery after having backed out the year before. What I have gained in health, and energy, and the boldness to try new things makes up for all the Krispy Kreme doughnuts in the world. The road was not always easy. This is a tool, not a magic trick. But, it has been so worth it! Thank you, Dr. Quaid, Becky and the entire Northern Colorado Surgical Associates staff.

Laura

It took me six years to work up the nerve to have gastric bypass surgery during which time my health became worse and worse. I had borderline hypertension and obstructive sleep apnea. I hated myself because of the way I looked. A year later, I have lost over 175 pounds and have no health issues. I went from not being able to walk around the block to race walking several miles five days a week. I was overweight for all of my married life and was miserable with the way I looked. Now, when my husband and I go out, he calls me his “trophy wife.” My three teenage children are no longer ashamed to be seen with me and my daughters even borrow my clothes. The day before my dad died, he told me how beautiful I looked and how proud he was of me. I will treasure those words forever. I can never thank NCSA staff and Dr. Roller enough for giving me my life back. I had resigned myself to being fat forever, but now I can see a long life ahead of me that is healthy, active and exciting.

Betty Grace

Gastric bypass surgery saved my life. I was about to turn 50 in 2009 and my health had deteriorated to the point that I feared I wouldn’t live to see 51. I had diabetes, hight blood pressure, sleep apnea, and joint pain. I couldn’t walk 50 feet without stopping to rest. Gastric bypass was my last chance at staying alive and enjoying life. I had my surgery in December 2009. I’ve lost 240 pounds, my blodd sugar is normal, and I no longer take medication for diabetes or high blood pressure. I have so much energy. I’ve walked in several 5ks and in 2011 I walked the BolderBoulder 10k in a time of 98:11. For the first time in years, I am participating in life instead of sitting on the sidelines watching my life pass me by. Gastric bypass surgery has given me the tools for a longer, healthier life. Thank you Dr. Robert Quaid, Becki Mudgett, and the entire team at Northern Colorado Surgical Associate, not only for your medical expertise but also for your continuing support on this remarkable journey. I’ve only just begun and I can’t wait to see where life takes me now.

Larece

I owe my deepest thanks and gratitude to Dr. Dickinson. having the gastric bypass surgery changed my life in ways I could never imagine. It's such a great feeling "eating to live" instead of "living to eat"! Dr. Dickinson is so kind and explained everything in detail. He eased my fears and made me feel comfortable during the whole process. Most important though, was the huge amount of support afterwards from the Dr. and well as the whole staff. My health and energy have improved 110%! It's amazing. Thanks again, Dr. Dickinson. It goes beyond what mere words can say.

Marlene

I cannot express how much the gastric bypass surgery has changed my life for the better.  Since the procedure, I have lost 155 pounds leaving me at a weight of 130 pounds.  I feel great and my self esteem has sky-rocketed.  It is strange sometimes to see myself in the reflection of a building or a car.  I cannot believe it is me.  I am so used to being overweight but I'm really not complaining, just reflecting - no pun intended.  Thank you Dr. Pettine and all of your wonderful staff.

Donna

None of us knows how long we have on this earth, but I wake up every morning ad thank God for the blessings of this surgery and the 'new' life I have... A more energetic, healthy, active life.  Thank you Northern Colorado Surgery Group and Dr. Quaid for giving me the tools to go from a frumpy 386 pounds size 5x to a young (again) under 200 pound size 14.  I absolutely love my 'new' life.

Tammy

Since the age of 9, I have been clinically obese.  My weight had been my life's biggest, most disappointing challenge. My decision to have gastric bypass surgery has finally allowed me to become the person I always knew I was, but because of my weight was afraid to become.

Lynda

I look down at the empty space where my stomach used to be and see about 7 inches between my stomach and the steering wheel.  I just can't believe that it's gone.  I have gotten rid of the equivalent of another person.  Gone, gone, gone!! Not lost to be found again, but gone!

I'm not a spectator anymore.  I don't just fix the meals and wait for the family to come home from a hike, I go on the hike with them.  What a joy it is to be with them.  I love the compliments from co-workers, friends and family, especially when my granddaughter said, "I can hug you all the way around and touch my hands in back."

A thank you goes out to Dr. Dickinson for the surgery.  Becki Mudgett for the meetings every month that keeps me on track.  "Protein, fluids, exercise, vitamins, no grazing, no sugar, follow-up and positive attitude", and to my family and friends, and co-workers for their love and support.  Thank you all!

Kristin

My favorite quote is, "Be sure to not only live the length of your life, but to live the width of your life as well."  Since I've had my surgery I am much more successful at living the width of my life; and I am having the time of my life while doing it!!  Thank you NCSA for giving me the tools and support to live a fulfilling life!!

Nikki

I've lost over 150 pounds.  I finally feel like a normal person and I owe it all to Dr. Pettine.

LuAnn

LuAnn knows that no matter where she walked in those dark days, God was right there beside her, patiently waiting to make her alive once more.  "I have my life back...God gave me my life back."  LuAnn

Jim

It took me 8 months of attending support group meetings, reading about different surgery options, and talking to people who were for it and against it, and lots of family discussion about it - particularly the risks - before I decided that gastric bypass surgery was for me. I am so glad I did it! But, it's not just for the great benefit of being able to time my shoes while they're on my feet, or being able to fit in an economy airplane seat, or ride my bike to and from work every day, or playing racquetball again 3 times a week after nearly 25 years. My outlook on life, the way I feel about myself, and the way I communicate with everyone around me is so much more positive now. Thank you NCSA and everyone who attends monthly support group meetings - I just cannot express how thankful I am to you all.

Chris

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