I realized the other day that for the first time in my adult life, I have gone through a year without thinking or saying “I’ll start my diet on Monday.”  Praise God!  I kick the soccer ball around with my daughter, I really suck, but I don’t feel like I’m going to have a stroke and when I run parts of me don’t flap like they used to.  My three year old son now knows that I will get up off the couch to cross the room to make him stop pulling the dog’s ears or whatever it may be.  I really think this surgery may have saved him from a life of crime.  My wonderful husband has his wife back.  I look people in the eye, take part in conversations, look forward to getting dressed and cannot wait to go to Cancun in April.  Did I mention that I no longer have headaches, high blood pressure and back pain.  Now, for those of you irritated at my happiness, life is not perfect.  I might freeze to death this winter, I have strange new hair growth sprouting straight up from the top of my head and losing a hundred pounds brings whole new meaning to things “heading south”.

Thank you to Dr. Roller and his staff.–Joy

It's funny how impressions change. When I first went looking for a surgeon the NC Surgical office was at the bottom of my list. I was convinced that to have a good surgeon, I needed one who ONLY did bariatrics. BOY WAS I WRONG! I consulted with several other doctors and had yet to find one I was comfortable with. Everyone else, although a specialy service, just didn't feel right for one reason or another. My insurance company finally sent me to Dr. Quaid, as they were part of "The centers of Excellence" when the others were not. Dr. Quiad's office was totally different. From my very first phone call they had a pleasant and calming effect on me. I felt it was my total health they were concerned with not just my weight loss. My friends had warned me that their surgeons had pressured them and other clients into gastric bypass when they realy wanted to do the LaP Band sysytem. I was worried their office would try and do the same. NOTHING like that ever came up. Once I told them I wanted the lap band, that was the direction we went. Of course they touched on the subject and the pros and cons of both types of surgeries but I NEVER felt pressure to go one way or the other. It was totaly my decision and their office was behind me 100% I'll never forget the first time I met Dr. Quaid. I had seen his picture of course, but never expected the willowy giant that walked into the room. My husband is 6'2" and Dr. Quaid towers over him. But this giant is ever so gentle. He has a calming and soothing voice that reassures you that you are making the right choice. His smile is totally sincere and brightens the room. The combination of his bedside manner and his skilled surgical technique, makes him by far the top choice for surgeons if you ask me. NC Surgical does require that you go through a series of preoperative trainings before your surgery. So if your looking for a quick surgical date this is not the place for you. At your consultation appointment you have the option of booking a tenative surgical date. This date will be no less than 6 weeks out. During that six weeks you are required to see a phsychiatrist for a consultation (I think this is great as it prepares you for the emotional roller coaster you are about to ride on) as well as completing nutritional education with a registered dietitician. Dr. Quaid's office walks you through each of these steps and makes sure everything is on track for you. The people that work with their office also show genuine concern. My counselor contacted me several times during my six week wait and again the day after my surgery just to make sure I was doing okay, and if I had any anxiety or other concerns she could help me with. (Thanks Dr. B for everything!) The hospital surgical staff called me the day after I left the hospital to make sure I was adjusting to being at home okay and if there was anything more they could do to help me recover. All in all, my experiance with Dr. Quiad and his team has been wonderful. I'm looking forward to my first post op visit when I can thank their staff for the wonderful change they are helping to make in my life. –Sabrina

I want to start by saying thank you to Dr. Dickinson and all the staff of NCSA. You have all been wonderful and very understanding. I have been given a second chance at life and it is WONDERFUL! I can buy “normal” size clothes. My children would also like to thank you for giving them a mom they can enjoy. It's nice to be able to keep up with them. Thank you again. –Shawna

It's been 2/12 years and 150 pounds since my surgery. I feel I'm just beginning my life now. Before, I didn't have the energy, desire or confidence to do anything. My life consisted of eating, sleeping and TV. Now, I have nothing but energy. After being a Jazzercize student for 13 years, I am now an instructor. I went from the back of the class, to lead the class. I still have a few more pounds to lose, but am comfortable with myself for the first time. –Kelly

The diet roller coaster was my life. I tried every diet possible. I would lose weight and then gain double. I even tried hypnosis. Nothing worked. My weight was all I thought about. My surgery was 11/02. I weighed 282 pounds and now weight 158. I feel great! I have a lot of energy and most of all I like myself again. I am back to doing things I enjoy. I even started team roping again. I quit riding Horses and even sold them because I felt I was too heavy. Not anymore! Thank you Dr. Quaid and NCSA. You have given me my life back! –Ellen

I appreciate every day of my new life and will never forget where my life has been. At over 300 pounds, I was heading towards depression. Thanks to this miraculous surgery and losing 135 pounds, I have a new lease on life. Going from a size 26 to size 10 has opened doors in my life that I never dreamed I would walk through. There will never be enough words to thank Dr. Quaid and his incredible staff for giving me a chance to live a full and healthy life. –Tamara

After losing 260 pounds, I know what it really means to live. It's wonderful to be able to shop for clothes and the be so happy and healthy. Thank you so much. ValerieThanks you Dr. Pettine for giving me, and people like me, a chance at life. –Penny

Before my surgery, I was lucky if I could work 15 hours a week. I spent the rest of the time eating, sleeping and watching TV. I work a full time job, one part-time and sell cosmetics from my home. Before the surgery, I did not have the energy, motivation, or self-confidence to help myself feel pretty. Let alone help others feel pretty too. I have also been able to share my own story to help others have a better understanding of the surgery. I let them know there are ups and downs, sacrifices and hard work and how in the long run it is totally worth it. Next to marrying my husband, this is the best thing I've ever done for myself. So watch out, here I come! –Sarah

I am 31 years old and I went from weighing 260 to 130 pounds, and literally lost a whole person and I don't miss her at all. I have become the person that was hidden inside. I always knew she existed and in my mind I was her but nobody else could see that. Now we are one (mind, body and soul) and I am so happy. –Jules

This last 18 months have been phenomenal and life changing in ways I never imagined. Before having GBP surgery, my options for happiness were dwindling with my limited health. After surgery, life has become an open book of opportunities for me. It is hard work, but joyful hard work, with the fruits of my labor being more numerous than I can count. I take one day at a time and consider myself blessed to have been given another chance to live life with zest, like we were all meant to live. Carpe Diem! –Kim

I have lost 111 pounds and have gone from a size 22-24 to a size 6-8. Having this surgery was the best thing In never did for myself. I have my confidence back for the first time in years. Before the surgery, I felt like my body was my jail. Thank you Dr. Pettine and staff for setting free and helping me be me again. –Kippa

It seems impossible to express how my life has changed. For me, it has always been the little things I noticed as the weight came off. So, thank you, Dr. Pettine, for giving me the opportunity to shop for clothes without tears, cross my legs under the table, wear my boyfriend's t-shirt to bed and do cartwheels with my eight year old niece. –Dawn

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Cost of Gastric Bypass $20,000
Cost of Plastic Surgery 8,000
Losing 150 pounds PRICELESS
–Jeri

At 23, my doctor told me I would not live to see my 30th birthday. Unconsciously, I was committing a “slow suicide”. I was empty, tormented, and had no comprehension of “self'love”. Now, I understand what I missed out on all my life, and the delight I feel waking up to each new day filled with health and over whelming joy! –Kim

This surgery was the best Christmas gift I could have given myself. Thank you, Dr. Dickinson and staff for helping me through this. I still look in the mirror and do not recognize the person looking back. My self-confidence, self esteem and health has improved 100%. –Vicki

I would have the surgery again in a heartbeat. The surgery has added years to my life. Our support group has made a difference in how I deal with weight and life issues. The staff and Dr. Quaid are truly professionals and leaders in this type of surgery. I was impressed with every person I came in contact with in regards to the surgery. –Karen

This surgery has given me a new life. I no longer worry about getting stuck in chairs or bumping into people. I am proud to have done from a pant size of 56 to 34. I feel like I am on top of the world. Thank you NCSA! –Mark

Since my surgery, life has never been the same. I feel great about myself and I have tons of energy. When people ask if I would do it again, all I can say is “In a heartbeat.” Thank you all at NCSA for the support and wonderful care you gave me while I was going through this great and life changing surgery. –Andrea

I HAVE MY LIFE BACK! I am finally able to enjoy life without feeling bad about myself, or worrying about what other people think of me. I am able to play with my children, exercise, take long walks and do anything else I choose. I feel absolutely wonderful! –Cathy

Occasionally, I look into a full-length mirror, and the work that comes to my mind is “normal”. I have not thought of myself as looking normal for a very long time. Being able to use this simple word to describe myself has brought me great joy. –Sandy

Since my surgery, my life has changed dramatically. I have so much energy! I am able to do things I could never do before; especially, enjoy my grandchildren. I fell great! –Linda

I am no longer sitting on the sidelines. I am actively involved with life. I have completed my first marathon! I never imagined doing this. Each day I am one step healthier, each day m y life is one step longer and each day I remember when the one step was harder. Who knows what tomorrow will bring, but I know the journey is great so far. –Shelia

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What I thought was impossible became possible. Living in Douglas, WY, we can see Laramie Peak every time we look toward the south. My dream was to some day reach it's summit. One year after having the surgery, that dream came true. My life has been transformed. I will be forever grateful to Dr. Quaid and NCSA for giving my back my life. –Roy

I was so tired of being tired. Thank God for Dr. Quaid and NCSA. You have given me a new life. My husband and I now walk 6 miles in 11/2 hours. I even made it to the top of Laramie Peak with my husband. My grand daughters can now put their arms around grandma. Thank you. –Bessie

I would like to express my gratitude to Dr. Quaid and all the staff at NCSA for allowing me the opportunity to improve my health and overall well- being. My life has always been large and full of activities. I swam, play ball, skied, hiked, climbed rocks and roller bladed, and more. There was nothing I couldn't do, until….My partner and I went to an amusement park. On that day, I was asked to get off 3 rides because I was too large for the safety gate to latch over me. I was devastated. One year later, the roller coaster never felt so good. –Tammy

I had GBP surgery in April 2003 and have lost 175 pounds. This surgery has changed my life more than I would have ever imagined. I can do so many things I was never able to do before. I can even get on my horse without standing on a bucket. Thank you so much, Dr. Pettine. You have changed my life forever.

Since having GBP surgery in March of 2004, the whole world has literally opened up to me. Just three months post-op I began a year of travel that included my “dream trip” of two months in France. I also had two separate trips to the Caribbean beaches of Mexico. What a joy to feel comfortable doing everything; sitting in an airplane seat, walking for miles at a time, and even lying on the beach in a bathing suit and loving it. I tell everyone that, thanks to the surgery, I am now living the life I always wanted to live. –Linda

Thank you NCSA for the magic zipper to remove my “fat suit”. I had gained and lost hundreds of pounds over 35 years. You made it possible to lose 224 pounds forever. I always wanted to parasail in Mexico. When I asked, they would say, “ There was not enough wind.” When I asked how much wind was needed they said, “Senora, it would take a hurricane”. This last Spring, 225 pounds lighter, I made my parasail adventure. Thank you again for my life regained. –Sandy

The hike on the Inca Trail took two days. We climbed more than 12,000 feet and at times the Inca trail was horizontal to the Andes Mountains. When we woke up we were in the clouds. It was difficult to hike at that altitude, but I had the energy to keep moving and finish at Mach Pichu. What a THRILL and rush of excitement and accomplishment. Today I know that I can hike, travel, swim and participate in ALL that life has to offer me. Thanks, Dr. Dickinson and NCSA. –Kim

I had my surgery in February, 2003. I have lost a total of 217 pounds and have gone from a size 28 to a 12/14. This year my boyfriend and I went to the Sturgis rally in S.D. He has a beautiful Harley motorcycle and I am able to fit comfortable on the back. I have had my own motorcycle license since I was 16, but have been unable to ride for 20 years because of my weight. I am enjoying things now that I never imagined and I am having the time of my life and the really wonderful thing, is this is just eh beginning. –Deb

As Jimmy Buffet almost said, “Changes in Attitude, Changes in Gratitude!” That is my new life motto. I had GBP 100 pounds ago, on June 7, 2004. I am so happy with the new person I am beginning to get to know. I think of my surgery as a behavior modification and no longer hide behind substances. My golf game was the only think negatively impacted, but I will gladly trade some distance and a few more strokes for a few more years of a happy, healthy life! God bless. –Cory

WOW! I had my surgery October 2003. What any amazing few years. I have grown in so many ways. Quite ironically, as my body was shrinking my confidence was increasing. I went from a size 26 to a size 10. I can now keep up with my 7 and 9 year old boys. I never thought I would see that happen. Thanks, Dr. Dickinson and NCSA for all you do. –Candi

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Dr. Dickinson and the staff of NCSA have awakened the dead. I was once a dejected physical mess of a person. I knew that there was someone inside me that wanted so badly to emerge but didn't know how to get through the 320 pounds. I had lost my life and now I have it back. I am living it to the fullest; rollerblading, walking, going to the gym and tanks to the 142 pounds that I shed I am now going to the mall……a lot. Thanks to you all and to God for something I'll never take for granted again…..MY LIFE! –Teri

It is no nice to feel “normal” and not out of place. We can both fit into airplane and theatre seats. We no longer have to ask for a table when dining out. We actually fit into the same side of a booth! Shopping for clothes is no longer an embarrassing event. We love life now more than ever. –Bob & Nancy

I am so thankful to Dr. Pettine for doing my gastric bypass surgery. It has totally changed my life. I am now able to play with my grandchildren. I also love being able to shop for regular clothes. What I am most grateful for is that I am healthy. –Mary

This last three years has been the greatest time of my life. I owe it in large to the great staff and surgeons at NCSA. Thanks so much for giving my life back and opening up so many options. I recently got married and had a baby boy. I am so grateful! –Joncey

The GBP surgery can only be described as the most altering decision that you can make. My husband and I both had the surgery about six months apart from each other, and have no regrets. We have gone through both physical and emotional changes, both as individuals and as a family. We are now healthy, happy and feel complete. This is the most positive change we could have made for ourselves. A special thank you to Dr. Quaid and all the staff at NCSA for all the efforts and care you have given to us. It is not just a surgery, it is a new way of life. –Joe & Andrea

This procedure is not to be taken lightly. It is not an easy way to lose weight. It does not suddenly and magically change your life. That being said, it was the best personal decision I have ever made. –Scott

I have finally reached a point in my life where I feel free to be ME! I am so grateful for the second chance in life, to embrace the person I have become, love others and truly LIVE! –Alexis

I just wanted to take the opportunity to thank you all for changing my life. This summer I completed my goal, which was to ride in the MS 150 with my husband. I rode 50 miles each day for a total of 101 in two days. I am totally pleased with everything! –Katie

Thank you for saving my life. Sixteen months ago, I had my GBP surgery. It has been a wonderful time of learning and doing things I thought I would never do again. I want to thank everyone at NCSA. You are all wonderful! My special thanks goes out to Dr. Quaid and Becki. Every time I've called, you've been there, always supportive and caring. Thank you all. –Shirley

I had GBP surgery in June of 2004. Since then I have lost 86 pounds and have kept it off. Before surgery, I was starting to have trouble with my knees and was tired all the time. I was between sizes 22-24. Since surgery I have had no more knee pain and I have a lot more energy and wear a size 8-10. Having this surgery has been a great motivator for me and the only regret I have is that I didn't do it sooner. I want to thank NCSA for changing my life. Now it is just up to me to continue to make it work. Thank you everyone for being so supportive of me and my journey. –Karen

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Since my surgery, I am a totally new person. So many friends and family have told me how much better I look. I just love it when my husband gives me a hug and he can put his arms all the way around me. I also love it when we go shopping for smaller clothers. I used to wear size 18 and now I wear a size 8. I love to get out and do yard work, wash the cars, and ride the motorcycle with my hubby. Dr. Pettine, you saved my life. Thanks to you and all your staff. You are all wonderful people. –Mary

My name is Al and I never thought I was fat enough to have this surgery. But I was. Now I can jog down a mountain trail with my daughter, ride my bike like I have never ridden it before and my racquetball game is out of this world. I would say I was definitely fat enough because I could never do these things before. The other day, on of my wife's friends whispered into her ear that it must be nice sleeping with a new man while still staying faithful to her husband. Thank you, Dr. Quaid. –Al

After the birth of my daughter, my doctor told me I needed to get serious about my weight loss. The future he painted for me was not one I wanted and he suggested I have GBP surgery. When I went in for my consultation, all my fears and anxieties were laid to rest. Dr. Pettine and his whole staff put me at tremendous ease. Looking back, I couldn't be happier with the way things are going. I can walk 3 miles now without getting winded, and I can do push-ups and I can go shopping all day without any aches or pains. Most importantly, I am thoroughly enjoying my rambunctious three-year old daughter. Thank you, Dr. Pettine, and staff for everything you have done.

I have lost over 250 pounds in my first year after surgery. I can now do things that I have not done since high school and thought I would never be able to do again. I recommend this surgery to anyone who is seriously considering it. Thank you, Dr. Pettine. –Ryan

I want to thank Dr.Quaid and his staff. The professionalism and the care that I received was just the best. What I really liked was the first time I came in to the office, weighing over 250 pounds at no time did your staff look at me like I was just another fat person. Instead they offered me a solution to my problem. This was not a magical cure, but a chance to change my life. I had my surgery January, 2003 and within 10 months I reached my goal weight of 154 pounds. My health is great! I no longer have the shortness of breath. The best part is that I can play on the floor with my grandchildren. So again, THANK YOU! –Jean

Before my bypass surgery, May 23, 2005 I weighed 280 pounds and felt like my life was over. The joint pain was unbearable and I couldn't even walk to my mailbox a half block away without being out of breath. Dr. Pettine performed the surgery and everything went well. I don not think I could ask for a better team than NCSA. As my pounds melted away, so did the barriers limiting my life. With 130 pounds gone I can dance, I've hiked Button Rock Reservoir 2.5 miles there and 2.5 miles back. I horseback ride as often as I can and love it. There is still some joint pain but as you can see it's not enough to stop me from living and loving it. Many thanks to the NCSA team. –Debbie

I had my surgery in September 2003. I have lost about 100 pounds and it has changed my life. Prior to surgery I had several health problems including insulin dependent diabetes, emphysema, asthma, osteoarthritis, and chronic pain. Since the surgery, I no longer have diabetes. I am able to go for long walks without a cane and I can get down on the floor and play with my nieces and nephew. I now have a normal life. I am so thankful to my Lord Jesus Christ, my families and especially my mother, and sister, my friends and my church family for their support. Thank you Dr. Dickinson and Susan and Becki. I would strongly recommend this surgery for anyone who has a severe weight problem. –Cora

Thank you NCSA for a new lease on life. I was suffering from high blood pressure and edema, which are both back to normal. Getting around is much easier and exercise, now that I can do it, feels great! Once again, thank you to everyone who helped assist in the life changing experience. –Bill