Heather
“I feel healthy and full of life. I do many of the same things but I feel so much better and confident.”
Read Heather's story
Describe your life before you had Weight Loss Surgery.
My journey started when my weight kept going up even with 5 days of exercise and eating right, I was tired and feeling out of place in my own body. When I went to the doctor, they told me to maybe stop going to McDonalds for a few months. I was mortified, I hadn’t eaten McDonalds in years, I felt I was being unfairly judged because of my weight. I was thankful when I found Dr Wagh and we were able to start a new program, this is when I finally understood normal is not every bodies normal.
How long were you considering Weight Loss Surgery before you came in?
For over two years we worked on trying to manage my symptoms of PCOS, Pre Diabetes and hypothyroidism, I had a wild swing in weight and Dr Wagh recommended the Gastric Sleeve. I almost fell out of the chair in the office – I had never even considered WLS. I dug in and researched, I made a pros and cons list. I interviewed people I knew that had WLS. When I found the benefits and how much my risk would be reduced for stroke and heart attack it seemed like a no brainer.
What was it like to work with our team?
From start to finish the teams have been amazing. The prep work and follow up are very purposeful. The binder is a bit dated and could use a revision but other than that I have found everyone supportive.
Describe your life now, after Weight Loss Surgery.
I feel healthy and full of life. I do many of the same things but I feel so much better and confident.
Lacy
“Life after surgery has been exhilarating. Not only am I now to the smallest point in my adult life, but I’m able to exercise and play with my kids.”
Read Lacy's story
Describe your life before you had Weight Loss Surgery.
Before my weight loss surgery life was very depressing. I was not able to exercise, put my own shoes on, or even clean myself properly. In 2020, I was at the biggest point I’ve ever been in my life at 499 pounds. I had to sit to do basic chores like dishes and cooking because my back would hurt and my legs would start to go numb. Grocery shopping was a nightmare, I had to use a motorized cart because I could not make it through the store. I was not able to walk long distances or even moderately short distances. I would become out of breath. I could not sleep properly because of my sleep apnea. I had to sleep sitting up to be able to breathe and keep my hands from going numb. Life was horrible and depressing before surgery.
How long were you considering Weight Loss Surgery before you came in?
I have been thinking about weight loss surgery since I was 16. However, I was never able to afford it, nor did my insurance ever cover the procedure. When I moved to Colorado, my doctor told me that my insurance I had at the time covers Bariatric surgery. I was immediately on board and asked what I needed to do.
What was it like to work with our team?
From the time that I initially called the clinic to inquire more questions about the practice and what was offered, I have had nothing but exceptional service. The coordinators, dietitians, office staff, and Dr. Long has been amazing, kind, compassionate and just all around great. What stands out most to me is the day of surgery, Dr. Long asked me if he could pay for me before we go into surgery. I cried. I was so nervous to go into surgery, but was so relieved and calmed, just knowing my physician prays before every surgery for his patients, if they are willing. That was and will always be the most memorable experience with Dr. Long. Even after surgery, Dr. Long was there to assist and answer any questions.
Describe your life now, after Weight Loss Surgery.
Life after surgery has been exhilarating. Not only am I now to the smallest point in my adult life, but I’m able to exercise and play with my kids. We run, hike, exercise, swim and just walk everywhere. I was an active person before surgery, but this is a whole new way to be active and it’s amazing. I’m able to do everything I was not able to before and my children no longer have to help me do everyday tasks.
Kirsten
“My number one favorite thing to do is shop for clothes. My number two has to be working with my dog in Agility classes. I run with her – it’s amazing!”
Read Kirsten's story
Describe your life before you had Weight Loss Surgery.
I worked from home every day. I fell asleep after work and didn’t really go anywhere. My legs were swollen and heavy and I was pre diabetic.
How long were you considering Weight Loss Surgery before you came in?
I had the referral to your practice for a year before I went in. I had a friend that needed my tutoring help to get her through a class so that she could get her degree. I was embarrassed by how big I had gotten when I went to her house and met other people I knew. Getting out of the house gave me the push I needed to make the appointment at your practice.
What was it like to work with our team?
One of the things I liked best when researching your practice is the support you offered to your patients. The classes, dietitians and psychiatrists were excellent and very beneficial to my journey.
Describe your life now, after Weight Loss Surgery.
My number one favorite thing to do is shop for clothes. My number two has to be working with my dog in Agility classes. I run with her – it’s amazing!
Michael
Finding clothes that fit was always such a hassle for me but now I can actually enjoy buying size large shirts and 32 pants (when I can afford them!).
Read Michael's story
Describe your life before you had Weight Loss Surgery.
I had so many health issues. I knew that if I didn’t find a way to loose the weight I would not live to see 40, but no matter how hard I tried I couldn’t get it done on my own. From gout to pre diabetes to skin conditions I was suffering tremendously.
How long were you considering Weight Loss Surgery before you came in?
It took me three years to finally get the courage to admit I needed help. I have been trying and failing for ten years and no more than ten pounds ever lost. When I found out about weight loss surgery and my insurance being able to assist I said “enough is enough” and made the call to Dr. Longs office
What was it like to work with our team?
From start to finish I had the best care and support. I never was in the dark about anything or worried. The surgery went well and I had a few hiccups afterwards but Dr. Long and the staff took care of all my needs
Describe your life now, after Weight Loss Surgery.
I have gained so much confidence and lost many health problems! No more diabetes no more skin problems and I can finally find clothes! Finding clothes that fit was always such a hassle for me but now I can actually enjoy buying size large shirts and 32 pants (when I can afford them!).
Sharon
“I’m 73 and feel like I’ve gotten a new lease on life. I don’t have planters fasciitis like I used to and no more back or knee aches and pains.”
Read Kirsten's story
Describe your life before you had Weight Loss Surgery.
From my mid-thirties, stress, childbearing, hormonal changes, yo-yo dieting and lack of proper eating and exercise resulted in my weight from a somewhat normal weight of 135 to 260 by 2012. At the point I opted for a Lapband but it resulted in GERD and reflux, but the worst was the pain of food getting stuck if I talked while eating and throwing up to relieve it, which occur regularly. On top of it, though I lost lots of weight, most of it returned after a few years. Besides the embarrassment of it, the weight prevented me from living a full and healthy life. Besides the stomach problems, I had low energy, back and knee pain and I suspect the reflux might also triggered the asthma for which I started having to be treated. By 2021, I was back up to 235 and miserable.
How long were you considering Weight Loss Surgery before you came in?
I really didn’t think about further surgery until the summer of 2021 when a friend shared her amazing experience with gastric bypass. It prompted me to do some research on the Lapband for which I found out it was a failing tool and should be removed by 10 years. This is when I found Dr. Long at LiveNew and went in for a consultation. He confirmed my findings. I realized what I really needed was the WLS tool and the complete lifestyle change they offered. I believe it was a very timely God send because Dr. Long found that the Lapband had twisted and he was a life saver for me by removing it.
What was it like to work with our team?
It’s been wonderful working with Dr. Long and all of his team. Through the very educational nutrition classes, the nutritionist and program requirements motivated me to start making changes to my eating habits and exercise even before I had the surgery. The medical exam requirements revealed the damage GERD had caused my esophagus and stomach which was healed before the surgery. It also revealed I had extreme sleep apnea that I didn’t know I had and got me on therapy for that. And their follow up has been so good for me. I couldn’t have done this on my own.
Describe your life now, after Weight Loss Surgery.
At 11 months post op, I have lost 75 pounds so far and gained so much energy. I walk a few miles every morning and do weight training twice a week. I’m 73 and feel like I’ve gotten a new lease on life. I don’t have planters fasciitis like I used to and no more back or knee aches and pains. And the best part is that what I do now with eating and moving are my lifestyle, my habits that won’t change. And buying clothes and having my picture taken has become a joy again!
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