First of all, I would like to say that Dr. Provost saved my life more than once.

Before surgery I had tried every diet imaginable.  The list is too long and probably quite similar to everyone reading this.  One thing I did try that I have not seen listed in anyone else’s testimonials is getting wrapped in Saran wrap from the arm pits down.  This was a 1960’s approach to sweating the fat off.  It didn’t work any better than the fad diets.

I remember going to my brother’s field day at his elementary school with a broken foot in a cast.  His teachers offered me a lawn chair since I had failed to bring one.  I knew I shouldn’t try it, but did anyway.  Sure enough, it broke. I was humiliated!

The last time I flew, I had to ask for an extension for the seat belt.  I was told, rather loudly, that “as soon as they were finished demonstrating safety precautions using the extension, they would give it to me.”  Again, humiliation! I could list more situations like this, but I am sure we all share those unfortunate stories.

I knew that I had to do something.  In the early ‘70s I had my stomach stapled.  I only lost 30 pounds. I never regained the 30, but I could not move the scale down any further without the low- calorie, starvation diets.  Well, we all know that those work for a short time and when we eat food again, back it comes tenfold.

I have other health issues and they weren’t yet endangering my life expectancy, but I knew it was just a matter of time. Luckily my insurance started covering WLS.  I was one of the first to sign up.  I went to many doctors.  Most wouldn’t touch me due to the previous surgery, but ALL recommended Dr. David Provost.  I am so glad they did.

My revision to a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass in October 2008 went well.  I did encounter some complications a few weeks later.  This is the second time Dr. Provost saved my life. I had emergency surgery, but I lived and I continue to thrive.

I love visiting his office.  The staff is knowledgeable and supportive.  They are always positive and celebrate my weight loss with me. My calls never go unanswered.  I do not live close to his office, so I have difficulty attending his support groups.  I have scheduled appointments on the days of his groups and have participated in their walking.  It was fun.

I feel it is extremely important to go to support groups and I attend monthly meetings in my area.  I log my food daily to make sure I am getting all of my nutrients from food and supplements.  I know that this will be something I must do for the rest of my life and I am willing to do this knowing that my lifespan has been lengthened considerably!

P.S.  I just flew again and guess what?  I was able to put the regular seatbelt on with lots of length left over!

Karen

Before Surgery

After Surgery