Success Stories Terry
Terry Rook
Surgery Date: 7/3/02 Pre-Op Wt: 425 ~ Current Wt: 235
My Story
My name is Terry Rook. I underwent the Open Roux-En-Y Gastric Bypass surgery on July 3rd, 2002. Here's my story:
About one year prior to my surgery, I read Carnie Wilson's story about how she lost mass weight, and was living a healthier life. She could be active, wear normal size clothes, and seemed to be more accepted in society. I immediately felt a calling, and began asking about the surgery to my primary doctor at that time. He immediately agreed that, if I wanted to live, I should pursue the surgery.
After some procrastination and introspection, I began searching online for surgeons. After some high recommendations, I called Dr. Clarey's office and started the intake and administrative procedures. The office staff knew exactly what my insurance company needed to pay for the surgery, and they guided me through that process step by step. Administrative processes can be long, tedious, and frustrating; HOWEVER, the staff at DBC took charge, and all I had to do was exactly as they said. My approval came through on the first attempt (after writing a diet inventory, weight loss history, having a psych eval, and many physician evals). I was scheduled for surgery on July 3rd, 2002. At the time, I was 25 years old, married, weighed 425 pounds, had high blood pressure, sleep apnea, and (unbeknownst to me) untreated alcoholism. I was lonely, fearful, insecure, and in general, unhappy with life. This was my life at the time of surgery.
I have come to regard my surgery date, 7/3/02, as MY "Independence Day". I have faced many battles since that day, but all have been affected by the surgery. I am now at about 4 1/2 years post-op. I have maintained a 190 pound net loss. I can walk pretty much as long as I like. I have run for up to 4 miles at a time. I lift weights regularly. When food began to take a back seat in my life, other problems began to surface. (Without going into detail) I have been able to face those issues, and recover to the best of my ability. Today I am 30 years old, I weigh 235 pounds, am divorced, DO NOT have high blood pressure or sleep apnea, and am in recovery from alcoholism. I have come to learn that life still happens; I get lonely, fearful, sad, angry, and hurt at times. However, I do not have to eat or be unhealthy when those times come.
I
remember some highlights from my weight loss. I remember vividly the first
time I walked into a restaurant and could sit at one of the fixed table/chair
sets (the one's you can't move). I also remember the joy of shopping in
the 'regular' sections in the department stores. If you've never battled
obesity, you wouldn't understand. For those who are/were morbidly obese
like I was--you can understand the joy I felt.
Dr's Clarey & Bruce, the staff of DBC, fellow patients, and supporters: THANK YOU from the deepest regions of my soul. I know, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that my life has been forever changed (not to mention extended) because of this surgery. The ongoing support makes it possible for people like me to maintain this new lifestyle.
Sincerely,
Terry Rook Jr.
Results will vary