Naquita Parker-RichardsonRN and Bariatric Coordinator at Desert SpringsWeight before surgery–296 pounds
Weight six months after surgery–206 pounds
Weight two years later–142 pounds
Naquita knew she was headed towards a path of diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease. That wasn't the path she wanted to take and diets were not working so she decided to have gastric bypass surgery at The Center for Surgical Weight Loss at Desert Springs Hospital.
Before surgery Naquita struggled to climb the stairs in her home, sit on an airplane comfortably, play on the floor with her seven grandchildren, or go to the movies without people gawking and much physical and mental discomfort.
Naquita, who meets with bariatric patients after they have surgery at Desert Springs, says it is a major lifestyle change and it requires determination and dedication to be successful and keep the weight off.
"The first six months after surgery were almost impossible," Naquita said. "I had to keep telling myself, ‘You're not hungry.' I didn't realize that my whole life had been focused on food until I couldn't have it. It's very difficult to change, but the fact is, I can live on less food."
Her advice for obese patients who are considering bariatric surgery: "It's not a fast fix. It's a tool and a means of getting you to an end ... which is your ideal goal weight, to be healthy, live longer and enjoy your family."
Beverly Lee, 70Weight before surgery–308 pounds
Weight after surgery–202 pounds
Beverly suffered from sleep apnea, type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure prior to gastric bypass surgery at Desert Springs Hospital. After bariatric surgery she no longer required oxygen to breathe at night and was able to control her diabetes with diet and exercise—omitting daily medications.
She tried various diets to lose weight after she quit smoking but had little success. Beverly said she was tired of borrowing a motorized cart when she went shopping, which still left her exhausted. She described a flight to Chicago as "utterly embarrassing" because she required two seat belts to fit around her and there wasn't enough room for her folding tray because of her weight.
Beverly had the surgery despite being in her 60s at the time to give her more years with her husband, five children, and 22 grandchildren. "Other than marrying my husband, it's the best thing I've done," Beverly said. "He's the one who encouraged me to have it. I wish I could have done this years ago. I haven't regretted a day."
Medicare will pay for bariatric surgery if patients meet specific requirements and have the procedure done at a Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence.
Bryce HardingWeight before surgery–350 lbs
Weight after surgery–197 lbs
Bryce Harding had tried diet after diet and had sought help from a nutritionist with minimal results.
His health problems included sleep apnea and pain in his chest, back, knee and feet.
After undergoing gastric bypass surgery, Bryce lost 153 lbs. "Gastric bypass surgery has changed my life. I'm healthier and have more energy than ever!"
Celia WaldronWeight before surgery — 300 lbs.
Weight after surgery — 137 lbs
Celia Waldron had tried everything to lose weight, from diets to having her jaw wired shut, but nothing really worked.
Celia says she felt there was no real end in sight when it came to her weight. She encountered numerous health issues from her weight and had a low level of self-confidence.
After researching gastric bypass surgery for two years Celia finally decided this was the best alternative for her.
Since having surgery, Celia has lost 160 lbs. She says she feels great and that having the surgery has helped her regain her confidence and she now feels good about her self.
And Celia says the best part is the terrific compliments and whistles she gets from everyone.
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