Jackie Brandt – Lowellville, Ohio

So much has changed since Jackie had laparoscopic Roux-En-Y Gastric Bypass on March 7, 2007. On the day of the surgery she weighed 266 pounds, her highest weight ever.

Jackie is 38 years old, married and has 2 children.

“I could hardly do anything with my kids, I was always too tired or my feet or knees hurt. I could barely handle a trip to the grocery store without being in terrible pain.”

“I had thought about weight loss surgery in the past. I had researched it somewhat but never made a serious attempt at pursuing it until I had a Halloween party for my daughter. Just the running around for the party, the cooking, cleaning etc. was more than my body could handle. I was in so much pain from being on my feet, my joints hurt and I felt like I was ready to die. That’s when I decided to make an appointment with a bariatric surgeon.”

Jackie had researched and found Dr. Chlysta at Akron General and the Bariatric Center on the Internet. She read about the personal care and attention he and his staff would provide.

At Jackie’s first consultation appointment, on November 16, 2006, Dr. Chlysta explained the procedures available, the benefits as well as the potential side effects and complications. She was pleased with what she heard and decided to move forward.

“Of course on the day of surgery I was scared, nervous and excited. The next thing I remember, I was waking up in the recovery room. I had my gallbladder removed during the surgery, so I had some discomfort.”

When the weight started coming off, Jackie started feeling better.

“It was amazing! I had energy to be active with my children and I could do so much more because I was not inhibited by my weight any longer. My self-esteem came back, I am so much happier than I was before. I look forward to each new day just because I am alive and healthy!”

“I no longer have any foot, knee or joint pain. I can exercise, go shopping, play with my kids and really be an “active mom,” not just one who sits on the sidelines.”

As of June 2008, Jackie has lost 136 pounds and at her goal weight of 130 pounds.

“Shopping for clothes is fun again. I fit into regular sizes (I am currently a size 8/10) and can wear the latest fashions. But most importantly I have my health back and look forward to each day.”

“I would recommend the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery to anyone, and especially recommend Dr. Chlysta.”