Gastric bypass surgery has changed every aspect of her life.
It was December 2005 and Debi Stone "was terrified," to use her own words. The mother of three weighed 341 pounds and was beginning to feel like she had no control over her health.
"I was at the point where my life was in danger," she said. "It really was the lowest point in my life."
Stone, a bookkeeper in Eugene, Ore, decided to explore weight loss surgery. She had tried everything else – diets, exercise and support groups – losing some weight for short periods of time only to gain it all back. Her self-discipline could only take her so far.
Her research led her to the Samaritan Bariatric Surgery Program in nearby Corvallis and program founder Robert Read, MD, PH D.
"The friendliness of the staff and their knowledge put me at ease from day one," Stone said. "I never felt like the big, ugly fat girl. So many other programs do the surgery and then push you out the door. But the Samaritan Bariatric Surgery Program staff stick with you."
"I believe there's some misconception about people who decide to have bariatric surgery," said Dr. Read. "For most of our patients, surgery is the option that will save their lives. They've tried everything possible and for a variety of reasons, they just can't get their weight down to an appropriate level."
Dr. Read worked with Stone to carefully determine her eligibility for bariatric surgery. The program staff performs an in-depth evaluation with each potential patient, ensuring that surgery is the appropriate choice.
Less than two years later, Stone weighs 170 pounds. She says that the surgery and the extensive follow-up program, which includes ongoing support groups, nutritional monitoring and more, have changed almost every aspect of her life.
"This is not a cure or a quick fix," she said. "It's a tool. You have to follow the program and be disciplined after the surgery. But I can now say that I'm done with 'I can't.'"