Testimonials
I was living in very poor health, with multiple health problems, and weighing 454lbs. at age 38 in November 2009 , when I decided to go to a patient seminar for weight loss surgery. I choose Atlanta Bariatrics after
meeting and hearing my doctor, William Johnson MD, speak about what weight loss surgery would do for “my health”.
I think the focus on the “my health” and not the amount of weight I could lose was the deciding factor for me. He told the group about getting off insulin shots, being able to stop taking cholesterol medication, and no more CPAP/BiPap for sleeping. He could have been speaking just to me, but the message was for the group attending that evening.
I met with Dr. Johnson and the Atlanta Bariatrics staff in January 2010 and started my road to “better health”. The staff and my doctor guided me through the process for the pre-surgery, educated me how to live and eat healthy after the surgery, and been there cheering me on to reach my health goals.
Today, weighing 223lbs., I am no longer taking insulin shots, I have stopped taking two types of drugs for cholesterol, and I can get restful sleep without the aid of a machine. I can also enjoy the choices in life to do anything without worrying if my body will be able to do it.
See Ken Skydiving after his weight loss doing his first skydive
KO
“All my life I have struggled with my weight, from a chubby child, a fat teenager, to an obese adult. I have tried every diet imaginable, every magic diet pill available, only to diet my way to over 300lbs. I always wanted to be a “normal” weight, but I had given up destined to be fat forever. I heard about weight loss surgery in 2005, but I thought I could never afford it. In 2007 my insurance company offered weight loss surgery. I attended a seminar conducted by Dr. Johnson. His presentation impressed me. I had a consultation with him, he seemed to really care. After discussing with me the pros and cons of each surgery, I decided on adjustable lapband surgery.
My surgery was scheduled for December 27, 2007 at Emory Johns Creek Hospital. I must admit I was scared, I wanted to jump off the table, but I remained calm and the surgery went well.
My weight loss was gradual as Dr Johnson had explained it would take several fills before I hit my sweet-spot and he encouraged me to exercise. When I hit my sweet spot, the weight loss was steady. I remember two most memorable milestones, fitting in a size 18 and reaching 199lbs. For many people that would be consider large, but most my life I’ve worn size 26-30 and weighed over 200 lbs.
I finally reached my goal of a “normal” size in the summer of 2009. I was able to wear a size 12. My ultimate goal is to wear a size 10.
At my consultation, I weighed 330lbs and wore size 28/30. My lowest weight has been 168lbs. My weight still fluctuates but, I try to maintain my weight around 175lbs. I still plan to lose more weight, but for now I am happy at my weight lost. And best of all I reached my ultimate goal of wearing a size 10.
Before the band I existed, now I live… to shop!! ” CW
” After many years of struggling to lose weight on my own I began to explore bariatric procedures as an option. A friend recommended I attend the free seminar offered by the practice. The seminar provided me with the ability to make an informative decision on the best option for me.
Choosing Atlanta Bariatrics and Dr. Hart for my lap band procedure was the best decision I have ever made. The entire staff has been so supportive and guided me through every step in my weight loss journey. I’ve lost a total of 107 pounds and couldn’t be happier!! “
SS
“I struggled with my weight my whole life. I was heavy as a child and was made fun of in school. I ate to deal with my
emotions. In high school I went on Medifast to lose weight so I could have a boyfriend. Everyone said “you have such a pretty face, if only you would lose weight”.
In my junior year of high school I lost 80 lbs on medifast and it changed my life. When I went to college it was such a struggle to keep my weight off. I gained about 50 lbs back and was miserable. For years I yo yoed back and forth. I lost the 80 lbs again before I got married, but put it back on starting on my honeymoon.
After I had my 3 children, it just became almost impossible to get the weight off. I ended up around 260 lbs. I hated it. My body hurt all the time and it was hard chasing the kids around. Buying clothes made me so depressed.
After my last baby was born I researched Gastric Bypass surgery and the Lapband. I knew I needed to find something that was going to help me lose the weight but more importantly KEEP IT OFF. The band intrigued me because it was adjustable. I interviewed a few doctors but really liked Dr. Johnson at ATLANTA BARIATRICS. I also loved the staff at ATL BARIATRICS. They all were so supportive and motivating. On October 2nd 2007 I had the Lapband and have never looked back. I lost the 100 lbs within the first year and have worked hard to keep it off the last 5 years. I have stayed within 5 lbs of my goal weight ever since.
Lapband is NOT a quick fix. It is a tool to help you loose the weight and an even better tool to help keep it off. With a proper diet, moderate exercise, and the band I have been successful in making this a permanent weight loss. I am just so grateful for Dr. Johnson and his wonderful staff for being such an important part of my weight loss journey!”
Jen H.
By the end of 2007 my weight was an astounding 255 lbs. I had high blood pressure, sleep apnea, low self-esteem, and never wanted to go anywhere or do anything (sound familiar?). I was also afraid that if
things continued the way they were I would not be here for my only child, my daughter Jordan.
I knew I had to do something. For few years I had considered bypass surgery but always came up with an excuse or reason not to do it.
With my health not getting better and my inability to keep any weight off (I have Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrome – PCOS) I finally decided to visit a doctor and see what it was all about.
From the moment I made my first phone call, to the orientation meeting, to the first doctor’s visit and all contact with the staff I knew I had made the right decision and chose the right place to take care of me.
I had my surgery February 11, 2008. I went from 255 lbs. to 125 lbs. today. I no longer have any of the medical problems I had before. I FEEL GREAT!!
When people ask me if I would do it again – I don’t hesitate and say “YES, in a heartbeat.” This is one of the best decisions I made and the staff at Atlanta Bariatric’s was wonderful in helping through my transition.
I turned 45 – June 2011, and I feel better now than I did in my 20’s. With dedication to the advice given by the doctors, dietician, and everyone you can make your story a success story as well.
