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Thomas Epting's Story
*Disclaimer: As patients and procedures vary so will results
At 33 years old, I was at a crossroads in my life. Continue living the way I had been, or finally make the leap and commit to changing my life and becoming healthy. I knew I was morbidly obese, it wasn’t a secret. I had always known I should lose weight, but when you are as big as I was, losing 10 pounds didn’t have the impact to matter. I had wanted to have weight loss surgery for years but always had an excuse; money, time, life… But on Sept. 7th, 2018 I visited Dr. Barnes at a weight close to 340 pounds on a 5-foot 7-inch frame.
Our first meeting was quite good. He and his wonderful team of nurses and staff were prompt, helpful and real. He asked me what my goal weight was and I told him whatever he wanted me to weigh. So my BMI number for “normal” body weight was about 25, so that was my goal. I immediately knew that I was going to do everything he said in order to qualify for the surgery and complete this goal of mine. His staff helped with all the insurance hurdles and I did my part because I knew that this was the tool that I needed to be successful.
On December 27th, 2018 I had Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy performed and through the help of the amazing nutritionist that works with Dr. Barnes and hard work, I had already lost over 40 pounds!! The surgery went well and I was home after a few days. After 6 weeks of recovery, I was totally healed and continued to lose weight at a constant rate. I stuck to the program of small meals, taking my time while eating, getting my fluids… ALL OF IT. I will never forget the day I was under 200 pounds! I was ecstatic. In September of 2019, I had lost another 25lbs and I had reached my “normal” body weight; what I remember Dr. Barnes telling me was my ideal weight for me. In January of 2020, I am still at my ideal weight but my body fat percentage continues to go down with the help of exercise and mindful eating habits.
For anyone thinking about bariatric surgery, I recommend Dr. Barnes at Barnes Bariatric!!!
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Lose Weight and Improve Your Life
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Lose Weight and Improve Your Life
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Lose Weight and Improve Your Life