My story really begins in high school.  I graduated in 1973 and had always been considered a larger framed gal, a size 14 to be exact.  I always felt larger than the other girls, definitely not the "cheerleader" framed type. 

I married and went on to have 3 children by 1979 but managed to maintain my size.  Upon a couple of occasions, I had gone down to a size 12, which I was very proud of.  A few years later, I forced myself into only eating one meal a day and managed to get to a size 9.  I must admit I felt a little sexy. 

Shortly after that I was divorced and went back up to a size 16 in a short amount of time.  I concentrated on cutting out the pizza and fast food, had less ice cream and soon was back to a 14.  I maintained this weight for about 8 years until I had a car accident that caused me to have a ventricular shunt placed within my head.  The surgeon explained that there were only 4 locations to place this so that the fluids would equalize my speech, balance, and more.  We opted for the top of the head area. 

Later I discovered that my migraines, speech, balance and vision had improved but the weight was beginning to increase.  I didn't relate this new change and went to my first Weight Watchers meeting.  I worked very hard to lose 12 pounds, and because of no patience on my part, I gave up.  I checked with friends and tried to figure out the best diet for me, whether it be portioned foods bought at a center, real foods that were measured, deprivation of certain foods or what.  I also had a complete checkup to see if my thyroid was in balance or if there was any medical problem. 

I was then referred to a specialist who ran very detailed urine and blood tests and told me that he thought the placement of my shunt was the cause of my problems.  Several doctors concluded that because it was nearly on my pituitary gland that it affected my endocrine system and my metabolism had changed.  That sounded like a good conclusion to me!  I consulted my neurosurgeon and he said he didn't see any problems with any of this. 

In 1987 I weighed 130 pounds and within 5 months I weighed 180 and continually gained until I finally capped out at 250.  I am 5'4" and that was too much.  In 1997 I had a breast reduction and in 2000 a tummy tuck.  My breast size had gone from 38C to 44 DD and all my measurements were off the chart. 

I am a professional but wasn't feeling good about my self image.  I asked my family physician several times about diet pills or anything else that might help.  His conclusion for some time was to treat me as a whole person and believed that when I was happy with myself that all would solve itself. 

I wasn't shaking this depression, weight gain, lack of energy, no sexual interest, etc and was admitted to the hospital after a stress test and a test for type II Diabetes.  My doctor finally agreed to refer me to a bariatric clinic for evaluation. 

Being excited to finally have gotten the referral; I attended an orientation, struggled through the insurance matters and had my surgery on January 14, 2003.  Prior to surgery I was on the Optifast program and lost 20 pounds.  I found it to be relatively easy to follow and had no complications during that time, the surgery or anytime thereafter.  My self esteem and health have returned.  The weight came off quickly and I have gone through 9 sizes and lost 120 pounds. 

I would strongly recommend this surgery to anyone.  My friends, family and colleagues marvel at the changes it has allowed me to make in my life.  I can tie my shoes and breathe at the same time, keep up with others more easily.  Ice Cream and sweets are still appealing in my mind but when I try them, there is a strange taste that doesn't sit well so I have limited the sweets.  Fruits and vegetables are great and preferred.  I've gone from a size 24 to a size 6.  My daughters are jealous and can now shop in my closet.

Thanks for your continued informational letters and ideas from others.  I would recommend this to anyone.  It is both a lifesaver and personal source of new found strength.  I became a new grandma in September and you will see the vast difference this surgery has made.

Linda Kaiser
Jackson, MI

Before	After