1 Year Anniversary 5/29/04 Gary Dodson -Pacific Bariatric San Diego

It's been one year and my life has changed.I have lost 144 pounds since surgery.One week after surgery I walked 5 miles with no pain.Five months after surgery I was climbing telephone poles after returning to the telecommunications field.I run 6 miles a day ,go to the gym 4 times a week and feel great.I consider my surgery a gift and give thanks to Dr.Lawrence Tanaka and the staff at Pacific Bariatric for providing me with excellent care.Prior to my surgery I was a school bus driver with a yearly income of $31,000.My decision have the surgery has allowed me to get back on track.Currently I am a technical operations supervisor and manage a crew of 26 technicians and have doubled my annual income.I climbed 40 poles last Sunday and felt great.Life is good.Miracles can happen if you have faith and the courage to take the first step.Take it from me it's worth it!!!

Gary, Congrats on your super weight loss. You have done great. Has the surgery helped your self esteem?. My one year anniversary for my surgery was on May 16. I have lost 140 pounds as of today. I too can see the difference in the way I work and the way I feel, but the greatest thing I have noticed is that I have so much self esteem about myself. My doctor told me last week that he thinks I should put on about 15 pounds, but I don't want to hear that at all. I have come too far now and I refuse to put on any weight. My current weight is 172 pounds. Not bad for a man of 52, right? Again congrats to you and I wish you the best in the future. your WLS brother, Gene Oxford, Alabama