Weight Loss Surgery Patient Testimonials

Demetris

When Demetris first came to the office, he weighed 322 lbs at 5’4″ tall. His congestive heart failure was so severe that he could barely get down the hallway without stopping due to shortness of breath. His essential hypertension was so severe that despite multiple medications his blood pressure was not controlled. He chose gastric bypass surgery and his life has completely changed. 2 years later, he has lost over 120 lbs, his blood pressure is reasonably controlled on fewer medications, and he can do any activity that he wants. He plays basketball with his son, he works out lifting weights, and he is active repairing cars. He has a whole new life thanks to his hard work and the help of surgery.

Cindy

Approximately a year and a half ago I decided it was time to make changes in my life and lifestyle. Throughout my teen years and adulthood, I had remained unhealthy and overweight. Discouraged by repeated efforts to shed the unwanted weight, I did a lot of soul-searching and decided to look into gastric surgery. As a registered nurse, I knew the importance of maintaining a ‘normal’ weight not only for ‘vanity’ reasons but for improved health and prolonged life expectancy. As I was ‘aging’ I was began to experience an increase in health related complications- all of which could be helped or eliminated by controlling my weight. I made the decision to look into the possibility of gastric surgery. On my quest to locate a surgeon that does this surgery, Dr. Cameron Askew’s name came up repeatedly. I made an appointment for an evaluation which has changed my life! From the moment I stepped into her office, I found her staff warm and welcoming! Dr. Askew met with me personally and went over my options and also ‘listened’ to my goals for myself. Decision made, the process began! Throughout the entire weight loss process Dr. Askew and her staff remained professional, proficient and polite! Today, I am pleased that I am able to maintain my weight and my health has improved! I am enjoying increased confidence along with the knowledge that for people like me, there is an answer. I highly recommend Dr. Cameron Askew and her fine staff. What have you got to lose?

Jessica

Almost 10 months ago my life changed! I had the Gastric Sleeve on 4/27/17, done by Dr. Cameron Askew at Brookwood hospital. From the first phone call I had with her staff until now, I have felt like family with this practice. The ladies in this office are amazing. They guided me every step of the way, cheering me on and answered every question I had. I did not feel like another number to them! They know me by name and befriended me on Facebook to keep up with my progress. So I want to say thank you to the staff!

My story: First off let me say this- all my life I have struggled with my weight. I have always been the “thick” girl and I have curves. I finally felt “comfortable” in my skin in the 7th grade. (Or so I thought) I started not to care what people thought of me. I always heard from others “you are so pretty for a big girl” or “you carry your weight well.” So I took that as the “ok” to make poor eating choices, or telling myself it’s ok, you can cover it up with cute clothes. I had the cute clothes, always had my nails done, and my hair done… so all that would mask the way I truly felt about myself.

I have tried every diet you could think of or every work out class you would think of. To be honest working out was not an issue for me, I LOVE to work out. It was my eating… it started controlling me to where I would wake up and my first thought was “what is for breakfast??” Where could I go get something to eat that’s really good. Then after that ..what’s for lunch, then dinner… every .single. day I would think of food constantly. I had an addiction. I hit my heaviest weight 304 lbs at the age of 23 years old. I could not believe I let it get that far. Nights I would just cry laying in bed. My joints hurts, my feet and legs would swell, when I would go to the lake I couldn’t get back onto the boat without help, or when I got out of the shower the towel wouldn’t fit around me, having to shop for size 3x shirts and 22/24 pants, and the worst was when I was on a trip and couldn’t ride a ride bc I was over the weight limit. The list could go on and on… I’m not writing this for you to feel sorry for me or to seem like I’m making excuses for my actions that lead me to that place. I’m writing this to show you I am human. I made a mistake of letting something take control of my life and I am here to tell you NO MORE!

For one year I prayed and did a lot of research on Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy. I went back and forth on whether I wanted to have it done or not. I didn’t want people to think that I was taking the easy way out. Because it’s not at all. Some people think that and that’s their opinion and I can respect that. But this was my prayer that had been answered. This tool was given to me to help me get to where I needed to be and to help me stay there(long term). I made my life style change and now I hardly think about food. I eat high protein and veggies and I have portion control. I also work out 3/4 times a week at Crossfit Riverchase gym. It’s not easy at all. I work my butt off and I am so proud of myself for doing this and getting this far! I am not done yet and I can’t wait to reach my ultimate goal! I am down 111 pounds at 193lbs! To God be the Glory!