Success Stories

My name is Heather. I have struggled with obesity for most of my adult life. After having two beautiful boys, I managed to weigh over 260 pounds. I knew I had to make a change. I considered surgery but was afraid that it wouldn’t work and I’d be always be overweight. I saw Dr. Waked and he made me feel so good about my decision. He never made me feel ashamed of my weight. Dr. Waked truly wanted to help me get my life back and I cannot thank him and Kim enough. I attended several nutrition classes and group sessions with others just like me – which were both so helpful to my journey!! I had my surgery in March 2021 and am down 105lbs so far!! I am the smallest I’ve ever been, and I FEEL amazing. I actually enjoy exercising and doing things with my kids that I just couldn’t before and it’s made me a happier person and better mom. Surgery is not the easy way out; it’s still a lot of hard work but there is nothing in this world worth more than the way I feel now. I would do it 1000 times over.

“When I saw the scale hit 410lbs, I knew I needed to reevaluate my life. This was when I chose to pursue gastric sleeve surgery. I was scared for my future and what health complications that could occur. Once surgery day came around (Oct.27 2021) My surgery was in October of 2021. I was nervous but I knew the outcome was worth it. I lost some weight prior to surgery and got my mind in the right place. I was ready for the change. Im close to my goal weight of 250lbs and I’m not stopping! I would recommend surgery to anyone who is determined to make changes and are willing to put the work in after surgery to improve your health”

From unhealthy 336 lbs to a healthier 143 lbs with lots of energy What made you go for weight loss surgery? “I did it for my health. My family on both sides have heart issues, diabetes and high blood pressure. I get alot of health issues from my mom side.

8 years ago I met Dr waked for the very first time!! At this time I weighed 505 lbs!! I had already lost weight from being around 550 + lbs. I told him I want to have Biliopancreatic diversion with a duodenal switch (BPD/DS). My BMI was 73. Of course I had my doubts I’ve seen too many people struggle after having gastric bypass to or other procedures done with being able to keep weight off and lose weight. Now I weight 205 lbs. 8 years later and with proper diet, my surgery still works just as well as it did the first 6 months. Just sharing a little bit of my story for the ones that are struggling!! stick to the diet, listen to your doctor, listen to your dietitian, they will not steer you wrong.

The decision to have weight loss surgery did not come easily. For years, I considered it, but kept disregarding it as an option because I was embarrassed that people would “find out”. That embarrassment hindered my quality of life for way too long, and last year, I finally decided that I didn’t care what people thought of me any longer. I knew that no matter what, I couldn’t live one more day in my current state. I was shying away from activities with family and friends because I was worried I wouldn’t fit in a seat or be able to keep up. In May 2020, I had enough. I made the decision to make the appointment with Dr. Waked and my life has continued to change for the better since that time. I lost 35 pounds leading up to surgery by following the plan given to me when I started the program. My surgery was in December of 2020. Since surgery, I have lost 104 pounds, making my total 139 pounds! I went from a high of 274lbs and I’m now 135lbs! I went from a size 2xl/size 20 pants to a Small/Extra Small shirt and 4/6 pants. The journey isn’t easy, but it’s worth it. By no means is it the “easy way out” that people who do not understand obesity refer to. I feel like a totally new person, inside and out. My physical and mental health is better, I am not out of breath walking, and I love to shop for clothes. My only regret is that I didn’t do it sooner! Stay focused- you can do it too!

Before coming to Dr. Waked I had tried every kind of diet imaginable and was ready to give up. I was told I was going to need a double knee replacement by the time I was 55. I was determined that was not going to happen so Dr. Waked was my last resort. I had gastric bypass surgery in 2017. He and his staff have given me the tools and the encouragement to get my life back and not only was I able to reach the goal he set for me but I was able to reach the goal I set for myself. I was 317lbs at my highest weight and am proud to say that I am 165lbs today! With the support of the online Facebook page, I feel like I have a second family cheering me on and encouraging me every step of my way. I love being able to do the same for others that are in the same situation!

I am just passed my 2-year surgery anniversary from my gastric sleeve procedure on 7/26/20. The first picture was just before my surgery in 2018. My second picture was a few days ago while hiking in The Olympic National Park in Seattle. At my highest weight, I was 391lbs. The day of surgery I was 345lbs and my current weight is 220lbs. I have lost 171lbs and maintained this for over a year. I have recently started reflecting on my experience with gastric sleeve surgery over the past 2 years. First off it is just a tool, weight loss is the result if you use it properly, but it’s work. Nothing worth it is ever easy. Something I’ve come to find even more important than weight loss is this: You change mentally and physically with this surgery, whether you realize it or not. There are more opportunities to get out of the comfort zone that I will openly embrace, vs turn down as I did in the past. Things that I’m capable of doing now I couldn’t dream to do years ago. When I tell people, this surgery was life-changing, it’s way more than just the number on the scale. It is a new lease on life.

I had gastric sleeve surgery and have lost 142 pounds so far. I knew having this surgery would change things for me but I never realized just how much. It changed everything. I eat healthily, I care about the things I put in my body, I enjoy working out (never thought I’d be that person in a million years!). It has changed my relationship with myself and there for the people around me. I have more confidence in everyday activities that I didn’t necessarily realize I was lacking before. At first, I just thought I would lose weight, it turns out I gained a whole new life.

Thanks to Dr. Waked ,Kim Hyatt, and his team my life has change drastically for the better. Although I’m still learning how to maintain a healthy lifestyle, I can’t thank you enough for my new exiting journey. I had my surgery 1 year ago and am down 125lbs. Again thank you from the bottom of my heart You are my heroes!!

“I would of never been so successful without Dr. Waked and his team.. an athlete is only as good as her coach!”