Gastric Bypass Patient Testimonials - Written & Video


  

Procedure: Laparoscopic Gastric Bypass
Weight Lost: 120 pounds

Making the decision to have weight loss surgery was one of the most difficult decisions I have ever contemplated. It was also the best decision I could possibly have made. I researched several Doctors and several surgery options before I decided to attend Dr. Oliak's seminar. Not only were his surgery results excellent, he was very honest and frank concerning what the surgery could do for me and what the risks were. Before the surgery I had no self discipline when it came to eating and exercise.

After 16 months I am literally in the best shape of my life. Weight loss surgery has been the tool I was seeking for years. Food no longer is controlling me. I love to exercise and I lead an incredibly active life. My wife and kids can hardly believe the changes. The surgery not only helped me, but has made our family healthier because of the changes in my behavior. Gastric bypass didn’t just save my life, it gave me a better one.



  

Procedure: Laparoscopic Gastric Bypass
Weight Lost: 144 pounds
Video: Watch Ivy describe how her medical problems have improved

On April 19, 2006, I went through my 15th surgery. I previously had surgeries to fix my knee, my back, and even my brain but, the 15th surgery successfully fixed my life!!!

I had type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, acid reflux, and psuedotumor cerebri all due to obesity. I was on 28 different pills each day. For 5 years, every doctor that I consulted tried to convince me that gastric bypass surgery was the best thing for me. I was terrified and skeptical...until I met Dr. Oliak. When I went to his seminar, all of my questions were answered and all of my fears were replaced with excitement and hope. How soon could we start?!?!

Since the surgery, I have gone from 282 pounds to 150 pounds. I have gone from a size 24 to a size 8. I no longer have type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, acid reflux, or psuedotumor cerebri. I no longer have to take 28 different pills a day. I honestly believe that Dr. Oliak saved my life. I went from feeling like there was no hope to feeling like nothing can stop me!!



  

Procedure: Laparoscopic Gastric Bypass
Weight Lost: 137 pounds
Video: Watch Daniel describe how his life has changed since his surgery

After having Gastric Bypass surgery and strictly following Dr Oliak's diet/exercise program, I lost 137 pounds (and counting) in less than one year. I totally recommend Dr. Oliak and his wonderful staff to assist you in your journey from fat to freedom. The transition is surreal, the decision is yours. Always keep in mind 'Whatever You Decide, Decides Your Future.'



  

Procedure: Laparoscopic Gastric Bypass
Weight Lost: 168 pounds

My name is Christy and I’ve lost 168 pounds. I’m so happy I chose Dr. Oliak because he and his staff are very wonderful, kind and professional. Because of them, it was a positive experience and my only regret is that I waited so long to make the decision to do it.

Before the surgery, I couldn’t do things that most people take for granted like stand in a long line or do housework for more than 5 minutes without having to sit down. I was always out of breath, sweating and miserable. Just getting myself up in the mornings was a challenge. Getting in and out of my car was difficult and I couldn’t exercise because even walking was hard.

Now I’m so happy, exercising, walking and eating healthy. Recently I took a trip and for the first time in 30 years was able to sit comfortably in an airplane seat. It was truly a joyous day in my life.

If you have been going back and forth about whether or not to have the surgery, don’t wait a minute longer. Do it now. You will be so happy you did. It will not only change your life, but it just may save it.



  

Procedure: Laparoscopic Gastric Bypass
Weight Lost: 113 pounds
Video: Watch Bryce describe how surgery has changed his life

My decision to have weight loss surgery was one of the biggest and greatest decisions I have ever had to make. Now, after 7 months and over 100 pounds of weight loss, I have never felt better! Dr. Oliak and his team gave me a second chance at living life to its utmost potential. I am finally in control!



  

Procedure: Laparoscopic Gastric Bypass
Weight Lost: 173 pounds

There are so many things that people of a normal weight take for granted, like walking through turnstiles, fitting in a chair or simply getting in and out of a car. One year ago, these activities were a major chore for me. At 387 pounds and only 27 years old, I knew that my quality of life was progressively getting worse, despite the fact that I didn't have diabetes, hypertension or arthritis - YET.

My experience with Dr. Oliak was literally the turning point and in many ways the beginning of my life. I no longer carry the "175 pound security blanket" that I wrapped myself in to protect me from the world. I am eternally grateful to Dr. Oliak for being the vessel that allowed this butterfly to finally emerge from her cocoon.



  

Procedure: Laparoscopic Gastric Bypass
Weight Lost: 110 pounds

My decision to have the surgery was one that I took very seriously. I spent nearly a year researching various procedures and surgeons. Dr. Oliak was referred to me by a friend of a friend. This was the best choice I could have made!

When I met with Dr. Oliak for the initial consultation he was very patient and informative. He has a way of putting you at ease and making you feel totally comfortable. After the initial appointment my mind was made up. He was the surgeon for me. It's been a year since my surgery date. I have lost approx. 110 pounds.

I have no regrets at all. If anything, I wish I had had it done sooner. I feel so much better physically and mentally. Now I can exercise without being out of breath, shop at "regular" stores (in the Juniors Dept.), fit into any chair/seat and easily climb several flights of stairs. Thank you Dr. Oliak for making my life so much better!



  

Procedure: Laparoscopic Gastric Bypass
Weight Lost: 111 pounds

Most of my life I was obese and unhappy. I was embarrassed in social settings; feeling like everyone was staring at me and judging. In December 2002 I made a life altering decision and decided to have a gastric bypass. A gastric bypass is by no means an "easy out", there is actual work involved.

I gave up most of my "fat friends" (anything covered in chocolate and/or deep fried) and now make healthier food choices and exercise daily. without getting winded after 5 minutes. I have no regrets!

It has been 2 years since my surgery and thanks to Dr. Oliak I am now a happy and healthy role model for my children and many of my friends.



  

Procedure: Laparoscopic Gastric Bypass
Weight Lost: 125 pounds

From the day I was born I was overweight. After high school I continued to struggle with my weight, trying every diet out there. I would lose weight on all the diets only to re-gain after a few months. My energy level was very low. I stopped going out with my friends because I would get tired easily and would be embarrassed. After attending a few support group meetings I decided to attend Dr. Oliak's seminar.

After the seminar, I was sure this was the procedure I needed to help me. My husband agreed. So I started the process. My surgery was October 15, 2002 and I consider that the day I was re-born.

By week 6 post op, my GERD was gone - no more medication. At 3 months I joined a gym and hired a personal trainer. I work out 5 days a week and feel wonderful. I am now a normal person weighing 140 lbs in a size 4.

I cannot thank Dr. Oliak enough for giving me a new life. It truly is a new life for me. I'm doing things I never dreamed of doing. I'm living my life to the fullest now thanks to Dr. Oliak.



  

Procedure: Laparoscopic Gastric Bypass
Weight Lost: 172 pounds

Dr Oliak, I would like to take this moment to thank you and your staff and the Chapman Hospital staff. On 2/5/2003 you changed my life forever and have given me and my family the greatest gift of all - a chance to live a health life. It is a wonderful thing to be free of pain in my knees and back and to sleep a good and restful sleep every night. I don't believe I have had a full night's rest in more than 25 years. I can wear normal sized clothing. What a gift you have given me and my family.



  

Procedure: Laparoscopic Gastric Bypass
Weight Lost: 98 pounds

I was morbidly obese! There are several synonyms for the word morbid: unhealthy, diseased, gruesome, abnormal, ailing, deadly, dreadful, sickly and unnatural. I had a decision to make. I had to change my life. I was taking glucophage for unstable blood sugar. I had arthritic knees at age 33. Gastric bypass surgery saved and improved my quality of life. I no longer take any medication for diabetes, and I can run up a flight of stairs. More importantly, I am living life, not just watching it go by. Dr. Oliak helped me change my life. Not only is he a skilled surgeon, he is also a doctor that supports you in the journey. From beginning through forever, he wants to know how you are doing and offers advice so you can continue being a success. I am a success!



  

Procedure: Laparoscopic Gastric Bypass
Weight Lost: 145 pounds

My name is Riena and I am 24 years old. I have always been morbidly obese. All my life I was unhealthy and unhappy. At this young age I was already in the red to have a heart attack. I have never someone in their 70's who was over 250 lbs. I figured out that I would die young if I didn't do something about my obesity. I decided to have Gastric Bypass surgery. It has been the best choice I have ever made. There are no real words to explain how much my life has changed. The feeling I have is so alive. I feel young and healthy. The things I can do and have done have no limit. I am no longer insecure, I am no longer unable. I can do anything. Dr. Oliak was so wonderful. I was in good hands. He has such a wonderful bedside manner. I recommend him to all my friends and family, he is the only one I trust my life with. I would do it again, in a heartbeat 10x's over!!



  

Procedure: Laparoscopic Gastric Bypass
Weight Lost: 143 pounds

At the time of surgery I weighed in at 280 lbs. I began to see that life in 20 years was not something to look forward to. I was tired of embarrassing my family with my bulk when we went out. I was tired of people telling me "you have such a pretty face..." In fact, I was just plain tired. I was reborn on July 14th, 2003. My surgery went off without a hitch. I left the hospital 3 days later and recovered uneventfully at home. I have now lost 135lbs lost and have gone from a size 28 to a size 8. I have had a wonderful experience losing the weight and gaining my life back. I do have one regret though... I wish I would have done this sooner! Without realizing it, the fat that weighed on my body, weighed on my spirit too. My family and I both love the lighter spirit I seem to have now. I can never thank Dr. Oliak enough for giving me a life I never knew was possible. I owe you all so much.