Dawn W.

April 2011; 11 ½ months post-surgery
(Surgery: April 23, 2010)

One hundred and twenty-four pounds lost, and life is great! People often make comments to me about how different I look, but what is more important is how different I feel. I know that I have been given a second chance at life, and I am trying to take every opportunity to live it to its fullest.

I feel so blessed that, in addition to the weight loss that I have achieved, I have been put in a position to share with and encourage others that are starting their journey. One of those people is my husband, Glenn.

Dawn W.

February 2011; 9 ½ months post-surgery
(Surgery: April 23, 2010)

Wow, I can't believe that I am now 9 ½ months post-op. Time is going by so fast, and I absolutely love the new me.

This month, I have entered into a phase of my life that I thought I would never see again: full-time employment!!! I'm feeling great and am moving forward with new-found determination and confidence.

I'm now 118 lbs. lighter and about 50 lbs. away from my goal. It's nice to see the light at the end of the tunnel and to finally believe it's not a train.

Dawn W.

December 2010; 7 ½ months post-surgery
(Surgery: April 23, 2010)

This is one of my favorite times of year. It's a time of Thanksgiving and Celebration, as well as time for family and friends to get together and show appreciation to one another. I will enter into this holiday season with a new appreciation for the words "Thanksgiving" and "Celebration."

Because of the gift that Palms of Pasadena and Dr. Rehnke gave to me 7 months ago, I am now 108 lbs. lighter and enjoying the holidays more than I have in years. As if that's not enough, during the month of November, my husband was able to have LAP-BAND® surgery, as well.

I am overwhelmed with joy, excitement, and anticipation for the New Year.

Dawn W.

October 2010; 6 months post-surgery
(Surgery: April 23, 2010)

Although I can't go back and undo my past, every day, I have the opportunity to change my future. I'm now 6 months post-op and 96 lbs. lighter. I would have never imagined this much weight loss, this fast.

It is a wonderful feeling to know that I am more than half-way to my target weight. Now, I'm stepping into one of the most exciting times of my life. It's a time of new-found confidence as well as great opportunities.

If you're wondering whether I have any regrets, I have just one... I wish that I would have done this sooner!!!

Dawn W.

September 2010; 5 months post-surgery
(Surgery: April 23, 2010)

This month, I celebrated my 5 month anniversary by walking my first 5K. What a sense of accomplishment that was! I am still amazed at how much losing this weight has changed my life.

I am now 88 lbs. lighter and half way to my total weight loss goal. I am starting to see the dreams that I once had for myself, that were previously unachievable due to weight gain and pain, become a reality again.

Thanks to all who helped contribute to such an exciting time in my life.

Dawn W.

August 2010; 4 months post-surgery
(Surgery: April 23, 2010)

Today was my 4-month follow-up visit, and 74 lbs. are already gone. Six months ago, I would have never imagined this was possible. This still feels very much like a dream to me.

I just returned from spending 8 days in Puerto Rico and my family was amazed at how much spring I had in my step. I was able to keep up with everyone in the group, which would not have been possible a year ago.

Although I am still dealing with some back issues, I am off my daily pain medications and am looking at returning to work soon.

Dawn W.

July 2010; 2 ½ months post-surgery
(Surgery: April 23, 2010)

Today, I'm 10 weeks post-op and 55 lbs. lighter. I just had my 2^nd fill and feel pretty great. If someone asked me to describe how I feel at this point of the journey, I would answer... "Optimistic!"

Although I still have a long way to go, I finally believe, I can get there. I'm eating well and exercising more than I have in years. Last week, I was actually able to cross my legs like a lady.

I am so thankful for my tool from Dr. Rehnke and Palms of Pasadena Hospital. I am also so very thankful for my family, friends, and faith, all of whom have given me the support and encouragement I need to get the job done.

Dawn W.

May 2010; 1 month post-surgery
(Surgery: April 23, 2010)

"Fit by 40" is my new motto! That gives me 16 months to get it together. I am now four weeks post-op and feeling pretty good. I have been on a liquid diet up until this point, and have only felt hungry on rare occasions. 35lbs are already gone and I'm so excited about the changes that are taking place. My energy level has increased. I am staying hopeful that getting this weight off will be the key to helping me get my back problems under control. Tomorrow begins the "soft food" phase of my recovery and I'm sure looking forward to using my teeth again.

For the first time, I feel as though I have the upper hand on beating this obesity. I will be forever thankful to all those who helped me get here.

Dawn W.

March 2010; pre-surgery

Obesity has affected my life in so many ways that it is hard to know where to begin. I am a 38-year-old female with a degree in respiratory therapy and Human Service. Most days, I cannot even leave the house due to severe back, knee, and overall joint pain. There are days that my husband must help me get showered and dressed in the morning because I am in too much pain to do it by myself. My doctors have told me that my spine is in bad shape and I will need to undergo more surgery for another rod placement... I cannot even imagine trying to recover from such an extensive surgery at this weight.

I feel as though obesity has robbed me of my future, my independence, and my freedom. I feel like a prisoner in my own body. I don't feel that I am more deserving of this gift than anyone else, but I know that at my age, I still have much to do and would love the opportunity to help others in the future.