One of the highlights of the year for us at Foothills Weight Loss Specialists is the Annual Bariatric Fashion Show, where post-surgery patients show off their new physiques and share their success stories.
This year’s show celebrated eight years of bariatric surgery and featured 38 post-surgery patients who had a combined weight loss of 4,585 pounds. To put it in perspective, mid-size cars and sedans have a weight range of 4,500 to 5,500 pounds.
Even more remarkable than the amount of weight lost is the dramatic change of lifestyle for our patients. It was moving to hear them share stories of newfound confidence, better health, and the ability to wear fashionable clothes. Here are a few of the highlights:
“When I went to see Dr. Ray, I told him I wanted to be able to cross my legs and tie my shoes and wear ladies’ dress boots. I’ve got on my boots now!” – Connie Rainer, Maryville, over 100 pounds lost since January 2009 surgery.
“My doctor told me that he wanted to see me in a sparkly red outfit with high heel shoes and enough confidence to strut my stuff. Doc, here I am!” – Gay Clapp, Corryton, 155 pounds lost since April 2009 surgery.
“I was taking three shots of insulin a day. Now I’m taking none.” – Larry Webb, Sevierville, 125 pounds lost since May 2009 surgery.
While surveying the crowd of patients gathered together to participate in the show, it was striking – and encouraging – to see the wide range of people that we help through weight loss surgery. Post-surgery patients varied in age from 18 to 60+, came from various cities throughout East Tennessee, and achieved weight loss from 50 to more than 200 pounds.
If you’re struggling with obesity, I hope that you’ll come see us so that we can see you on the catwalk in 2011. Sign up for a free seminar to learn more about your options.
Foothills Weight Loss Specialists patient Connie Rainer of Maryville proudly poses with her bariatric surgeon, Dr. Jonathan Ray, at our Eighth Annual Bariatric Fashion Show in December in Alcoa. Rainer has lost 104 pounds since her gastric bypass in January 2009.
Foothills Weight Loss Specialists patient Gay Clapp of Corryton shows off her new figure at our Eighth Annual Fashion Show in December in Alcoa. Clapp has lost 155 pounds since her gastric bypass in April 2009.