University of Virginia Health System

Testimonials

Donald Waugh, an engineering technician at the Virginia Department of Transportation, first came to see us in October of 2003 to discuss health concerns (diabetes, osteoarthritis in both knees and hypercholesterol) related to his weight.  Gastric bypass surgery was performed a few months later in January of 2004 by Dr. Bruce Schirmer and his clinical team at the Digestive Health Center of Excellence.  Afterwards Mr. Waugh rigorously stuck to his post-op instructions provided by our nutrition support team and lost 238 lbs over the course of 12 months.  He has since told us that his energy levels have increased 100% and his productivity at work has doubled. He also shared his most gratifying result; the ability to participate in everyday life activities with ease, such as evening walks with his wife, visiting with family and hunting & fishing with friends.

"Before the procedure I slept all the time, had high blood pressure and no energy.  Now I have so much energy for everyday life that my wife tells me I'm so active she can't keep up with me anymore.  I always have something exciting to do and go golfing, hiking, fishing, hunting, play softball and workout at the gym.  Plus my relationship with my wife has been strengthened 10 fold.  Thanks Dr. Schirmer if I can do anything for you just let me know!"      
                                                                                    - DW

Congratulations Donald, we are proud to be a part of your weight loss success!

Shawn Anthony, a 34 year old machine operator from Lynchburg, learned about our Gastric bypass surgery while bringing in his father Percy (who was waiting to undergo the procedure himself) into the clinic in September of 2004.  Tragically, shortly thereafter Shawn's father passed away before becoming healthy enough to undergo the surgery.  After consulting with his primary care physician and our team, Shawn decided to go ahead with his own surgery in February of 2005.  Although he developed a minor infection in one of his stitches there were no further complications, he recovered quickly and lost 105 lbs. in just 7 months!  He made the target weight (245 lbs.) set for himself easily and is very satisfied with the results.

"I have twice as much energy as I did before and have more fun umpiring base ball games.  I can walk 18 holes at Golf instead of having to use the cart, I eat better, cook better and am able to buy clothing off the rack instead of going to a big & tall store or having to mail order.  The best thing is that I have plenty of power to watch and play with my 1 and 3 year old children which has been so great for all three of us."

                                                                                                      -SA

Shawn, our sincere & deepest condolences to your recent loss, we are sure your father is very proud of your great success.  Congratulations from all of us at the Digestive Health Center of Excellence!

Sandra Baker, a medical receptionist from Bridgewater Virginia, first heard about the procedure from a close friend and discussed Gastric bypass surgery with us in the summer of 2003 citing poor results from trying special diets and various exercise regiments.  She underwent surgery in October of 2003 and spent 2 days with us making a quick recovery with no complications. Her first goal was to slim down to 150 lbs. but once she saw how quickly she began to lose weight revised it to 125 lbs.  Within 18 months she made her goal, due not only from the surgery but also to her new lifestyle changes: strictly watching her caloric intake with a daily diary and becoming an exercise enthusiast.  She now lifts weights 3 times a week at her favorite gym and walks or runs daily!  She also enjoys going kayaking and four wheeling with her brothers.  Her most gratifying result was the ability to take back charge of her life, her relationships and have more confidence in everything she does.

"Although my recovery from the surgery was one of the most difficult things I have done it was also the best thing I ever did.  The Digestive Health folks got me going right away during my hospital stay.  Now my energy levels are out of the roof, I am comfortable traveling by air and going on amusement park rides, my thighs no longer rub together and I can cross my legs with ease (one of the first goals I set for myself).  When I visit family over the holidays it's not about the food anymore just focused on the people I love although I don't deny my self a treat here and there.  This has been a whole lifestyle change for me and although it hasn't been easy by any means it has definitely been worth it!"

                                                                                             -SB

Thanks for sharing your story Sam, you are definitely an inspiration and congratulations from all of us at the center!

Shawn Earls, a 24 year old customer service representative from Bishop, VA, decided to undergo gastric bypass surgery in October of 2003, had no complications and very minimal scaring due to our laparoscopic techniques.  He dropped 48 lbs. in the first 2 weeks and after 2 years of steady weight loss has finally plateaued with a total loss of over 200 lbs!  Previously unable to walk moderate distances and having to sleep sitting up because of breathing difficulty, Shawn is now able to enjoy travel, tourism and attending NASCAR races with his friends & family.  He is very happy with the results, is more confident, loves meeting new people and has tons of energy.

     "I have never been treated better in my life during my hospital stay, everyone was really nice and happy to see me.  They got me going during the first night, I was released in 2 1/2 days and I went back to college within a week to complete my degree.  My family recently moved and I felt great about being able to help my dad.  My folks supported me all the way and although they knew about possible complications they stood by my decision to have the surgery 100%.  Now I am able to travel and tour places I've always wanted to see and feel good about being out in public.  Anna Miller was involved in every step of the process, thanks for all your help and kind attention Anna." 

                                                                                                     -SE

Shawn's father can't say enough about how proud he is of his son for having the courage to go through surgery and confides that Shawn is definitely much happier and a lot more active.  Thanks for your story Shawn and congratulations we are very proud of you!

Kenneth Heath, Executive Director of Marion (Virginia) Downtown!, was referred to us by his primary care physician in Marion and decided to undergo bariatric surgery in October of 2004.  He has lost over 196 lbs. to date and although he has recently plateaued  is enthusiastic about reaching his target weight of 275 by continuing to strictly control nutritional requirements and exercise levels.  His blood pressure and cholesterol levels have decreased to within normal range and he has become fit enough to do something he has always wanted to: join the local firefighting department as a volunteer, enduring the rigors of training within buildings burning at 1200 degrees!  Whew.  Both he and his wife are well pleased with the level of care and attention they received while in our unit.

"I used to be quite a sedentary person but just yesterday, as a volunteer fireman, I got to direct interstate traffic for the first time in the middle of an emergency situation, it was great! My energy has certainly increased and I now have the ability to really live.  I have always had a strong and outgoing personality but now that I have the physical vitality to back it all up, my life is so much more enjoyable and my marriage has reaped the benefits as well.  My size is no longer a barrier for me to do what I want including those little things that can be taken for granted like walking down to the corner to buy a cup of coffee.  The only downside I can think of is having the added expense of buying new clothes as I continue to lose weight!  Unless of course you count being momentarily mistaken for someone else when my family comes into town for a visit."                            -KH