"Today is a lot better than it was
before we had our bypass surgeries.
We offer each other support and lift
each others' spirits."

- Claudia and Amanda

Before Claudia and Amanda had
their surgery with Dr. Craig Floch,
Amanda's sister had it, as well as
several of her friends. They all said
their experiences were great, and

they felt very
comfortable
coming to
Fairfield
County
Bariatrics.
They liked
the way
everything
was done
before and
after surgery.
It made them

feel that everything was going
to be OK when they actually
would have the surgery.

Prior to her surgery, Claudia was suffering with health issues, including sleep
apnea and snoring, the onset of high blood pressure, aches in her knees, lack
of energy and depression. Performing everyday tasks was an effort and painful.
Walking, going up and down stairs and bending down to pick something up was
exhaustive and painful.

Now, after her bypass surgery she is no longer on a machine for sleep apnea
and the snoring has stopped. She is able to walk and climb stairs without
discomfort and pain. Claudia is now more energetic and feels like a new person.
Instead of feeling like an old lady she feels like a young person and is much
more confident in social situations.

Before Amanda's surgery, she was healthy, but unhappy. Her weight hindered
her happiness, leaving her in a constant depressed state. She always saw eating
as a chore and was able to get through an entire day on just one meal. She only
ate when she was hungry and that wasn't often. Because she was literally
starving her body she continued to pack on the pounds when she did eat,
making her more and more depressed. Amanda was an active dancer so she
was getting lots of exercise, but her unhealthy eating habits were making life
more difficult. When Amanda decided to have the surgery she realized that it
was a decision she had to make for herself in order to improve how she felt
about herself. She knew it wasn't going to be an easy fix, because she would
have to re-teach herself how to eat correctly.

Since the surgery Amanda now has at least three meals a day, making sure that
each meal is chock full of protein. Cooking all of her meals and always trying
something different makes her want to eat. She enjoys cooking, trying new
dishes, and finds that the meals are not boring. Eating is no longer a chore. She
now says that she looks in the mirror without disgust and says,"Damn I look
good!" There are days when she doesn't feel up to par but her mom is always
there to help lift her spirits. She is a great support for her and Amanda believes
she couldn't have done it without her. So, they support each other, and provide
encouragement to each other, knowing that today is a lot better than it was
before they had their surgeries. Amanda's career has improved because people
no longer automatically assume that she can't do things because of her weight.
She is more comfortable with herself and finds it easier now to interact with
people in her work environment.

Almost every weekend Claudia and Amanda try to do something different and
out of the house. It may just be a walk and some private time enjoying each
other's company. It gets them out of the house and moving, which is something
they seldom did before. Having both had the surgery, they share a mutual
understanding of the process of adjusting to a new lifestyle. They help push
each other in the right direction. They are both looking forward to a trip to
Disney and for the first time they are not afraid of not fitting on the rides.

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