"Today I eat to live; not live to eat! Five years ago I had lap band surgery and lost 169 lbs. I had a laundry list of illnesses before my surgery and now they are all gone. Life is great now!" - Mary
When I turned fifty I went to my doctor for my annual physical, which I hated doing, and I had a laundry list of illnesses. I had a fatty liver. I was pre-diabetic. My knees were arthritic. My back hurt because I had a herniated disc years ago that was acting up terribly. I was in terrible condition for a 50 year old and my doctor told me that if I didn't do something fast and dramatic that
he would bet his entire net worth that I would have a major event by the time I was 60.
When I did the research for my surgery five years ago, Dr. Neil Floch was one of the few doctors in the area that had a lot of experience doing laparoscopic gastric surgery. I knew then, that I wanted it done laparoscopically, and I chose him because he had done a lot of bariatric surgery laparoscopically. By the time I saw him he had done about 200 lap bands, which was a lot at that time. Both he and his practice have been fabulous. I love them. They are extremely supportive. It's been a long, long process and they are always there for me.
Life is great now. I garden. I went back to school. I got a master's degree and my license in social work. I'm now a geriatric social worker. My daughter graduated from college and we now fight over my clothes. She now shops in my closet. So every time I get something new I have to hide it so that she doesn't take it from me. So it's kind of fun, and I got the belt that I am wearing today for the photo shoot out of her closet this morning.
Today it isn't about what I look like. It's about how I feel. I just have so much more energy; physically, psychologically, mentally, and spiritually. I can do so many things now that I always felt tired and exhausted doing before. The fatty liver has gone away. I had very bad sleep apnea. When I had the sleep apnea test, they made me stay overnight at the testing center and I was kept on a monitor the whole time. They were afraid I would have a heart attack after the surgery. Now I'm fine. I don't have sleep apnea. I don't snore anymore. My husband does. I sleep well and I awake refreshed. Now I eat to live, not live to eat. I go to the gym. I've travelled all over the world. I've gone to China for 8 weeks with this. I've gone to Italy for 3. I've gone to Prague. I travelled everywhere and I never had a problem finding something to eat. I always managed to be OK.
People do not get extra points for suffering. There are answers that are medically safe. You have to pick the right doctor and the right practice like I did. It's a long road and that's why you need the support. It isn't just about the day of surgery. It's about a lifetime. You need the support from an office like Dr. Floch's because it is a long road. It's not a get out of jail free card.
"Hypertension and diabetes run in my family. It had already gotten to my father and brother. I knew it was coming and it was knocking on my door. Now, after losing 110 lbs I no longer have to worry about it." - Matt
Life before surgery was 110 lbs ago. It was more difficult on the body. There were fewer things that I was physically able to do. Just going to the gym and even attempting to lose weight or get healthy was more difficult.
Surgery has made it easier to make commitments like that. Just going out and mowing the lawn is easy now.
Going to the amusement park with my daughter and being able to get on the rides has probably been one of the more important changes and adjustments in my life. Just being able to experience life as a much smaller human being has really been a big change.
High blood pressure and diabetes run in my family. It was only a matter of time before the hypertension and diabetes and other illnesses finally got to me. They had already gotten to my father and my brother. I knew it was coming.
I chose Dr. Neil Floch based on Norwalk Hospital's recommendation and his own reputation. I previously had him as a surgeon for another operation when I had my gall bladder removed so I was familiar with him.
My experience with the practice has been great. There are great people here.
Dr. Floch has been tremendous throughout the entire process. The PAs and everyone else have been great. It's been a very good experience.
"Before the surgery I was miserable. My health was failing. Now life for me is absolutely amazing. No health problems. I feel incredible. I look good." -Sabrina
I lost 113 lbs. since my bypass surgery on March 27, 2009. Before the surgery I was miserable. My health was failing. I suffered with arthritis and I had borderline high blood pressure. Going up and down stairs created problems with my knees. I just couldn't do a lot of different things. I finally had a purpose and said,"you know what, this is the year I'm going to get healthy." I did my research in bariatric surgery, because sometimes you need
help and I needed help. I tried so many other methods of losing weight and I couldn't lose it.
Once I learned about Fairfield County Bariatrics, my husband and I decided to go ahead with it. He's been there for me fromday one. The people here are absolutely amazing. I love Dr Craig. Debbie and the staff are always there to help with any concern I have. The staff is absolutely wonderful.
So life for me now, is amazing. I'm a new grandmother. I'm able to keep up with my grandchild now. I can walk up the steps without a problem. I have no more high blood pressure. I love it. I feel incredible and I look good.
Thanks to Fairfield County Bariatrics and my commitment to get healthy, I am very, very happy and successful.
What the surgery does is make you stop and think. You realize that you're not taking away food, but you're giving yourself health. So your priorities change. I'm so happy now that I feel almost guilty that I'm so happy. I lost more weight with my gastric bypass surgery than what I weigh now." - Joann
I have always exercised and was always social but there wasn't a day when I didn't wake up and say,"Today is the day that I'm going to lose weight." At times I was able to lose 70 lbs, 50 lbs, 60 lbs but then I would gain it back even though I never stopped spinning. I was spinning and walking at 275 lbs and I never stopped socializing. I wasn't a
couch potato but I was some type of closet desert eater. I would spin and then get a cinnamon croissant.
I was never a sweet person. I was more into bread and cheeses. I was very disciplined when I was disciplined, but then I would get off track. It really got worse after I had menopause and also I went through a time taking care of elderly neighbors who had Alzheimer's and I had to shift my focus. Both of these incidents occurred at the same time. It seemed then, that my metabolism was not only at zero but almost working backwards and I just couldn't get a handle on it. I also found all my joints were starting to hurt. The idea of not being active and my health being bad became the biggest issue, because I love to be active and I love to be social.
So I began to get really focused on reading everything about bariatric surgery. First it was the journals not connected with Fairfield County Bariatrics, and then it was Fairfield County Bariatrics' journals. I read about a woman who had lap band surgery and she wrote about it for over 3 yrs. It inspired me to discover how she found the light, how she and other people worked up to having the surgery and how their lives changed after it.
What the surgery does is make you stop and think. You realize that you're not taking away food, but you're giving yourself health. So your priorities change.
Its been 6 years this summer that I had my bypass surgery, and I'm probably more fit than I was a year ago; even two years ago. As much as I want that freshly made sour dough bread with that olive oil, I ask myself what my joints are going to feel like, how it will also hurt my mind, and my body. I'm 62 and I don't want to do that to my body. I feel great and I want to continue feeling great.
I had sleep apnea, which I wasn't aware of. The tests are an important ingredient in the process. I had the sleep apnea test at Norwalk Hospital and my breathing stopped 52 times.
Since I've had my surgery my life has changed immensely. It brought someone back in my life that I hadn't seen for 39 years. This never would have happened if I hadn't lost the weight. I had lost 70 pounds when I got a call from Carl asking,"Do you remember me? We went to college together." It was August and I told him that I was busy until October. I made up a story because I wanted to lose more weight before I saw him. I finally did see him on Columbus Day in 2005 and he's been in my life since. We've done so much together. We ran the Marine Corps marathon. He bet me 5 bucks that I couldn't do it and I did do it. My father was a marine and still alive then, so that made it special. We've also completed a half marathon in Bermuda.
I've written a book about the transformation of my life; what it was about before and what is like now after the surgery. I talk about Dr. Craig Floch and the important part he has played in my transformation. I remember getting so excited when I went to the seminar that I couldn't get through the process fast enough. His practice makes you feel like you're one of the family. Everyone there has been great in helping me get through it.
I've always been happy but now I couldn't be happier. I'm so happy now that I feel almost guilty that I'm so happy.
"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 there experiences were
great and they felt very comfortable coming to Fairfield County Bariatrics. They liked the way everything was done before and after surgery, and 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 this summer and for the first time they are not afraid of not fitting on the rides.
"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 there experiences were
great and they felt very comfortable coming to Fairfield County Bariatrics. They liked the way everything was done before and after surgery, and 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 this summer and for the first time they are not afraid of not fitting on the rides.
"The lap band saved my life. I had to live on a machine and had to lose 100 lbs. before I was able to get a kidney transplant. You don't know what it's like to get your life back" - Patrick
Lap band was the surgery I chose because
I was on dialysis and I needed the most
non-invasive procedure I could have. It was
better for me than being cut open because I
was on dialysis three days a week, I was able
to have the surgery and get in and get out of the hospital. It was done laparoscopically and it was basically painless. I lost 100 lbs. and it really changed my life in a number of ways.
I was a dialysis patient and weighed 350 lbs. I couldn't get a kidney transplant
without losing at least 100 lbs. For about two years I tried losing weight and I couldn't. I just kept going back and forth on a yoyo scale and finally I decided hat I really had to do something. It took a while for me to get through all of the paper work issues. Originally I was covered by my insurance and then they changed the policies when it became known that if you had bariatric surgery you would get rid of your diabetes. So a lot of people with diabetes sought that surgery. Then the insurance company basically squashed my policy and I had already been pre-approved by Dr. Floch. As it turned out we had to go through the insurance board appeals and Dr. Floch put the screws to the board and told them that their decision was ridiculous; that they had to step up or we would go to the TV channels with this. Finally we got their approval.
I had to live on a machine and was told that I had a little more than 10 years to live. The lap band saved my life. I didn't get a fill for approximately 14 months because of the transplant and I only gained 8 lbs. I just started getting the fill again and I want to lose 30 lbs. My pills have been reduced down from 45 to 22 a day. Now I got the kidney under control and I'll finish up with the weight. How can you argue with the fact that for 14 months I only gained 8 lbs. It's nothing. You don't know what its like to get your life back.
"My life was fairly sedentary before the surgery. I'd go to work, come home, sit on the couch, watch a lot of TV, and play on the computer. I didn't do anything physical or go outside much. Now I'm happy. I'm content. I have a lot of energy and I do feel a sense of accomplishment." - Laura
I work at a community hospital that doesn't do bariatric surgery so I understand a lot about quality, benchmarks, reviews, commentaries and what Center of Excellence means. When I
went for the interview my husband's big question was whether or not anybody died during the surgery and Dr. Craig Floch hadn't had any mortalities. I also, coincidentally, was born in St Vincent's Hospital so I thought it was good kharma.
My life was fairly sedentary before the surgery. I'd go to work. I'd come home. I didn't do much of any activity. I sat on the couch,
watched a lot of TV, and played on the computer. I didn't do anything physical or go outside much.
I had high blood pressure. Now after the surgery I don't have to take blood pressure medication. I lost 124 pounds in a little less than nine months. I'm much more active now and I Iook forward to doing activities. Whenever we have a family activity we try to include some sort of exercise. Last night was my sister's birthday, so instead of just having dinner and sitting, we had dinner and then we went for a walk. I'm involved with the Boy Scouts and we have a trip to Washington D.C. that I'm looking forward to. Before my surgery, I wouldn't have been able to keep up with all that walking. Now I'm taking a kick boxing class, which I never would have done before the surgery.
Everybody at the practice has been very kind and wonderful. They're very responsive; always returning my calls, and following up on my lab work. They're very thorough in terms of the preparation and understanding the diet and nutrition. I read a lot on the internet about other people and it doesn't seem that they are as prepared as this practice has been. I just find that they are very kind.
I'm very pleased I had the surgery. I thought about it for years. Sometimes I think I should have done it 10 years ago. I don't know if I was ready 10 years ago. I think you have to be prepared for a significant lifestyle change. The beginning was very difficult. I didn't feel as well as I would have liked to. It was a little bit of a shock to your system after eating everything you want to and then making a significant change. For the most part, now when I go out to dinner, I eat what I want. Certainly my portions are much different and the pace at which I eat is much different but there are really very few restrictions. But you have to be prepared because it doesn't just happen.
I do feel a sense of accomplishment. I know it didn't just happen. That is the important thing for people to know. The surgery doesn't just fix you. I still have to make very positive choices about what I am doing, but I'm not always perfect. But I'm very thoughtful about what I do. It's a significant change to the body. You're making a massive change. You have to be prepared to live with the consequences of it. I didn't take it lightly at all.
Now I'm happy. I'm content. I have a lot of energy.
"It's a life changing experience. Now I don't have diabetes anymore and I no longer take medication for hypertension." - Barbara
At the time I made my decision to have my lap band surgery my life
was somewhat sedentary, which it never was before. I felt like life was walking past me and now things are entirely different. I don't have that yoyo dieting anymore.
I can do everything now. We have always travelled extensively, but when I was heavier, on several occasions, I sat behind and let
my family go without me. I didn't like it, and that's what motivated me the most.
I had considerable medical problems before the surgery. I had borderline diabetes and hypertension and my knees started to bother me. Now I don't have diabetes and I no longer take medication for hypertension. Now my knees are fine. I walk and do everything.
My husband is a physician and he knows how competent Dr. Neil Floch is and he suggested that I use him. Dr. Floch's staff couldn't be more supportive.
It's a life changing experience and I think that anybody who gets to a point in their life like I did, should definitely consider having the surgery.
"I decided to use Dr. Neil Floch for my
laparoscopic gastric bypass surgery because of
his reputation and a friend of mine, also a
physician, recommended him." - Dr. Shiva
Ghoffrany
Dr Floch was wonderful and most
professional—the entire staff at his
practice is great…
I can't say"WLS gave me my life back!"
because I was lucky to have a life
before surgery as a mom of 2 with a
great husband and a busy ob/gyn
practice. I CAN say that EVERYTHING
is even better now though—being
a mom is physically more fun
and easier to do because I
have much more energy and
working all the hours I work is
MUCH easier as well!
Feeling and being healthier has helped me with my patients because they all know the struggles I went through and so seeing me as a physician who UNDERSTANDS what many of them are dealing with I really think has helped them come to terms with their problems as well.
In my situation, what REALLY triggered my decision was a suggestion by a good friend of mine who is a physician as well—his mom had had great success with her surgery and when he suggested WLS to me as I was lamenting the need to lose 100 lb it really hit home and was a true"ah-hah" moment for me. Somehow before that while I had toyed with the idea I had not taken it seriously—it's hard to REALLY admit you are a candidate—to REALLY accept the reality that you need to lose so much. I think fully accepting that I could NOT do it on my own without this great tool was the best thing—there has not been ONE moment that I've regretted doing gastric bypass.
I've lost 80 lbs and despite getting pregnant I maintained my weight loss and actually despite being 40 at the time had THE HEALTHIEST of all of my pregnancies and that was 100% due to the weight.
A couple of weeks ago I was on call and had to run to my car to get to the hospital for a delivery very quickly—I had to pick up my 3 yr old and run for about 10 straight minutes with him and this was something I NEVER could have done before! It was the BEST feeling!
Recently, a patient said"it can't make your life perfect though?" and I said"of course not, I still have problems like everyone else—but it makes the good days better AND it makes the bad days better too!!"
I would STRONGLY urge anyone with that much excess weight to think about this great tool that helps make all of your hard work losing weight more manageable!
"This has changed my life and I don't feel like a failure anymore. I just like me again. This has given me back my life." - Linda
I was tired all of the time. If I sat down on the floor I could not get back up. I'd have to crawl and pull myself back up on a chair. I had very bad osteoporosis in my back and my knee. I couldn't walk a long distance without having to sit down. I was constantly out of breath and sweaty. Even walking up a flight of stairs in my house would make me out of breath. I felt like a miserable failure every day.
I was at my daughter's wedding
and I looked around and I saw
my daughter Stephanie, who
was the bride, and my daughter
Liz, who was the maid of honor
and everyone was grown up, and
beautiful, and happy. I had done
a good job and I realized
that I did not need to be
fat anymore. My children
were going to have
children, who would be
my grandchildren, and I wasn't going to be able to participate in their lives. I wanted to be a healthy young grandma and not an obese, not well grandma, with high pressure that wouldn't allow me to be involved. Now my daughter is expecting a baby in November and I could be a good healthy grandma.
I have so much more confidence in everything that I do everyday. I feel that my husband and I have rekindled our friendship and are having fun. I tried always to be upbeat, but there were so many things I couldn't do that I was anxious all of the time. Now I'm up for anything. I have more confidence at work. I have more confidence in my relationships. I don't feel like a failure. I just like me again.
My general practitioner had told me several years ago about Fairfield County Bariatrics and that he had several patients that had come here and this was the place to go. In 2007 I got a job at Norwalk Hospital so it kind of flowed that if I were going to have this done it would be here. I also met a patient of Dr. Neil Floch's who worked at Norwalk Hospital who also had the surgery and she told me how wonderful Dr. Floch's office was. The minute I met him I knew that he was the guy. The people in the office are fantastic. When you call, they call you right back. I had questions and all of my questions were answered. Everyone is caring, loving and non-judgmental and it's like having your own cheerleading squad. Everyone is so for you. It doesn't matter if it's a loss of a pound or 100 lbs. It's more about being supportive of each person.
I didn't know what was the right procedure for me and I felt that Dr. Floch got to know me as a person and what my needs were. We discussed the options, he made his recommendation and we made the decision together. When I go to the seminars people ask why I choose what I did. The answer is always that my doctor and I decided together what was best for me and what would afford me the best success. It's not that you are just another patient. Everyone is an individual and everyone feels like you are the only patient.
This has changed my life. It has given me back my life. I'm the caregiver. I'm the nurturer. I was always taking care of everybody else and by taking care of me now, there is actually more of me to go around, because there is less of me to be involved in everyone else's life. I am able to do what I like to do best, which is love my family and my friends.
"Thank you Dr. Neil, for giving me the
'tools" to lose the weight and the courage
and the confidence to be me." - Carmel
After several months of researching weight
loss surgeries and reading about the kind that
was being offered at Fairfield County
Bariatrics, I chose to attend a seminar at
Norwalk Hospital in January 2009, which
further solidified my decision to move forward
with the surgery on July 6th, 2009. I chose
Dr. Neil Floch because during the seminar he
made me feel comfortable with
the answers he provided to my
questions. I couldn't be happier
with my decision to have him
as my surgeon. I love him, and
his staff is well trained
in this field. Since my
surgery I have
referred many of my
friends to Dr. Floch.
Several have gone on to have surgery or are taking the final steps towards it.
Before surgery my life wasn't like it is today. I suffered from sleep apnea, high blood pressure and a laundry list of others issues. I wasn't motivated, and at the time I felt I wasn't being a good mom to my son who is very active. Friends would ask me to go out to places with them and I would decline because I wasn't comfortable in my own skin. When it came to taking photos I would stand in the back and hide myself. I didn't want anyone to capture the true me.
My son was going to begin Pre-K in the fall of 2009 and I was afraid that I was going to be judged by other parents for being so morbidly obese. As the school year began the weight started to come off and I was able to be active with my son. I have built beautiful friendships with the parents of my son's classmates, which has only made me stronger with my new confidence.
My life today is so different than when I began this journey in 2009. I can run with my son and play all of the sports with him. Saturdays begin with karate, soccer and hockey and somehow we always find ourselves at a birthday party for a classmate or on a play date later on in the day. I don't have to sit on the sidelines or hide from the other parents. I lead the cheering section at the games. I can shop in regular stores and feel comfortable with looking in the mirror. For the first time in many years I am wearing skirts again. I always hid behind pants and long tops. Now I go out with my friends for those"girls night out" and I am the first one to be in the photos with family and friends.
"Bariatric surgery was the right
tool for us. We were
overweight our entire lives
and now the surgery has
turned our lives around. It's
improved the quality of our
lives and has now given us
such a positive outlook.
We have no regrets and
would recommend it to
anyone. Now everything is
beautiful!" - Cynthia and
Arik
Cynthia and Arik decided to have surgery at the same time so that
they could give each other support and help each other out along the way. Cynthia had her gastric bypass surgery on July 12, 2010 and Arik had his on July 19, 2010.
Surgery was something Arik wanted to do for a long time. He was overweight his entire life and felt his life was heading downhill. He was suffering from hypertension, major depression, high cholesterol, was always sluggish and on the verge of getting diabetes which runs in his family.
Cynthia originally did not want to have the surgery. After several discussions with Arik, and feeling more comfortable about it after having seen more and more people doing it, she agreed to it. Cynthia had heard great things about Dr. Neil Floch; that he did a great job and was a great doctor. Cynthia was overweight her entire life, always tired, had no energy, couldn't do anything and wanted a better quality of life. Obesity runs in her family and she didn't want to have the medical problems that came with it.
Together they attended a seminar and as a result of it, had built up additional confidence in Dr. Floch and committed to the surgery. Eleven months later Arik has lost 160 lbs and Cynthia has lost 125 lbs. Together they are on the way to achieving their weight loss goals.
Arik is a different person today; both mentally and physically. He feels great, healthy, and has so much energy that people at work have to tell him to slow down. Prior to surgery he moved like a turtle.
Cynthia's life has turned around since her surgery. She feels fantastic, has so much more energy now, and a very positive new outlook on life.
Together they say that they're so happy they had the surgery. They had no complications, no regrets and would recommend it to anyone.
"Bariatric surgery was the right
tool for us. We were
overweight our entire lives
and now the surgery has
turned our lives around. It's
improved the quality of our
lives and has now given us
such a positive outlook.
We have no regrets and
would recommend it to
anyone. Now everything is
beautiful!" - Cynthia and
Arik
Cynthia and Arik decided to have surgery at the same time so that
they could give each other support and help each other out along the way. Cynthia had her gastric bypass surgery on July 12, 2010 and Arik had his on July 19, 2010.
Surgery was something Arik wanted to do for a long time. He was overweight his entire life and felt his life was heading downhill. He was suffering from hypertension, major depression, high cholesterol, was always sluggish and on the verge of getting diabetes which runs in his family.
Cynthia originally did not want to have the surgery. After several discussions with Arik, and feeling more comfortable about it after having seen more and more people doing it, she agreed to it. Cynthia had heard great things about Dr. Neil Floch; that he did a great job and was a great doctor. Cynthia was overweight her entire life, always tired, had no energy, couldn't do anything and wanted a better quality of life. Obesity runs in her family and she didn't want to have the medical problems that came with it.
Together they attended a seminar and as a result of it, had built up additional confidence in Dr. Floch and committed to the surgery. Eleven months later Arik has lost 160 lbs and Cynthia has lost 125 lbs. Together they are on the way to achieving their weight loss goals.
Arik is a different person today; both mentally and physically. He feels great, healthy, and has so much energy that people at work have to tell him to slow down. Prior to surgery he moved like a turtle.
Cynthia's life has turned around since her surgery. She feels fantastic, has so much more energy now, and a very positive new outlook on life.
Together they say that they're so happy they had the surgery. They had no complications, no regrets and would recommend it to anyone.
"I feel like I belong to the community now, and not on the sidelines anymore." - TONI
Before my bypass surgery it was challenging and physically hard to do everyday things like bending down, tying my shoes and climbing up stairs. I would run out of breath all the time.
What made me decide to do my surgery was a lifetime of yoyo dieting. I was never able to get anywhere near my goal weight and I was unable to keep weight off for any length of time. I finally decided that I wanted to break that cycle and just get healthy. I knew I wasn't getting any younger and as you get older you run into problems with
diabetes and high blood pressure. I wanted to avoid those things.
I went to one of Dr. Floch's seminars and I
was very much impressed with what he had to say. It's been 5 years and I'm having the best time of my life and I lost 130 lbs. There's no comparison to the way
I felt before. I feel so healthy and energetic.
I belong to the community now; a member of the community and not like I'm on the sidelines anymore. I have so much more stamina.
Its just amazing what it did for my confidence, my self-esteem and my over all health.
"Life before my procedure was unbearable. My
doctor felt that I didn't have much longer to live.
Now all my health issues have corrected
themselves." -MICHAEL
Life before my procedure was unbearable.
I was in the worst shape of my life. I
couldn’t breathe. I had high blood
pressure, sleep apnea and all sorts of
other issues. My legs hurt. My knees hurt.
I wish I had been able to spend more time
with my kids when they were younger.
Because I was so heavy I was unable to do
a lot of the things, that I’ll say, a normal
person would do with their kids when
they’re growing up. We used
to go to Disney a lot and I
couldn’t even go on rides.
My doctor recommended
that I see Dr. Neil Floch.
My wife had used him in the past and was familiar with him. So I was comfortable with him. I couldn’t have asked for a better doctor. He was with me the whole way and I’m happy the way things turned out. Before, I used to feel like I was 80 years old and now I feel like I’m 27. I do a lot of things now that I never did before. A year ago we went to Disney and for the first time I spent a lot of time with my children on the rides that I had never been able to go on before. So that was a great experience for me.
I had lap band surgery in October of 2007. I lost 227 lbs. and I’ve maintained my weight. I spend a lot of time at the gym now and I do many, many things I couldn’t do before. My life has changed. All my health issues have corrected themselves. I no longer have high blood pressure, sleep apnea or any other health issues.
Before I felt like I didn’t have much longer to live. My doctor felt the same way too and pushed me into doing something. I know I made the right decision.
"Life before the surgery was depressing. I stayed home, sat on the couch. Now I can do everything with my kids; ping-pong, bike riding, rock wall climbing Life is wonderful now. Absolutely wonderful!" - KATHY
I started out at 238 lbs. Now I’m 125 and I’ve lost 113 lbs. Life before the surgery was depressing. I stayed home, sat on the couch and had no patience for the children. I was wiped out by the end of the day.
Going to the amusement park was difficult because there were certain weight restrictions. I couldn’t go on the river float with the kids because I was over 220 lbs.
It was awful. I work at Norwalk Hospital and I’ve seen the surgeries that they’ve done. I said enough was enough after so many years of fighting it.
Life is wonderful now. Absolutely wonderful! I was a 22 and now I’m a 2. I’m at the gym six days a week and I’m going to do a mini triathlon in September. My kids love it because I can do everything with them. I play ping-pong with them. I get out there and I ride bikes with them. Rock wall climbing; we do it all.
I do look great now. I have lots of energy and lots of patience too.
"I didn't have a life before the lap band procedure. Now life is wonderful. I'm married and have a great life." - Jennie
Before my lap band surgery six years ago I didn't have a life. There really wasn't one and now I've lost 90 lbs.
Dr. Craig and Dr. Neil have both been my surgeons for many years and when they started doing this procedure I wanted to get involved. They've been phenomenal. I've been with them so long because of the way the have treated me.
Now life is wonderful. I'm married
and have a great life. Before surgery I wouldn't even attempt to do things because I was so uncomfortable in my own skin.
Now I'm attempting to do the things that I wouldn't have before and having a good time doing it all.
"I always felt that people were looking at
me all the time. There were things I could
not do, especially with my kids. We went to
Playland but mommy couldn't go on the
rides. That kind of stuff, and it really used
to break my heart." - Laurie
I heard good things about Dr. Neil Floch and when I met him I felt very comfortable. I thought he was very knowledgeable about the procedures and I liked his
whole program. I
had I heard about
him through word of
mouth, some friends
and then I went on
the website.
The office staff is terrific. Everyone is very helpful and very responsive. Dr. Floch is great and very personable. He answered all of my questions; even the silly ones without making me feel uncomfortable. He's a great guy. I love him a lot.
Life before surgery was much harder. It was physically difficult to move around. Everything hurt. My back hurt. My knees hurt and I was too young to be having all of those aches and pains. Emotionally, every time I went someplace, I always felt like I was the biggest person there. I always felt that people were looking at me all the time. There were things I could not do, especially with my kids. We went to Playland but mommy couldn't go on the rides. That kind of stuff, and it really used to break my heart.
Now I actually joined the Y and go swimming in front of other people, not just in my backyard in front of my family. I don't have my aches and pains like I used to. I can sleep well now, and the feeling that I am not the biggest person is coming. That whole body image thing is an adjustment but when I see a picture its like,"Wow I really see a big difference." Shopping in different stores for regular size clothing now is very, very rewarding. I'm excited about it because I'm open to so many different things I could wear. My husband is very proud of me now and is very supportive. But it's strange too. It's a whole different experience. I love it. I think its great.
"My life has changed. I can walk. I can climb steps without running out of breath and just feel real good about myself. I'm almost half of what I was." - Palma
I heard about Dr. Craig Floch from a friend who was also preparing to get the lap band. She had a lot of
good things to say about him and when I met him, I instantly loved him.
Before my surgery I had no energy, back pain, knee pain and my fibromyalgia pain was so much worse than it is now. I was always tired and out of breath. Now I feel great. My life has changed. I can walk. I can climb steps without running out of breath and just feel real good about myself.
I'm almost half of what I was. I decided to have the surgery because I wanted to feel better and when I met Dr. Floch he answered any questions that
were on my mind. He was amazing. This is the best thing I ever did for myself. Not bad for 59. My doctor made a big difference. Everyone in the office is amazing, I go to the seminars now to talk to the people and I can't just say enough good things about him.
FAIRFIELD COUNTY BARIATRICS & SURGICAL SPECIALISTS, P.C. has been recognized as a Center of Excellence® for Bariatric Surgery
to learn why patients should select a Center of Excellence® for their weight loss surgery
Bariatric Advantage© provides a complete line of nutritional supplements that have been specifically formulated to meet the unique demands of both the pre-operative bariatric surgical candidate, as well as the post-operative bariatric surgical patient.
Attend a free weight loss seminar to learn about bariatric surgery and determine if its right for you.
View our family album to see our patients “Before” and “After” photos.
