Dear Dr. Clements:

I don’t think there are enough words to properly say “thank you.” Frustrated with the weight roller coaster I had been on for over twenty ears, I walked into your office thirteen months ago. Within weeks you performed gastric-bypass surgery on me and changed my life in a few short months. Now that I have passed the year anniversary of my surgery June 25, I have found it hard to believe these changes.

The enclosed pictures show the drastic physical changes I have experienced. The current picture is from my ID card at the YMCA. When they gave me the picture, I handed it back and said, “That’s not me.” It was the first time that the difference really hit me. I know that eating habits are a major part of the change, however, I believe my commitment to workout both prior to the surgery and now have helped me to benefit from the surgery. During the month prior to the surgery, I walked on the treadmill or rode the exercise bike four to five times a week. I contribute that to the ease of getting through the surgery and not needing pain medicine in the hospital or at home afterwards. I was able to return to the YMCA and walk on the treadmill the Friday after my surgery on Monday. I continue to work out and have gotten the assistance of a personal trainer to work on problem areas.

I have sung your praise every change I have. I recommended that my neighbor come to see you. I know that she has and looks forward to the surgery. I have given your name and number to anyone who asks how I lost 120 pound in thirteen months!

The enclosed bone scans show that I have great bones, and hopefully, they are improving, as I work with a personal trainer. I have been able to go from a woman’s size 26 pants to a misses size 14 jeans and size 12 dresses. This is a size I have not seen in over twenty-five years.

Again, there are not enough words to say THANK YOU for helping me get back to a normal size and having the energy to do things that I had not been able to do for years. Now I am able to wear jeans with a belt and I now know that obesity will not be a factor in my future health!

I send this with the utmost respect for you and your commitment to help people like me who needed more than a “diet” to succeed in fighting a lifelong battle with obesity. Your attitude and approach made me feel very comfortable throughout the entire process, especially for never making me feel like it was my fault that I was overweight. You have shown in a remarkable, professional, and caring way that you wanted to end the roller coaster ride and HELP me gain control of my weight problem to reduce possible health risks in the future.

Sincerely,
Carolyn Smith Nelson