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Tammy's Testimonial
Imagine losing over a hundred pounds and having the confidence to run for office in a local election! That's just what Tammy did much to her surprise and delight.
 Tammy tried all the diets and watched her weight go up and down. At 300 lbs. and with four small children, she was too tired to keep up with them. Lower back pain made walking difficult.
She had investigated gastric bypass and thought it sounded scary. When a relative was planning to have the surgery, it renewed her interest. Her grandmother had diabetes, high blood pressure and other medical conditions and Tammy realized: "I was going in the same direction. I had to do something. But mostly, I wanted to do it for my kids."
She did extensive research and heard that the LivLite program was coming to a nearby hospital. Her doctors recommended that she check it out. In February 2004, Tammy had gastric bypass surgery in Evansville, Indiana: "I said to myself, 'All I want is a chance to start over. Let me start here and see what happens.'" Regarding LivLite, Tammy says: "The staff was wonderful. Dr. Burry is an asset to the program. Dr. Burry, Karen [Program Manager] and everyone associated with the program were so knowledgeable, compassionate and friendly. There was a strong sense of professionalism. You felt you were going to be okay. They would say 'Here are the risks to be aware of,' but if they felt the program or surgery were not for you, they would tell you so. I felt safe. Knowledge empowers you to make choices. The staff took me through all the steps and looked out for my best interests."
To date, she's lost 138 lbs. and is down to 162 lbs. Her goal weight is 149 lbs., but she may aim for the 130's range. Before surgery, she took high cholesterol and anti-anxiety meds. No more! She says: "Bypass is a tool but it still takes work. Now, at social functions, I can eat more normally and I know my limitations. I have a whole new life. I've gone through a lot of changes. My energy is unbelievable and I can keep up with my kids most of the time." She regularly goes to the gym with her mother, a motivating exercise partner. "At the gym, I don't feel people staring and thinking I need to be there. It feels normal."
A big moment came when Tammy had the option to run for office in a local election. "I feel without the surgery, I would not have had the confidence to run for office. People would see me only as an overweight person who couldn't do the job. There are a lot of stereotypes out there." At a smaller size, she found the confidence to go for it and won!
She has also noticed: "It's the little things that matter. I look at my old large pants and can't even fathom. She can go on rides at the park, fit in restaurant chairs and cross her legs - things that were difficult to impossible to do before. Shopping is a newfound pleasure.
What would she say to someone thinking about having the surgery? "It's a life-altering experience. You go with what's in your heart. Don't let fear stop you. Get the knowledge. Get the information. The prize is so worth it."
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