SUCCESS STORIES - Matt

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I underwent Biliopancreatic Bypass surgery in April 2003 at an age of 58 years. At the time I weighed just over 140Kg, was considered morbid obese and suffered from Type 2 diabetes and sleep apnoea. Life was a physical struggle: all physical activity was a chore, and breathlessness and profuse perspiration was a constant way of life. But equally eating large meals at each sitting was a habit very hard to break. I needed some intervention I could accept that would help me break the cycle. Past diets enabled me to loose much weight over the years, but maintaining the discipline of eating low fat food was extremely difficult for me having been brought up on rich and spicy European food. The weight lost plus extra always returned when I weaned off each diet.

The option of being restricted to an entree sized meal several times a day and lose 65 to 75% of my current excess weight was an offer too good to miss. Thus it didn't take much to decide to have the surgery. Fortunately my spouse supported my decision, despite having some reservations.

I experienced some complications following the surgery, but I had faith in both my surgeon Dr Cohen and staff at Mercy Hospital and was assured time would correct the difficulty. I would be remiss if I failed to mention that resulting from the surgery I contracted peritonitis and things were pretty hairy for a while. While I convalesced for several months I did ultimately recover.

While I was told that weight loss would occur progressively over 24 months, the infection sped up the process. I ended up losing 40 Kg within the first 4 months - so there was a positive side to an unpleasant consequence from the surgery.

My weight now ranges between 93 to 96 Kg and all effects of the surgery have disappeared - as has my diabetes and sleep apnoea. Surprisingly and despite being told I could only eat small portions at meals, I now find I am eating as much as I was before the surgery and I'm expected to maintain my intake of fat to help the system work. My level of exercise has increased but only to the extent that I am more able to do things without discomfort.

Life is Good! Thank you Dr Cohen.