Meet Michael

What was life like before bariatric surgery?
Before I decided to have surgery I had all but given up. Every diet I tried, I’d lose weight and then gain it all back plus more when I went off the diet. I was in constant back pain. I literally calculated what I did during my day, by how long I’d be on my feet. I couldn’t do any of the things that I loved to do. I was miserable, but trying to put on a happy face.

If you put off the decision to come in for a long time, why was that? What kept you from booking a consultation?
I had several friends who had had some sort of bariatric surgery, and none of them were happy with it. So I just figured it was never a legitimate option, until one of my closest friends had the duodenal switch done. I watched his journey, picked his brain, and made the decision after a year. I figured if ever I had a chance to change my life, this was the time and opportunity.

What was it like to work with the team from the start of your journey to today?
From the moment I made the decision and contacted Panhandle Weight Loss Center, everyone was very helpful. They always made sure to communicate with me and made sure I felt well informed before I left. Dr. Neichoy was amazing to work with, and made me feel extremely comfortable the day of my surgery. Wendy has been wonderful keeping up with me since my surgery! Seriously a great team!

What is your life like now? What’s the #1 thing you love being able to do now?
Even though my motives were not cosmetic, I love the fact that I can go into almost any store I want and find my size. I went from being so big, it hurt to walk, to pain free and able to do and wear things I never could before.