From Parkwest Health & Lifestyles
In the summer of 2009, Jane Anne Grubb underwent weight loss surgery at Parkwest Medical Center. Grubb lost 100 pounds as a result and has kept it off for 10 years.
Grubb calls her weight loss a gift. “It was like Christmas,” Grubb says. “I was so excited!” It’s a gift that keeps on giving.
The weight of the matter
Grubb’s extra weight began to pile on during pregnancy, when she also developed gestational diabetes. She never completely got past either one.
With an outgoing personality and a positive attitude, Grubb wasn’t bothered much by the weight gain. She was self-confident, social and enjoyed life. Then she tried to sign up for life insurance and was denied, learning later that her blood sugar levels were the roadblock.
Grubb decided to attend a free seminar on weight loss through Parkwest Center for Bariatric Surgery in Knoxville. Meeting bariatric surgeon Robert Williams, MD, of New Life Center for Bariatric Surgery and getting answers to her questions set the stage for Grubb to make a decision that would change her life.
Life-changing procedure at Parkwest
Dr. Williams has performed more than 1,500 procedures to change the lives of people who struggle with the medical and emotional effects of weight gain. It’s not about fitting into a pair of jeans or looking better in pictures. It’s about quality of life.
“We put a big emphasis on education,” Dr. Williams says. “Some programs don’t emphasize education enough. They just perform procedures, but you need tools for it be effective.”
Dr. K. Robert Williams, Bariatric Surgeon
A full-blown diabetic weighing in at 262 pounds, Grubb learned about what was keeping her from losing weight and about how to prepare for a big change in her life, physically and emotionally.
“And it made me feel better knowing there were other people like me,” Grubbs says. “Being overweight doesn’t mean you’re a bad person or you’re lazy. Once I realized that, everything fell into place.”
Grubb underwent gastric bypass surgery on June 4, 2009. A decade later, she has no regrets. “Is it worth it? Oh my gosh, yes it’s definitely worth it!” Grubb says.
Lasting weight loss
Grubb kicked diabetes to the curb and started enjoying life more than she had in years. There are other benefits besides good health and restored energy. Grubb says she loves traveling without a seatbelt extension, and she has a lot more wardrobe options, now. “I’m 50 years old and I wear a two piece bathing suit!” Grubb says with a smile.
Grubb has kept the weight off by following the prescribed plan from the beginning. “It’s a huge commitment,” Grubb says. “If you’re not disciplined and you don’t make the right choices you can gain the weight back. I’m far from perfect, but I get right back on track. Everything is a choice.”
Weight loss surgery has meant not only a lifestyle change for Grubb, but an entirely new life.
“I have the utmost respect for Dr. Williams because he gave me my life back,” Grubb says. “I’ve gained an extension on my life and the ability to have a better future, to hopefully live a whole lot longer if that’s God’s plan.”
Dr. Williams says bariatric surgery works best for people who are ready for a permanent lifestyle change and can follow a set of rules reasonably well. Parkwest Center for Bariatric Surgery also offers non-surgical options to give patients the jump start they need to lose weight.
To learn more, attend a free informational seminar with Dr. Williams. Register by calling (865) 541-4500 or click the button to register online: Register for Seminar
If you can’t come to a seminar in person, view Dr. William’s online seminar by clicking the button Online Seminar
New LIfe Center for Bariatric Surgery is part of Premier Surgical Bariatrics. New Life is associated with the Parkwest Center for Bariatric Surgery, Parkwest Medical Center is a member of Covenant Health and Covenant Bariatric Services in Knoxville, TN.