When Deborah Dobyns was first referred to Dr. Varnell at the Center for Bariatrics at Bailey Medical Center, she was nervous. After having a hysterectomy, her OB/GYN encouraged her to consider weight loss surgery because, at her pre-surgery weight, she was at high-risk while on estrogen medications. Deborah researched Dr. Varnell and Bailey Bariatrics and was drawn to the program after reading about its structure on the Bailey Bariatrics website. “Once I read about the program setup, and saw the support and education, I knew they would take good care of me. I would be making a good investment for my future self,” Deborah says.
Deborah’s 25 year-old-son Drew also decided to have weight loss surgery, so they both attended a Bailey Bariatrics seminar. “After hearing about the surgery from Dr. Kirk, I knew this was
the perfect place for us,” says Deborah. They both had Gastric Sleeve surgery in October 2015. “My surgery was on October 19th and my son’s surgery was on October 21st,” says Deborah. “He came up to see me after my surgery and I reassured him that everything would be fine. I didn’t have any complications, wasn’t in pain and could walk right after surgery*.” Since her surgery 10 months ago, she has lost 95 lbs. “I just love Dr. Varnell dearly, he saved my life and I have never felt this good*.”
Deborah shares how going through surgery with Drew meant they could support each other. “We are there for each other; we did the liquid diet together before surgery which was really hard, but we supported each other through it,” she shares. “During the holidays we ate the same meals so we wouldn’t cheat on our diet.” Deborah travels a lot for work but says she stays focused with her high protein diet while she is on the road. “I know what to order in restaurants and whenever I travel I take a cab to the closest grocery store to buy food to make in my hotel room,” she says. “I have the same temptations as I used to for junk food but I don’t eat any of it now.” She also enjoys attending the support groups each month. “I love to share my story with others; I remember when I was asking every question I could, so I want to help others before their surgeries.”
The rest of Deborah’s family has also made changes to their lifestyle. “I became lactose intolerant after surgery, so I buy the lactose-free milk,” she adds. “I don’t mind it and my family drinks it now too.” Her family also participates in running events together now. “My goal was to be able to jog and do 5k events. I started going to the gym and participated in the Shamrock 5K in March and several others since then. I am finally at the point where I can jog and not worry about whether I’ll make it through the whole run*.” Deborah’s family goes to running events with her to either cheer her on or run in them with her. “It has changed our lives because we can all do the runs together and make it a family event*. We all ran in the color run recently which was a lot of fun! We also bought bikes and ride those together, and swim on the weekends.”
Deborah gets excited to see how active her family has become. Deborah also shares how her mindset has changed as she has lost weight. “Sometimes I still have that image of my old self in my head, but I tell myself I don’t have to worry or be afraid anymore if I’m going to fit in a booth or be constrained by my weight. I’m looking into going zip lining and other activities now that I’m not held back by the weight limits anymore*.”
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