Pauline: 100 lbs. Weight Loss

After a herniated disk ruptured in my lower back, I lost function of my right leg and could not get the weight off from my recent pregnancy. I ended up having surgery to clean off the disc, which relieved pain, but an MRI showed that there were 2 more herniated discs, at risk of rupture. My physician told me that I needed to lose weight to improve the back problems, but re-injury to the back would result from trying to exercise. My weight was compounding my back injuries, and my back injuries were compounding my weight issues. In August of 2008, both discs ruptured, one at a time over a weekend, and I lost all feeling and function in my left leg.

My doctor had been suggesting weight loss surgery, and at this point I decided to pursue gastric bypass surgery. I lost about a hundred pounds and no longer had back pain. I am now at a healthy weight and have regained most of the feeling and use of my leg. Dr. Richards sent me to physical therapy to help my leg and I can now run, hike, and ride a bike, simple things, that just a year before, I could not, and thought I would never do again.

Going through this weight loss experience took a lot of self-control and responsibility. It meant doing things the doctor’s way, even if it was hard or painful. I am very thankful for this doctor and her staff, who provided me with the best information before and after the surgery, and who have been supportive and attentive, even two years out. I lost myself so quickly with the back injury and Dr. Richards gave me myself back in the best possible way.