“I am 100 percent
happy. Bariatric
surgery gave me
back my life!”
“Bariatric surgery gave me back my life. I can climb
a ladder, do yard work, go fishing with my grandson
…without being tired and in pain all the time,” said
William Swindell, 65, of Chesapeake Beach.
Today, Willie at 5’11” is down from 309 to 185 pounds after having gastric
sleeve surgery Oct. 21, 2021. “When I see a picture from before, I don’t even
recognize myself,” he said. “I basically weigh what I did right after high
school. Feeling normal feels great. I’m able to do all the things I couldn’t when
I was overweight.”
Willie was Dr. Alami’s second surgical case at CalvertHealth. He had
multiple comorbidities, overhanging abdominal skin that was hitting his
thighs and could barely walk. At his two-year appointment, his BMI (body
mass index) was down to 25.9 and he is off most of his medications.
“I was impressed with the way they take care of you,” he said. “They
made sure I knew what to expect. They answered my questions and were
very supportive.”
Along the way, Willie said he has adopted some newer, healthier habits.
“I can eat almost anything I want, just in smaller portions … and I had to
teach myself to eat slow. I cut out fast food and I split meals with my wife
when we eat out. I do a lot of walking. I lift some light weights for my arms
and to build up my core. I enjoy life a lot better now.”