Participant Stories
Marilyn:
“When you make a life-changing decision… you go into it scared–afraid that nobody will know what you’re feeling. After the first telephone appointment with Accomplish, I knew I could put those fears aside.”
Marilyn underwent bariatric surgery in August 2008 and has lost 120 pounds. She attributes her success to the support she received from the Accomplish Programs and her bariatric nutritionist, DeLaine.
“At first I thought that ‘having’ to go through this support program was somewhat a waste of time, and that I would be able to do it on my own without them. Boy, was I wrong! I can honestly say, I could not have come this far without DeLaine.”
“Starting with Accomplish two months prior to surgery prepared me to begin making small changes to help my mind and body prepare for the changes to come after the surgery. The appointments by phone every two weeks were extremely helpful because I knew that if I had questions, I was guaranteed a date to get them answered. Also, DeLaine was very open to emailing. She would respond quickly. This type of support was the most helpful because it was like my support blanket anytime I got scared, confused, or doubtful.”
Before surgery, Marilyn “was severely diabetic,” and was taking oral medication and insulin, as well as medication for high blood pressure, cholesterol, anxiety, and depression. She felt “tired all the time, sick, and just completely out of control with [her] health.”
And now?
“I cannot tell you how happy I am. I smile a lot now, I play with my son, I take him to birthday parties, I go out with my husband, shop in stores that don't sell plus-sized clothes. But most importantly my health has improved 110%!”
“I also found out that I was pregnant 10 months post op. I have already discussed coming back to Accomplish on a three-month program they offer. I will do this after the baby is born for additional support, guidance, and a kick start.”
“Accomplish and DeLaine have become two of my best friends because I know they will ALWAYS be there for me.”
Marilyn D.
Cheney, WA
Vikki:
“I have become the person that I have always thought I could be and more.”
“Life.”
That one word—and everything that goes along with it—was the motivating factor in Vikki choosing to undergo bariatric surgery.
“I was having some major health issues and knew that if I didn't do something to change my life, I was not going to see my 13-year old son graduate high school, let alone be able to hold my grandbabies.”
Before working with the Accomplish Bariatric Support program, Vikki had tried “every diet on earth—and even made some up on [her] own.” She found that her Accomplish dietitian was the part of the program that helped her the most.
“With Debie being there to talk me through my questions, my concerns, and problems, it made the transition to a better and healthier life so much easier. The accountability and the feeling of not wanting to let someone down (other than myself), I was more apt to stay on task easier. I never had that ‘oh, I will just have one cookie’ thought in my head once I started down my new life path.”
“Debie was my life-line. She not only helped me figure out 
the most successful possible pre-surgery diet; she helped me understand where my past diets had failed. She worked with me on a personal and professional level to make me understand what I needed to do to ensure my surgery was successful as well as after my surgery to continued success.”
Now, 17 months later, Vikki has lost 142 pounds, and is looking forward to a long future with her husband and son.
“I am seeking out opportunities at work that I would have never have done before. I am taking on extra curricular things that I NEVER would have before because of my thoughts on what an obese person should and should not do.”
“My life has been impacted in the fact that I love life and enjoy being alive. My surgery, Accomplish's program, and most importantly, Debie has made me realize that I have always been the person that I am. I just had to get rid of the extra weight that I was using to keep myself down before I could be this person. I now also am no longer afraid to have the sun shine on me.”
Barbara:
“The assistance you gave me was invaluable.”
“My initial motivation for researching gastric bypass surgery was my arthritic knees. I wasn’t able to walk very far and couldn’t exercise. I became a grandmother for the first time and wanted to be able to play with and enjoy my grandson.”
After more than a year of research and gaining approval Barbara chose surgery and the support of the Accomplish team. “Your program was very good - I had never worked that closely with a dietitian and found it very informative. Initially, keeping food records really made me accountable to everything I ate; what it consisted of and portion sizes.”
Ten months post-surgery Barbara has lost over 100 pounds and walks more than 2 miles each day. “I feel so good about myself, I have energy, I walk to the bus each day and 40 minutes at lunch, I can get on the floor and play with my grandson!”
“This has been a life-altering change. Not only physically but mentally and I couldn’t have done it without the help of my dietitian, Debie. Anytime I had questions or concerns she was available to help me. She was so supportive and constantly giving me tips and helping me problem-solve any issues I was dealing with.”
Working with Accomplish was “a successful experience. I really appreciate the close contact and support that Debie offered throughout the various stages of this journey.”
Cynthia:
“The help Accomplish provided was crucial to my success.”
“As I researched gastric bypass surgery, I discovered that one of the key components for a successful program was working with a nutrition counselor. I would not have been as successful and it would have been much more stressful without the support and information that Accomplish provided me.”
With the help of Accomplish Cynthia is now “happy and confident” that she has a future she can enjoy. “It was not a matter of having a higher risk of a stroke or heart attack but a matter of when! Wow - I cannot put it into words to truly explain how grateful I am. I can run up the stairs, fit in an airplane seat, and get on and off the floor when I work with my students who have special needs. I am so grateful for this new long and healthful life.”
Cynthia did not undergo gastric bypass surgery lightly, as most people considering the procedure, she researched the options and knew “the serious risks of this surgery and the life-long commitment to be successful. After six years of discussing, thinking, and researching this surgery I was sooo ready to get it done and move on to a new and healthier me.” She chose surgery through GHC along with the support of Accomplish. Her counselor, Chris, provided “outstanding optimistic support and education” to achieve the weight loss and lifestyle change outcomes she was seeking. “Our phone counseling sessions were always upbeat and informative, I never felt anything but encouragement from Chris. She was always accessible and provided me with information and specific ideas to explain what I was experiencing.”
The pre-surgery counseling and weight loss component of Accomplish, is essential for behavior change and physical preparation for surgery. “I appreciated starting with my counselor two months prior to my surgery. That helped me to get organized and change some eating/exercise habits from the beginning, as well as lose 11 pounds. It helped me both physically and mentally prepare for a successful experience.”
Working with Accomplish was “a very supporting and successful experience. The educational materials and continued support via telephone was a great combination. It was important to have a real person to talk with and ask questions of. Working with Chris telephonically meant I could do it from work accommodating my hectic and ever changing schedule. I really appreciate the close contact and support that Chris offered throughout the various stages of this journey.”
Jerry:
“I look forward to every day! I would not have been as successful without the support from this program.”
In April of 2004, Jerry began his journey toward a new, healthier life. He started pre -surgery counseling with Accomplish and a month later had gastric bypass surgery. “I had become very overweight, was in constant pain and had no energy which is why I decided to undergo surgery.”
“I felt the surgery had three major components; first the surgery itself; second the support program; and third - exercise.” Accomplish filled two thirds of Jerry’s equation. He worked with the same Health Educator both pre and post surgery and received the knowledge and accountability he needed. “Debie took my success as her own. Any question I had, whether she had an immediate answer or needed to find it, she got right back to me. She was full of information and offered ideas for any problems or concerns.
Debie cared about me and my success on a very personal level. Being held accountable to Debie and my health team made me want to do my best!”
“I now enjoy walking, playing catch with my son, and participating in family activities. My self-confidence has increased and I enjoy life! I could not have not have made all the lifestyle changes needed without the help of my health educator and the Accomplish program.”
Tim:
“My nutrition counselor was a star!”
“I almost died from my poor health and my out-of-control weight. Having bariatric surgery has been a major tool which has helped me manage my life. The reality is Accomplish was able to help me with the eating issues I needed to deal with. I can get very emotionally attached and I felt Rhoda, my nutritionist, and I had not only a working relationship but a personal relationship as well. We worked together to tailor the program to fit my needs. She was able to help me recognize and work through my fears.”
“I would encourage anyone considering the surgery to be prepared for the emotional ramifications following surgery. Rhoda helped me address not only food issues but many emotional eating issues as well. I appreciated the fact that she was there to support me and answer all my questions.”
“This program was well worth it! I am emotionally and spiritually a stronger person. I feel better, look better and my long-term outlook on life is optimistic. I am thankful to my healthcare team for the opportunity to learn how to save my life.”