Hartford Specialists - Programs - Surgical Weight Loss Program

Patient Testimonials for Gastric Bypass

Nancy Brown
DeBrandson Davidson
Kim LaVallee
Colleen Reilly
Dianne Ryan
Amy Sweeney
Brucy Tully
Kelly Zeitel

Patient Testimonials for Lap-Band^®
Jay Hall

Nancy Brown
Before surgery my life was all about type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea, arthritis, bilateral knee replacements, lower back pain, fatigue, depression, frustration, pills, coronary artery disease at the age of 44, angioplasty, the list goes on -- all by the age of 50! I had always struggled with my weight after the birth of my two sons in my 20s, but after age 40 it became impossible. It seemed I only needed to smell food and I'd put on another pound. I was slowly killing myself. I didn't even bother worrying about saving for retirement; I knew I wouldn't live a long life. I lost my mother to diabetes and heart disease, my father to cancer, and my sister to cancer. I was doomed.

I tried every diet ever created -- Dr. Atkins, Dr. Ornish, Nutrisystem, Weight Watchers, South Beach, Suzanne Summers, Jenny Craig, liquid diets, and more. I'd lose 10 or 20 pounds, and then give up and gain it all back plus some. I bought a treadmill, a Nordic Track, weights, exercise books, and other "magic" devices, but just couldn't get into a routine. I felt helpless and defeated. I used to pray all the time, God, please give me the strength and courage to lose weight and be healthy and be like everyone else.

Besides poor health, one of the difficult things about being overweight is that it didn't fit the rest of me. I've always been a happy and vibrant person with many friends, two great sons, a good job, a nice home, and so much to be thankful for. I so wanted to do things with my friends and family, but I never felt good, it was difficult to walk, I was tired, and everything hurt all the time. I felt like everyone was better than me because of the way I looked and felt. I was ashamed.

Then I met someone who had undergone stomach by-pass surgery with Dr. Darren Tishler. She looked wonderful and felt wonderful! That was it for me. I called and made an appointment immediately. It was a natural decision at that point; there was nothing left to try. Dr. Tishler and Nina were wonderful. They took their time, were honest, and direct. It took four months to plan and prepare, but last July was the beginning of a new life for me! I have hope again. I don't feel doomed to be obese all my life and to die early from some obesity-related disease.

I have lost over 100 pounds after eight months, and went from a size 20 to a size 8! I am just amazed at the new me. I feel more alive, I exercise regularly and actually love it, I eat healthier, and I've learned to taste food, not consume and devour it. I can go into any store and buy real clothes. I know I made the right decision by having this procedure, and I would gladly put up with the slight discomforts over and over again in order to achieve this new and healthy life with a new promise of a future filled with family, friends and living!

DeBrandson Davidson Testimonial
April 3, 2006

I'm 37 years old, and I went though the Gastric Bypass with Dr. Darren S. Tishler at Hartford Hospital in Hartford, CT.

I am a living testament to the benefits of the Gastric Bypass surgery. First let me start of by sharing a little bit of my background. Prior to the surgery, I was a 36-year old, 341*pound man with a number of health problems. Not only did I suffer from diabetes, which is a very serious condition within itself, I also suffered from sleep apnea, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and arthritis. I was on a number of prescription medications to treat these illnesses.

Then, under the direction of Dr, Darren S. Tishler, and after many hours of counseling and consideration, I decided to have the Gastric Bypass surgery. I went through with the surgery on July 6, 2005. That day, I can honestly say was the start of a new beginning for me. Since then, I have lost a total of 128 pounds to date. Aside from the cosmetic differences, and of far greater importance, was the improvement of my health. I went from taking many prescription medications to taking none.

Because of the substantial weight loss, I am able to participate in a lot of activities I wasn't able to participate in due my almost crippling arthritis. Simple things like being able to walk 1-2 miles a day, swimming 2-3 times per week, and playing with my children have improved the overall quality my life. This experience has also taught me the discipline that I need to maintain a healthy lifestyle by forcing me to follow strict guidelines concerning nutrition. I would like to thank Dr. Tishler for all his guidance and for giving me a second chance at a quality way of life. He gave me the ability to do things that I never dreamed of doing before the surgery. Aside from the cosmetic and health benefits, this surgery has given me a renewed sense of confidence in myself.

I would also like to thank my wife and children for being very supportive.

Kim Lavallee Testimonial
When people ask what my birthday is, my Mom will tell them it is September 3rd, and that I will soon be 40. However, if you ask me, I will tell you it is May 18, 2005. That is when I started my new life, the life I always wanted, all thanks to Dr. Darren Tishler.

On that day, I underwent a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass by laproscopy. I chose Dr. Tishler as my surgeon because I felt he had an unbelievable understanding of what it is like to be obese. At the time of my surgery, I weighed 315 pounds. To date, I have lost 130 pounds and an unbelievable number of inches. I have gone from wearing size 26-28 women's pants to size 12-14. I even recently bought a bathing suit.

All of that is fine but the more important changes have been to my health. Prior to surgery, Dr. Tishler had me complete a battery of tests. These revealed that I had sleep apnea, diabetes, high cholesterol and high blood pressure. Along with the things that he could test for, I had other chronic symptoms that included severe joint pain, chronic back pain and poor self esteem.

Within months of my surgery all of the medical problems had resolved. I can now work my 12-hour shifts as a nurse without joint pain and my back rarely hurts. My self esteem has been raised to levels I never before experienced. I am teaching classes at work in front of large audiences and don't even break a sweat.

Some interesting things have happened since my surgery, my husband can't find me in a crowd� he is looking for the old me. I can shop at any store for clothes, my shoes got too big, and finally guess what? I really like the new me!

Colleen Reilly
In December 2004 after 30 years of trying every kind of diet imaginable and doctors telling me all of my health issues were directly related to my obesity, I decided to have gastric bypass surgery. On April 27, 2005 Dr. Darren Tishler performed the procedure. I have gone from 317lbs. with a body mass of 48, which labeled me as morbidly obese, and wearing size 30/32 cloths, to 196 lbs. and wearing size 12 jeans. I've lost 121 lbs. in 11 months and I'm not done yet. This is my story.

I cannot remember not being on a diet. You name it I've tried it. Some were successful for a time but ultimately I would gain all the weight that I had lost plus a couple of extra pounds. At age 14 I sat in on my first weight watchers meeting. At the age of 45 I was still fighting the battle of the bulge, but loosing the war because of significant health issues. I loved life but was rapidly losing all of its qualities. At 280 pounds my back and knees hurt all the time. I would dread going to my son and daughter's football games. Just walking across the field and then having to stand the entire time because I couldn't make it up the bleachers. Battle scars I call them, the physical and mental trauma due to the disease of obesity. If you've ever been overweight you probably know what I'm talking about. Not being able to fit into the seats at Fenway Park or a booth in a restaurant for that matter. Or maybe having your husband put on your socks and tie your sneakers because you cannot. The list goes on an on and may be different for everyone.

I started realizing that it wasn't just about me any longer. My addiction to food and how I abused my body was beginning to affect my relationships with the ones I loved the most, my family and my God. The event that put me over the edge happened in December of 2004. After shopping all night I went home and was sitting on the edge of my bed when I felt the inside of my stomach literally tear. "Now what" I thought, again my deteriorating health had stopped me cold in my tracks. Shortly after that I was examined by my MD. He referred me to the Hartford Specialists at Hartford Hospital. The only name I recognized in that group was Darren Tishler because my orthopedic doctor had suggested gastric bypass and had given me his name. After I had been diagnosed with a hernia Dr. Tishler spoke to me in depth about my weight and my health. Dr. Tishler suggested that I was prime candidate for bypass surgery. After several stressful doctors' appointments and a psychological evaluation Dr. Tishler's office compiled a lengthy list of my medical problems directly related to my obesity. From sleep apnea to the onset of diabetes the list went on and on. Four months from the day I met Dr. Tishler I had my surgery.

The bypass procedure and the hernia repair were both done at the same time. The bypass surgery was the easy part; the doctors did all the work. However I was very sick and never imagined recovery would be so difficult. I was very ill when I saw Dr. Tishler for my two week post-surgical visit. I was very tired and week, and the pain on my left side, I'll never forget how that felt. Two months later I had an endoscopy to try and determine why I was vomiting and why the pain had not subsided. I was diagnosed with an ulcer on my esophagus and prescribed previset and carafate. My recovery really began at that point. Mentally this was a very difficult time for me as well. I didn't have my food to turn to anymore. In fact what had comforted me all my life, in situations that were happy or sad, now made me sick every time I tried to turn to it! Thanks doctor Tishler! (Only kidding).

I returned to work in July 2005 a changed person both physically and mentally. I became a stronger person because of what I had been through. I am so blessed to have so many people in my life that really love me. If I didn't have the support of my family, church, and friends to help me get through, I don't know what I would have done.

My life has changed dramatically. I'm on Fire! I'm a healthier, happier person and I look forward to everyday, not just the good ones. My health issues are all gone and I can exercise and even have fun doing it. Remember the football field I hated to walk across? Well two years ago on senior night I wore my son's football shirt. It was a size 4X and it fit with no pads under it. Senior night 2006 was a little different. My daughter Chelsea is the captain of the cheerleading squad, I not only wore her team jacket, size medium, I rallied the other senior moms and we surprised our daughters with a cheer of our own in front of the entire school.

The tears in my daughter's eyes that night are something I'll never forget. As the girls ran to meet us crying and laughing I realized that living life to its fullest is what it is all about.

I would never have even imagined doing something like that a year ago. I might have thought about it but would have been too embarrassed and physically unable to follow through.

At my last appointment with Dr. Tishler I remember him telling Nina that he considered my surgery a success. I had lost 30 percent of my body weight and was doing great physically and emotionally. That statement scared me to death. I remember thinking it's not over for me. I have a lot more work to do.

But now it's up to me.

Dr. Tishler has been given a gift to help others like he helped me. The tool is now mine to do with what I want. Was it all worth it? I can now say, after 11 months, absolutely. Without a question I've been given a second chance.

How can you thank a medical team for giving you back your life? There are no words worthy of the gratitude I have in my heart. From my first visit with Dr. Tishler to the support group I now attend once a month. With the many questions I had and Nina being so patient with me. For Hartford Hospital treating me with dignity and compassion and the team that it took to perform the surgery. I thank God for each and every one of you everyday.

Dianne Ryan
I am a 50-year-old woman who was born weighing over 9 pounds and who has been varying degrees of "chubby", "plump" and downright obese ever since.

The first time my mother (who was slim and beautiful) took me to a doctor for a diet I was only 10-years-old. Despite her love and concern, a lifetime of dieting that started that day resulted in my reaching a weight of over 240 pounds at 5'2 1/2".

I had gastric bypass surgery with Dr. Tishler and Nina last June. I have lost over 80 pounds in nine months and I feel great!

My only regret, is that I did not do this sooner. I don't understand why this surgery has never been recommended by one of the doctors who told me I should lose weight. The surgery has been a "cure" for my life-long struggle with obesity and the resulting physical and emotional issues.

Before my surgery I woke up each morning with aching feet and ankles. I took 800 mg. of Ibuprofen just to walk through my day. Now I take nothing and my pain is gone! I also took two different medications for my blood pressure and I am now on only one-half tablet of one and off the other completely.

I have six grandchildren, before the surgery I had trouble keeping up with them. Last week I took my 6-year-old granddaughter sledding and I had to laugh when she whined "Gramma slow down - you run up the hills too fast." These days I feel as light as air and I never hesitate to do anything physical.

People ask me if I miss food. Not at all! I still love food - everything about it. I love to prepare and share it with friends and family. I look forward to dinners out with my husband just as I did before. After an initial adjustment phase I have learned to enjoy food in small quantities rather than the large ones I used to consume. These days I go for quality not quantity! I refer to my body as "my old body" and "my new body."

I was a prisoner in my "old body". My "new body" is taking some getting used to but every day it surprises and delights me more. I feel free in ways I never have.

Amy Sweeney Testimonial for Surgical Weight Loss Program
March 31, 2006

My struggle with obesity started after my divorce about 8 years ago. I started using food to comfort myself and quickly gained a lot of weight. I was a single mother of one trying to make ends meet. Before I knew it I was 290 pounds and very sad, lonely and depressed.

As a Registered Nurse I knew that my obesity could cause multiple health problems. I already had asthma, joint pain, and I was pre-diabetic. I felt fatigued all the time and embarrassed in social situations. I knew something had to change.

In August of 2005, I had a consultation with Dr. Darren Tishler. I read all of the information and considered the potential risks involved with the Gastric Bypass Roux-En-Y surgery. I knew after talking with Nina and Dr. Tishler that I would be well taken care of. Shortly after, I decided to have the Gastric Bypass surgery.

In December 2005, my insurance company approved the surgery and I was schedule for surgery. I had laparoscopic Roux-N-Y gastric bypass on December 19, 2005. I felt much better than I expected. I got up and started walking in the hallway shortly after my surgery. I followed the prescribed plan of care and I felt great. I had my surgery on Monday and I went home on Wednesday.

It has now been about 15 weeks post op and I have lost about 80 pounds! I feel terrific! I have so much energy, I am so pleased with my progress. I work out at the gym, I go out and enjoy social functions, and I feel so good about myself now. Dr. Tishler provided me with the tool, and now I am able to live my life again. Thank you to Nina and Dr. Tishler for all their devoted care and support. Life is good again!

Sincerely,
Amy Sweeney R.N.

Bruce Tully Testimonial

At the age of 57, I found myself with a BMI of 45, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, sleep apnea, diabetic retinal damage, swelling and pain in the feet and body joints. These combined medical issues forced me into a sedentary life style, depression and the inability to sustain a commitment to diet control and exercise.

After continuing to hear of the radical impact of Gastric Bypass surgery on people with my medical problems, I investigated both the open and laparoscopic surgery procedures. After completing my research, I chose the laparoscopic surgery due to the less invasive operation, faster recovery time and minimal residual scars.

One year later, I have lost half of my former body weight and my waist has lost 19 inches in circumference. Most of my previous medical conditions have been entirely eliminated or greatly reduced. I experienced no complications during or after the surgery, and I have adjusted well to my small stomach capacity and the scars, at this point, are hardly visible.

My energy level and self-confidence is sky high! After the surgery and recovery time, I have never looked back.

Bruce T. Tully
March 12, 2006

Kelly Zeitel
After several years of being overweight, I decided to look into gastric bypass. I called Hartford Hospital, was connected to Dr. Darren Tishler's office and made my initial appointment. Little did I know, my whole life was about to change. On January 31, 2005, I had the surgery. Within one year, I had lost almost 50 percent of my body weight, and was rid of any health issues I had once had. Now, at age 38, I am in the best health, have the most energy, and am the happiest I've ever been. I could never thank Dr. Tishler (& Nina) enough for my new life. I would recommend this surgery to anyone that is ready to be given a second chance to be healthy and happy.

Jay Hall
I am 54 years old, currently being treated for 3rd degree heart block, which means my hearts electrical system is not working properly. I have an implanted pacemaker/defibrillator keeping my heart rate at 80 beats per minute. Also I was constantly in what is known as AFIB (extra heart beats). Due to this, I was on a lot of medicine. Oh yeah, I forgot to mention, I also weighed 317 lbs.

Once when I was sitting at home thinking about all the time and effort my cardiologist, and my arrhythmia doctor had dedicated to me, I had come to the conclusion that I had to put some effort into keeping myself alive and healthy. It was then that I decided to go and talk to Dr. Tishler. He had me go through all the screenings, as well as multiple visits. After many conversations, we had decided the LAP-BAND^® would be the best procedure for me.

On January 15, 2007, I went into Hartford Hospital for the LAP-BAND^® surgery. The next day, at noon, I was on my way home. Two days later I was back at work, with absolutely no pain.

I am writing this on August 3, 2007. I have followed Dr. Tishler's program to a "T". I exercise daily (walking), drink my water and watch what and where I eat (no more sitting in front of the television while eating). As the weight started coming off, I became interested in understanding my eating habits as well as understanding what food means to me. We all need to eat foods that contain vitamins, and nutrients. I had to stop eating "empty foods," cakes, candy and fatty foods. I learned to read labels. It's easier than one might think.

It's now been about seven (7) months. I feel unbelievable. My energy level is non-stop. I am doing things I never thought I would be able to do. My doctors are in the process of adjusting my heart meds. The one thing that people don't tell you about when you lose weight is that your self esteem sky rockets. I have never felt this good about myself. I know it shows, not only in my new size, but in the way I perceive myself.

Dr. Tishler, Nina Arnold and Alba Lozada took and continue to take good care of me. Again, I forgot to mention� it has been about 7 months, I now weight 209 lbs (total loss of 108lbs). Also, due to my new attitude, I just got a promotion at my company. Life can start at 54.