Brandon Woman Loses Over 100 Pounds After Bariatric Surgery at Merit Health River Oaks

6/1/2022

Gretta Madison never thought she’d see the day when she’d be wearing her 20-year-old daughter’s jeans. Madison has lost 120 pounds as a result of bariatric surgery performed by David Carroll, MD, FACS, FASMBS, surgeon and medical director of the bariatric program at Merit Health River Oaks. Making several long-term lifestyle changes following the surgery has helped Madison maintain an optimal weight of 130. Today, she's happily swapping clothes with her daughter and regularly receiving compliments from friends and co-workers envious of her small frame.

“The other day I was walking ahead of a co-worker,” said Madison. “I heard her say, ‘Look at you, skinny Minnie,’ and for a minute, I didn’t know who she was referring to! ‘Skinny’ is not a description I ever imagined would be directed at me. It’s taken some getting used to, but it’s slowly dawning on me that, yes, I am a small person, especially in comparison to what I used to be.”

Like many women who’ve given birth and find it hard to shed those pregnancy pounds, Madison struggled with her weight as a busy working mom. As her weight climbed to 250 pounds, she knew something had to change. However, she couldn’t find the time or a diet or exercise plan she could stick to in order to return to an optimal weight.

“After giving birth and going back to work, I just was never able to take it off,” she said. “And from that point forward, the scale just seemed to climb as the years went by. As my weight increased, my concerns grew that I may not live to see my children grow up and have families of their own. And my health problems continued to grow, ranging from sleep apnea to high cholesterol. I really became worried about myself, but especially as it began to affect my children.”

Dr. Carroll adds, “Our goal for patients is not only weight loss, but also reducing or eliminating health problems associated with obesity. These include chronic conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea and lipid disorders.”

Once she’d decided on the surgeon and procedure, Madison had to jump additional hurdles. Undergoing this kind of surgery is not a decision to be made lightly. Months of testing, plus multiple consultations with nutritionists, psychiatrists and other professionals are necessary, according to Madison.

“Armed with the information I’d researched, I was on a mission to have the surgery while realizing it was not a ‘quick fix’ and I’d have to make lifestyle changes,” she said. “I knew I was ready – in fact, I was very confident I was doing the right thing. I was able to pass each pre-surgery test with no problems.”

Madison says following her complication-free surgery and recovery, she knew she couldn’t continue to live her life the way she had been.

“It was a dedicated shift from that point forward; a total change in the way I’d approached food and exercise,” she said. “Gastric bypass surgery is simply a tool to utilize in your journey toward weight loss and a healthier lifestyle. You must be willing to commit to eating healthier foods in smaller amounts and to adopt exercise as a regular part of your life.”

Madison experienced no side effects from the surgery or altered eating habits following her surgery. She wasn’t surprised; after all, she’d chosen the surgeon in whom she had complete confidence.

“I consider my surgery a total success,” said Madison. “I truly consider it a blessing that my experience was so positive. And since the surgery, I was able to lose over 120 pounds. I have no intention of gaining back the weight."

“We performed laparoscopic surgery on Gretta, which is one reason she was able to recover so quickly,” says Carroll. “This type of surgery is minimally invasive and typically results in less scarring and anesthesia as well as a faster recovery - compared to traditional surgery.”

Madison now calls May 7, 2019, her “new birthday.” Every year on her surgery anniversary, she celebrates the fact that she’s been successful in not only losing the pounds but maintaining an optimal weight.

“I’ve been given a wonderful gift – a life with no health issues and a chance to enjoy my family to the fullest.”

More information on the bariatric weight loss options offered at Merit Health River Oaks can be found here.

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