This has been the best decision of my life‌ I have been overweight since I was in high school. I had a family history of everything you can imagine (diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, cancer, etc.). I was also more recently diagnosed with severe sleep apnea and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). I wanted to be more active; I wanted to reverse the effects that obesity had on me. When I started my weight loss journey I was 275 pounds, not a high point in my life. So, my PCP referred me to the UMass Memorial Weight Center. Everyone there was wonderful! I always felt informed and never felt ashamed of myself. I decided on the gastric sleeve weight loss surgery. I had the surgery in December 2014 and am doing well. I am down to 207 pounds, that's a total weight loss of 68 pounds. While I am still not at my goal weight, I am starting to feel a lot better. I feel more awake, not so tired. I am controlling my food impulses. Every day is a journey for me. I even believe that my PCOS and OSA could go away when I lose more weight. This has been the best decision of my life. The Weight Center team and my surgeon have been forefront in my journey of self-betterment. I feel great! I'm well because I am no longer obese and every day I am making better, healthier choices and will do so for the rest of my life. Thank you so much, UMass Memorial, you've changed my life! —Rachel Messier
I am alive thanks to a wonderful team‌ In August 2012, I had a life changing surgery, gastric bypass by Dr Czerniach. (He) saved my life in a different way than I ever thought: When I was losing weight, I found a lump on my left breast, which turned out to be Stage 2 Triple Negative HER2 invasive ductal carcinoma. I don't think I would have ever found the lump if I hadn't lost that weight, so I was saved not once but twice. Dr. Quinlan gave me my options and I went the radical route: double mastectomy with 17 Lymph nodes removed, chemo and radiation! I am alive thanks to a wonderful team of doctor and nurses. How do I thank someone for saving my life? Thank you all! —Andrea Burke
‌ the results were life changing Three years ago I had the realization that if I didn't take drastic measures, not only would I be placing my life in jeopardy but my livelihood as well. I made the decision to join the Weight Center at UMass Memorial and am now 130 pounds lighter after having had bypass surgery. It may seem drastic to have surgery, but the results were life changing. —Mary Salois
‌ I have nothing but great things to say about it. The Weight Center is wonderful!! Very knowledgeable, helpful and friendly. Five-star healthcare for sure. The surgeon I had for my weight loss surgery, Dr. John J Kelly, and his team were wonderful!! Dr. Kelly is very knowledgeable, attentive and helpful, a real asset to UMass Memorial. I would definitely recommend UMass Memorial to anyone, as I have nothing but great things to say about it. —Rachel Louise
‌my Type II Diabetes is no longer! I am well because I had great gastric bypass surgery on February 24, 2013 at UMass Memorial. This is the best thing I have ever done to my life. I have lost close to 160 pounds and have maintained a 150pound weight loss for nearly two years. BUT the best part about the surgery is, before losing weight I was taking eight pills a day, five different meds, and today I only need one medication and two supplements. And my Type II Diabetes is no longer!!! WOO HOO!!! Thanks, UMass Memorial! —Robert Shine