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ARE YOU A BARIATRIC PROFESSIONAL?
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Surgeon Testimonial

Karl LeBlanc, M.D.
After a few minutes with Dr. LeBlanc, I felt very comfortable that everything would be fine and I had a top-notch expert. He has a funny quarkiness that makes him seem like he's existing in his own little biosphere -- nothing matters but his craft and his patients' health. My husband and I chuckled how colors in the room didn't seem to match and the meeting room seemed like a lot of thought haven't gone into decorating.


Dr. LeBlanc was a lot like that room -- focused without a lot of snotty, useless decorations and attitudes. I could tell from the manner he explained the procedure that he had a teacher's zeal (and knowledge) of bariatric surgery. And being a teacher, he was a master.


His self-less nature was best demonstrated when he expressed concern that I also get a hernia repaired. He told me that the hernia could cause problems and then said "I do that."


"I do that?"


That statement sounded like what the 'handyman guy' says about detailing cars: "I do that."


Later, while researching the doctors and procedures, I found it hard to find anything (but here at obesityhelp.com) about Karl LeBlanc, the bariatric surgeon. Instead, I found tons of information about Karl Leblanc, the world renowned (really) hernia repair specialist. On two UK sites, I even read reviews of one of his two books on less-invasive hernia repair. His description of all that: "I do that."


I immediately told my husband that I thought it was Divine Intervention that I would be sent to a bariatric surgeon who was also a hernia specialist.


Dr. LeBlanc took an interest in my unique problems and needs, but also refused to push me into having the surgery when I expressed a 'wait and see attitude' about it.


His staff is the perfect combination of professionalism and supportive. The office staff made me feel comfortable even when I was trying hard not to like them. Being both obese and egotisical, I'm always watching like a hawk for medical professionals who speak down to me or treat me like I have a mental defect. They did neither. When I couldn't fight it any more, I decided I just had to love them for all the support and information they gave to me. I applaud Amy, Genie and any others who helped make this as smooth as possible.
Member Interests
  • Cats - I am *not* a cat person. I live in a house infested with a couple of cats
  • Writing - Animals were my first love, but I was a convert to journalism in college
  • Web Development - Web communications is a big part of my specialty
  • Activism - I consider myself a patient advocate and obesity-interests activist
  • Black American - My locks are helping me to define who I am and I always have been
  • Christianity - He called me, defined me and gave me full knowledge of who I am
  • Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome - So many sufferers; so little knowledge
  • Antique Shopping - Antique stores are like going to tiny little museums ... so much fun!
  • Flea Markets - This is also fun
  • BMI over 50 - I started with a BMI over 56 ... I wore it well

Latest Surgery Support Comments

  • Comment by goodkel on 3/10/08 10:07 pm
    Best of luck on your surgery! --- goodkel
  • Comment by KajunBlueRose on 9/24/06 9:18 am
    Hey Girl, I am just finding out that you had to have surgery. I hope everything is ok. I'll wait a couple of days and give you a call unless Isee you on line first. Get Well Soon.... Love Ya
Click here for the surgery support page

OH Band Aide
Journey to health and wellness after Lap-Band surgery


Riding Through the Storm
on October 27, 2006 7:22 am

Create Your Own!

I spent most of yesterday in a storm -- literally. I'm at the ObesityHelp convention in Lexington after nearly an entire day watching grounded planes and seeing storm clouds go by. I found this journey so symbolic of my weight loss journey (and my life) that I didn't mind the delays, wet baggage and lack of sleep.

After a nearly two-hour delay in Baton Rouge, we headed out for Houston knowing that there was a monster storm hovering over most of southeast Texas. The storm was so big and dangerous, that the air traffic navigators were sending the planes on an "S" curve around it. This took nearly two more hours in the air. At maximum flying height, I discovered what it means to be taken out of a storm and allowed to ride side-by-side with it and view its beauty and force at the same time.

The pictures above show a storm the size of a mountain range. Lightning bolts and dark, rolling clouds put on one heck of a show. I took my camera out because I felt safe. Afterall, I had another persepective of this storm.

For two years, I've been riding in this storm. I get up, I get knocked back down, but I get up again. What some may see as slow weight loss progress, I choose to see as survival and life more abundantly.

The one thing I choose to remember about weighing 350 pounds is that life and death were daily considerations. I was not yet 40, but I had seen numerous surgeries, ICU units and buried babies whose coffins were little more than decorated shoe boxes. Life was good, but not abundant and there was litte hope for a long, happy existence.

Now, two years later, I love my size 18 jeans and fun-loving endurance, but most of all, I love the second chance that the Lord has extended to me.

Being removed from this storm for a moment of majesty, I viewed my progress and pain as a spectator. I see the challenge and I see the struggle, but I know I'm safe -- I'm only riding through the storm.

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My Story

To say that I was a reluctant WLS candidate is an understandment. Recent advances in the field and health concerns led me to alter my position on WLS. I would like to be ultra healthy, but not ultra thin. For details on my surgery and progress, please log on to my blog/Web site.

Jan. 2, 2005

I'm four months post-op and I have lost about 46 pounds. It's been quite a journey. I haven't written much here, but I do have volumes written on my journey at my blog:

http://www.francesspencer.blogspot.com

I've lost about 50 pounds in this comparison. This picture is "boo" scary!

 


325
This photo was taken a week and a half after surgery. I had lost more than 18 pounds at that point.

292
I'm four months post-op and I've lost about 50 pounds.