Kathie L.

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Thank you for all of your support you offer to the many people who suffer from obesity. 

2006 I was experiencing chronic pain due to osteo arthritis in my hip, unable to walk without a cane. I was losing my lifetime “battle of the bulge” and without exercise my weight continued to climb decreasing my desire to live and do the things I once enjoyed. I was in my mid 50’s, not ready to completely give up yet and convinced that my only hope would be to have gastric bypass surgery. However my BMI was 35 and I didn’t qualify for the surgery because fortunately I lacked any of the co-morbidities associated with obesity. I begged my doctor for a referral, only to find out that I would need to gain an additional 25 pounds to qualify.

 My goal was to get out of pain by:

1)      gain weight to qualify for weight loss surgery (achieved in 10/2006/2007)

2)      have gastric bypass surgery (achieved in 10/2007)

3)      have a total hip replacement (achieved in 4/2008)

It took me 2 years to complete the above, but today, I believe in the “miracles” of modern surgical procedures and have regained my life! I lost 115 pounds and now able to fulfill my new goals to boogie board again, hike again, and sit on the floor and play with my grandchildren.

I use all of the “tools” I was given by my HMO instructors, including walking every day 2.5 miles because I CAN! I’m grateful for each and every step I take, because I know how discouraging it is to want to walk but can’t because of pain.

I owe my life to my 3 surgeons: my gastric bypass surgeon (Dr. Phillippe Quilice); my orthopedic surgeon (Dr. Ganjiapour); my reconstructive plastic surgeon (Dr. J. Timothy Katzen). I began this journey to get out of pain, but yesterday I was notified by OH Magazine (Obesity Help) that an “after” photo I sent them will appear in the Jan/Feb issue of their magazine. So I now call myself “Cover Girl Kathie”. I’m 58 years old and this photo (attached) was taken by my husband on our vacation this summer. I’m wearing a 2-piece swimsuit for the first time since I was a teenager and now the photo will be published in a national magazine is truly a “wow” moment for me.

You can do this and have dreams fulfilled you never imagined! Life is not only good, it's GREAT!

 4/20/2009 - Lower Body Lift performed by Dr. Katzen. Surgery went much better than I anticipated. Little pain involved. I was scared going into surgery because of anticipated pain, but I really only hurt when I laughed, coughed, or sneezed. I spent 2 weeks on the recliner and Rich took good care of me. The worst thing were the 4 drains. First week I also had 2 pain pumps going into Mons area plus a catheter. I was glad to get that out plus 2 of the drains. One of the remaining drains came out by itself 2 weeks after surgery and the final drain was removed 2 days later. I was extremely happy to be drain-free and doctor said I could begin to walk 1 mile/day. I was very happy to begin to resume my activities. I returned to work on week 3. 

I love Dr. Katzen and he's an incredible surgeon!!! I'm so happy that I went to him and recommend him to anyone in the L.A. area. He made me feel 50 years younger and considering I was 57 when he performed my two surgeries didn't make me feel 7 since I felt like I was 90 going in! 

Husband loves my new body and so do I!!!

November 21, 2008 - 13 months after my RNY and down 115 pounds to 145. Dr. Timothy Katzen surgeon; Beckie from Rose's Retreat in Laguna Beach recovery.

1) Brachioplasty - pain level = 1
     Early results are beautiful!!

2) Breast Lift with augmention - pain level = 1
     Early results are they are beautiful!!!

3) Lower face/neck lift - pain level = 8.5 (ouch)
     Early results are wonderful, although I have a new respect for actors having to go through this

Dr. Katzen and his staff are wonderful! The BEST!!!! I scheduled my lower body lift for 4/20/09 and can't wait for this to be over. Would I do it again??? In a second. I am looking forward for the first time to buy shirts and dresses that I don't have to consider the saggy skin on my arms and boobs. It will be  a wonderful summer next year.

I resemble Frankenstein's bride with all my scars but heh, I remember both the doctor and monster fighting over that gorgeous woman with that infamous hairdo.

I just completed my surgery 2 weeks ago. After waiting for approval for nearly a year, I couldn't believe it when I was finally approved! My last day to eat "normally" was Oct. 8 which just happened to be my birthday. I celebrated the entire weekend saying "good-bye" to many of my old favorites. It was the greatest birthday I've ever had! 

My surgery went great. A young woman from my class, Kelly, had surgery the same day. It was comforting having a familiar face in the hospital. I went home after 3 nights in the hospital and back to work in less than 2 weeks. 

I've lost 22 pounds so far. In order to qualify for the surgery I had to gain 25 pounds, since my arthritis and joint problems didn't count as comobiditis. That was the worst part--gaining the weight and having difficulties walking and isolating because of my low self-esteem. Thankfully, I'm on the way to recovery and won't have to spend the rest of my life (1/3 left) in a wheelchair.

I'm grateful there is another way and that this procedure is available for people needing assistance. I've yo-yoed dieted my entire life. At the age of 56 I finally feel like I have my life back again and am looking forward to the future.

Hugs to you all. Thank you for your support and this amazing website.
Kathie