HomeProgramsWLS JourneysWLS Journeys – Guest Ramon Lopez gwhqadmin February 1, 2009 WLS Journeys 50 Comments In the latest episode of WLS Journeys, host Yvonne McCarthy talks with long-time friend and motivational speaker Ramon Lopez about the turbulent emotions he experienced before and after weight loss surgery. Although he lost more than 270 pounds, like many post-op patients, Ramon struggled with cross-addictions before finally coming to terms with the true underlying root of his previous obesity. Click the video player below to watch Ramon share his powerful story, and learn where the journey of weight loss surgery can lead. Get the Flash Player to see the wordTube Media Player. 50 Responses Yvonne McCarthy February 2, 2009 Thank you WLS Channel for giving me the opportunity to share in telling the story of this incredible weight loss journey. Ramon is passionate about “paying it forward” and it’s wonderful that more people will learn about his awesome story! Reply Jackie Guerra February 2, 2009 I think any picture – moving or not – that features Ramon Lopez is worth waaaaaaaay more than a thousand words! Congratulations Ramon for your continued success and gracias for extending yourself to help others as well. You are the walking/talking personification of, Si Se Puede. And you did! Just one question Brotha, did you pull a Mariah Carey ask the director to shoot your “good side” so that we could see your dimples? Because I seem to remember a “Mariah moment” while taking a picture with you when we had to switch sides to show off those dimples:). LOL! Glad you did. Keep on Keepin’ On, you do it well. Mucho xoxoxo Reply John Craig February 2, 2009 This video was very touching to me. I can relate to Ramon. I was 580lbs. 2 years ago and lost 81 lbs. just getting off the sodas. In July 2008 I had lapband surgery and in the last 6 months I have lost 170 lbs. for a total of 251 lbs. I still have about 100 lbs. to get off. I am going though everything that Ramon said on the video and will one day have to have skin took off. I just want to thank Yvonne, Ramon and The WLS Channel for sharing this video with us. Reply Ramon February 2, 2009 John.. Thanks for the kind words.. I am so glad to see that you are doing so well.. Keep up the great work.. I am just a blessed man.. Reply Ramon February 2, 2009 Jackie.. You are making me blush.. This is just a stepping stone.. I want to be like you and be on Tyra next.. LOL You know to me it is all about helping others.. I will never forget that.. As a matter of fact I did ask him about shooting from the other side.. He said something about this being Yvonne’s show or something like that.. You know something though.. I still looked good.. LOL Luv ya.. Reply CajunGirl February 3, 2009 Ramon, as always you are such an inspiration to so many of us. I definitely can relate to your 4 (soon to be 5) things in life you live by, especially 1) remember where you came from; 2) paying it forward. I believe it’s a must for all of us to help others deal with obesity. May you continue to be successful and inspire others. Oh and your #5 gave me chills and made me tear up…..such wonderful words. Our journies continue! Dana Reply mariana February 3, 2009 Yvone. congrats your show is great. i`m looking foward to see more of your guest`s journeys. and ramon you are very brave to let us all know your story. you should be very proud of where you are standing now. u both are very importat part of the WLS comunity. congrats to you both. Felicidades! hugs Reply Jodi Barnes February 3, 2009 Ramon & Yvonne – thank you so much for such an awesome, inspiring, heart-touching interview. I have always read anything I could find about Ramon and been so touched and inspired by his story. This interview is the best and will benefit everyone who sees it. Reply LIZETTE710 February 4, 2009 I LOVE RAMON. HES ON MY FRIENDS LIST ON OBESITY HELP. AND HIS STORY AND KINDNESS IS ONE OF A KIND. THIS INTERVIEW WAS OFF THE CHAIN. AND IVE SHARED IT WITH EVERYONE. KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK RAMON BESOS LIZETTE Reply Shirley February 4, 2009 Ramon this is an amazing story. I am an obese woman, my diabetes is out of control. I am afraid of having the surgery and dying on the operating table. Do you have anything you can tell me to help me to think about bypass surgery? All my heartfelt congratulations to you, thank you. Shirley Reply Yvonne McCarthy February 4, 2009 Thanks Jackie, John, Dana, Mariana, Jodi, Lizette and Shirley! Thank you for taking time out of your day to leave a comment. And speaking of Jackie…I “ain’t no” Jackie Guerra but my heart is in it. Ramon’s story is so important…. especially for the Latino community and for the men too. None of us are perfect as Ramon says but the “try for better” is there. Learning a trick from Jackie – “Think Globally, Act Locally”. Reply Martitalinda February 4, 2009 Phenomenal, inspirational .. pay it forward and keep that inner light shining … we need to hear this fabulous message far and wide!!! Thank you all for sharing your story!! Reply Gina Robinson February 4, 2009 I have been acquainted with Ramon for several years, beginning when I met him when he was pre-op, at a convention in 2004, but have only in the past year REALLY listened to his story and gotten to the know “the person inside”. I am now proud to consider Ramon my “family of choice”-and I do not use that term lightly. I am VERY proud of Ramon for all he does. Reply Alirat February 5, 2009 So inspiring! Thank you for sharing your story Ramon. Reply Willa Wylde February 6, 2009 Hey Evonne, Ramon, This is awsome and so inspiring, keep it up the both of you, every time I hear one of you speak alone or together its inspirational, and I appreciate you all the more for being out there for us who need this support. Love you both, and I am glad, and honored to get to call you my friends. Reply Nina February 6, 2009 Very inspirational. Totally instrumental. You are a vital component to many. I am honored and humbled to call you FRIEND! Love you! La Nina đŸ™‚ Reply Brenda February 7, 2009 What an inspiration. I am 8 months out and have lost 92lbs. still have more to lose but it is a learning experience. Thank you for the chance to hear your story. And CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!! Brenda Reply Yvonne McCarthy February 8, 2009 Martitalinda, Gina (our next show star), Alirat, Willa, Nina and Brenda! Bless you for your kind words. My lovely Martitalinda…dealing with so much but took the time to comment. You are a passion fire for WLS. Gina, the next show will tell your awesome story. Alirat, thanks for your support for Ramon. The incredibly shrinking Willa, thank you for stopping by. Nina, my love…and recently paying it forward for our newest saved life…thank you. Congrats Brenda on your success…wonderful to hear about your way back to a new life. Thank you all for adding your wisdom to this page and I look forward to much more. Reply Marilyn Malec February 8, 2009 Ramon you were my inspiration to have WLS. You helped me with the patience of enduring the long wait. You sent me many friends to talk to who I still keep in touch with. Yvonne you are phenonminal. This should be a weekly show there are many people who need help and your show is the beginning. God Bless you both. Love Marilyn Reply Yvonne McCarthy February 8, 2009 Marilyn, thanks so much. It’s wonderful to know there are people out there that enjoy and appreciate this. I’ve always thought Ramon’s story could serve as inspiration to so many. Thanks again for your words of encouragement. I hope your journey is going well and I’m looking forward to hearing from you again. Blessings, Yvonne Reply Ramon February 11, 2009 Dana.. Thanks so much that means a lot coming from a vet like you.. I am a blessed man.. Reply Ramon February 11, 2009 Mariana, Shirley, Lizette, Jody, Martitalinda, Gina,Alirat, Willa, Nina and Brenda! Thank you all so much for the great comments.. I am so amazed at the outpouring of your kind thoughts.. I can not stress enough how blessed I am and how important it is to pay it forward.. I have to say that although I have told my story many times it is still tough to put myself out there.. I know it is all about helping someone so that is why I do it.. Thanks again for the kind words.. Reply Ramon February 11, 2009 Ms. Marilyn.. Thank you so much for the great words.. There are times when I wonder if I am actually touching people’s lives and then I get your message reminding me that I do help others.. I am so glad I was able to make a difference in your life.. And I am going to ask you like I ask everyone I help.. Please pay it forward.. Be the pebble.. I know you heard it already but it is so true.. We have so many that we need to touch and inspire.. Bless you.. Reply Rhonda February 21, 2009 Ramon, This is the second time I have watched your video and I know I will watch it again many times. You are such an inspiration to me. God Bless You and thank you for taking the time to share your story with others. Rhonda Reply LINDA YOUNGBLOOD February 27, 2009 LOOK AT YOU I AM SO HAPPY FOR YOU I COULD JUST CRY I HOPE YOU NO YOU HAVE HELPED SO MANY PEOPLE AND I NO THY HAVE LOOKED UP TO YOU FOR HOPE SO KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK YOU DO AND NO I AM SO HAPPY FOR YOU LOT’S OF HUG’S LINDA Reply Ramon March 4, 2009 Rhonda and Linda thank you both so much for the comments.. I have to say Rhonda that I have watched the video a couple of times and I amazed at how much I opened up but I have always said my life is an open book when it comes to helping others.. So that is why I did it.. Linda.. Thanks for the hugs and know that I will do what I can to keep paying it forward.. Reply Victoria April 11, 2009 Mr.Lopez, Congratulations on your success with weight loss. The video and your motivation to speak honestly and keenly will help so many people to rebuild thier lives by making the right choice about weight loss. Thank you for your sincerity and honesty, “You have changed my view on weight loss.” Starting here, right now! Reply Kittie April 21, 2009 I am just blown away. Ramon you are an amazing individual. I wish you all the best in the future. Thank you for being such an inspiration to me as well as so many others xx Reply Rebecca April 24, 2009 Awesome! I am sooooo glad that I got to listen to this encouraging life journey. I could relate to alot that was shared in this interview….. I have been obese my ENTIRE lifetime, I am now 50 years old. I spent 3 years researching weight loss surgery and trying to read blogs and shared stories from others who had experienced surgery, to decide if I truely wanted to go through such a drastic change myself. Fear kept me at bay for a long while. I had bariatric Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass Operation October 2008 with no complications thank God. Today- 6 months later, I am 100 pounds lighter with still alot more to get off, and wishing I had done this years ago! Its not the easy way out like some would suggest, this is a very serious and ever-changing experience and people need to realize it means CHANGE, not just physically, but emotional too. Do your research and don’t let fear stop you, because being morbidly obese has alot more life threatening dangers to it then the best prepared surgery ever would. Best wishes to your future! RC Reply frank April 25, 2009 hey i saw your video and i was like wow and i am going to get Gastric Bypass in july i am 22 years old and i am 410 pounds i have not always big over weight and i always told my self that what can i do nothing so i thought i would never be able to lose weight but i saw your video and thats when i told myu self that i wanted to get that done so thank you ramon for changeing my mind after i get it done i will tell you how it is going and how much i have lost all together Reply Jean Goldstein May 11, 2009 Thank You Ramon for sharing your journey and your heart felt ideals with us. I am 47 yrs old 5’5 and 392 lbs waiting to get approved, and the story of your journey has both touched my heart and given me hope that there is a future out there waiting for me. I want very much to succeed! Just knowing that there are people like you and Yvonne who are succeeding and reaching out to others to guide them and they in turn reach out to others and the movement is growing… brings great excitement and a kind of deeply felt peace to me. I believe strongly in helping others. Perhaps, in time I can help someone going through the WLS process, too. Many Thanks, Jean /mamapoohbear on OH Reply Ramon Lopez May 15, 2009 Victoria.. Thank you so much for the kind words.. I have always said that my life is an open book if it will help just one person.. I opened a up a lot.. So I am glad it helped.. Reply Ramon Lopez May 15, 2009 You are so welcome Kittie.. I find it hard to accept the fact that people think I am an inspriration but if it helps someone that is what it is all about.. Paying it forward.. Reply Ramon Lopez May 15, 2009 Rebecca.. Truer words can not be spoken.. Research.. research.. research and then research some more.. Congrats on the 100 pounds gone forever.. Reply Ramon Lopez May 15, 2009 Please do so Frank I love seeing people go through this journey.. I would love to hear from you.. Just remember to pay it forward.. Reply Ramon Lopez May 15, 2009 mamapoohbear it is all about paying it forward and being the pebble that starts a ripple that turns into a tidal wave of helping other.. That is what it is all about.. Reply Ruth June 5, 2009 Ramon, People never look the same after profound weight loss! You look fabulous. I am writing a book on WLS and cultural implications. I’d like it very much if you would be willing to participate in an exploratory study to be included in the book. If so, please contact me: bariatric.operation@hotmail.com Anyone else that is interested is also welcome to contact me. Reply Pam June 6, 2009 Someone please help me. Had gastic bypass almost 4 yrs ago, now I have gained 50 pounds. I have cut way back on what I eat and still no luck. I am so depressed for beating myself over this. anyone got a answer ANGELROSE55@aol.com Reply Yvonne McCarthy June 7, 2009 Pam, I will email you and see if I can offer some assistance. Reply Connie Stemley June 19, 2009 I am having the same problem as Pam. I had RNY 02/2000, I lost from 305 to 186 by 8/2000 and since that time have steadily regained my weight back to where it is now at a high of 260. I consume about 1800 calories per day, try to ride my recumbent bike at leat 5 minutes a day – can’t do more as my knees are shot – bone on bone at this point. I’ve called by surgeon’s office in California and they tell me to “work the program.” I have yet to figure out just what that means. Others tell me I just have to go back to a regular type of diet – Weight Watcher’s, etc., which never worked in the first place. My pouch is still viable – I can tell by what I can eat and how much it takes to make me full. I just can’t seem to get anywhere and I don’t know what to do. I am almost 68 years old and I am miserable. Can anyone help? Reply Hungry2Live (Michael S) July 23, 2009 I can’t get enough of this story. It is such an inspiration. Someday, I will meet all of you in real life! Keep doing what you are doing Ramon AND Yvonne Reply Yvonne McCarthy July 24, 2009 Thanks Michael, that is so kind of you. Reply Ramon July 24, 2009 Michael: Thanks for the great words.. I just hate to burst your bubble but the person you really want to meet is Yvonne she is much better looking than me.. LOL.. It has been a long hard journey and I would do it all over again.. Reply Hungry2Live (Michael S) July 24, 2009 Your welcome to both of you! Reply Yvonne McCarthy July 31, 2009 Hey Connie, I don’t know if you’ll see this or not but I’m happy to try to help you. I’m sorry you are having problems and maybe I can be of some help. You can contact me through my website at http://www.bariatricgirl.com. Many blessings, Yvonne Reply Marty Harkcom January 14, 2010 I do not even know what to say or how proud i am of Ramon. I have known him for years and was a confidant of mine. I am so happy and proud of your journey this is one of the best testimonies you have. I love you brother and only wish you and your family the best. Great Job my man and thank you for your great smile and sense of humor! Reply Laura Rosales November 23, 2010 This story made me cry and laugh I’m 500lbs and waiting to get my surgery date. I’m nervous and excited from all of these success storyies but I wanted to know how do I find a support group. I’m on my pre op need to loose weight within 3 weeks I’m on no carbs diet and I have moments that I cry bymyself I would be honor if I could meet Ramon Lopez. I live in New Braunfels, Tx and have a young son that is obese and a brother that i want someone, especially a man to talk about his weight. Please if you can help!! Reply Ramon Lopez December 8, 2010 Laura.. I live in Houston and don’t know the proximity of here to New Braunsfels but if you want to shoot me an email my email address is Stonecold903@yahoo.com I hope you see this and I am sorry it has taken me so long to respond.. Reply Ramon Lopez December 8, 2010 McFly.. Wow who would have thought that you would have found me here.. LOL.. Thanks for the great words.. You make me sound okay for being me.. It blows my mind when I think about all the great times we had.. Peace Bro Reply Bobem November 30, 2012 Thank you for writing Suchithra! I am glad you find my wrtiings useful and inspiring to you! Everything you have written, I have read and it is important to me! I am praying with you.May you prosper in your dreams and in your whole life. In Light,Yvonne Reply Leave a Reply Cancel ReplyYour email address will not be published.CommentName* Email* Website CAPTCHA Code *
Yvonne McCarthy February 2, 2009 Thank you WLS Channel for giving me the opportunity to share in telling the story of this incredible weight loss journey. Ramon is passionate about “paying it forward” and it’s wonderful that more people will learn about his awesome story! Reply
Jackie Guerra February 2, 2009 I think any picture – moving or not – that features Ramon Lopez is worth waaaaaaaay more than a thousand words! Congratulations Ramon for your continued success and gracias for extending yourself to help others as well. You are the walking/talking personification of, Si Se Puede. And you did! Just one question Brotha, did you pull a Mariah Carey ask the director to shoot your “good side” so that we could see your dimples? Because I seem to remember a “Mariah moment” while taking a picture with you when we had to switch sides to show off those dimples:). LOL! Glad you did. Keep on Keepin’ On, you do it well. Mucho xoxoxo Reply
John Craig February 2, 2009 This video was very touching to me. I can relate to Ramon. I was 580lbs. 2 years ago and lost 81 lbs. just getting off the sodas. In July 2008 I had lapband surgery and in the last 6 months I have lost 170 lbs. for a total of 251 lbs. I still have about 100 lbs. to get off. I am going though everything that Ramon said on the video and will one day have to have skin took off. I just want to thank Yvonne, Ramon and The WLS Channel for sharing this video with us. Reply
Ramon February 2, 2009 John.. Thanks for the kind words.. I am so glad to see that you are doing so well.. Keep up the great work.. I am just a blessed man.. Reply
Ramon February 2, 2009 Jackie.. You are making me blush.. This is just a stepping stone.. I want to be like you and be on Tyra next.. LOL You know to me it is all about helping others.. I will never forget that.. As a matter of fact I did ask him about shooting from the other side.. He said something about this being Yvonne’s show or something like that.. You know something though.. I still looked good.. LOL Luv ya.. Reply
CajunGirl February 3, 2009 Ramon, as always you are such an inspiration to so many of us. I definitely can relate to your 4 (soon to be 5) things in life you live by, especially 1) remember where you came from; 2) paying it forward. I believe it’s a must for all of us to help others deal with obesity. May you continue to be successful and inspire others. Oh and your #5 gave me chills and made me tear up…..such wonderful words. Our journies continue! Dana Reply
mariana February 3, 2009 Yvone. congrats your show is great. i`m looking foward to see more of your guest`s journeys. and ramon you are very brave to let us all know your story. you should be very proud of where you are standing now. u both are very importat part of the WLS comunity. congrats to you both. Felicidades! hugs Reply
Jodi Barnes February 3, 2009 Ramon & Yvonne – thank you so much for such an awesome, inspiring, heart-touching interview. I have always read anything I could find about Ramon and been so touched and inspired by his story. This interview is the best and will benefit everyone who sees it. Reply
LIZETTE710 February 4, 2009 I LOVE RAMON. HES ON MY FRIENDS LIST ON OBESITY HELP. AND HIS STORY AND KINDNESS IS ONE OF A KIND. THIS INTERVIEW WAS OFF THE CHAIN. AND IVE SHARED IT WITH EVERYONE. KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK RAMON BESOS LIZETTE Reply
Shirley February 4, 2009 Ramon this is an amazing story. I am an obese woman, my diabetes is out of control. I am afraid of having the surgery and dying on the operating table. Do you have anything you can tell me to help me to think about bypass surgery? All my heartfelt congratulations to you, thank you. Shirley Reply
Yvonne McCarthy February 4, 2009 Thanks Jackie, John, Dana, Mariana, Jodi, Lizette and Shirley! Thank you for taking time out of your day to leave a comment. And speaking of Jackie…I “ain’t no” Jackie Guerra but my heart is in it. Ramon’s story is so important…. especially for the Latino community and for the men too. None of us are perfect as Ramon says but the “try for better” is there. Learning a trick from Jackie – “Think Globally, Act Locally”. Reply
Martitalinda February 4, 2009 Phenomenal, inspirational .. pay it forward and keep that inner light shining … we need to hear this fabulous message far and wide!!! Thank you all for sharing your story!! Reply
Gina Robinson February 4, 2009 I have been acquainted with Ramon for several years, beginning when I met him when he was pre-op, at a convention in 2004, but have only in the past year REALLY listened to his story and gotten to the know “the person inside”. I am now proud to consider Ramon my “family of choice”-and I do not use that term lightly. I am VERY proud of Ramon for all he does. Reply
Willa Wylde February 6, 2009 Hey Evonne, Ramon, This is awsome and so inspiring, keep it up the both of you, every time I hear one of you speak alone or together its inspirational, and I appreciate you all the more for being out there for us who need this support. Love you both, and I am glad, and honored to get to call you my friends. Reply
Nina February 6, 2009 Very inspirational. Totally instrumental. You are a vital component to many. I am honored and humbled to call you FRIEND! Love you! La Nina đŸ™‚ Reply
Brenda February 7, 2009 What an inspiration. I am 8 months out and have lost 92lbs. still have more to lose but it is a learning experience. Thank you for the chance to hear your story. And CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!! Brenda Reply
Yvonne McCarthy February 8, 2009 Martitalinda, Gina (our next show star), Alirat, Willa, Nina and Brenda! Bless you for your kind words. My lovely Martitalinda…dealing with so much but took the time to comment. You are a passion fire for WLS. Gina, the next show will tell your awesome story. Alirat, thanks for your support for Ramon. The incredibly shrinking Willa, thank you for stopping by. Nina, my love…and recently paying it forward for our newest saved life…thank you. Congrats Brenda on your success…wonderful to hear about your way back to a new life. Thank you all for adding your wisdom to this page and I look forward to much more. Reply
Marilyn Malec February 8, 2009 Ramon you were my inspiration to have WLS. You helped me with the patience of enduring the long wait. You sent me many friends to talk to who I still keep in touch with. Yvonne you are phenonminal. This should be a weekly show there are many people who need help and your show is the beginning. God Bless you both. Love Marilyn Reply
Yvonne McCarthy February 8, 2009 Marilyn, thanks so much. It’s wonderful to know there are people out there that enjoy and appreciate this. I’ve always thought Ramon’s story could serve as inspiration to so many. Thanks again for your words of encouragement. I hope your journey is going well and I’m looking forward to hearing from you again. Blessings, Yvonne Reply
Ramon February 11, 2009 Dana.. Thanks so much that means a lot coming from a vet like you.. I am a blessed man.. Reply
Ramon February 11, 2009 Mariana, Shirley, Lizette, Jody, Martitalinda, Gina,Alirat, Willa, Nina and Brenda! Thank you all so much for the great comments.. I am so amazed at the outpouring of your kind thoughts.. I can not stress enough how blessed I am and how important it is to pay it forward.. I have to say that although I have told my story many times it is still tough to put myself out there.. I know it is all about helping someone so that is why I do it.. Thanks again for the kind words.. Reply
Ramon February 11, 2009 Ms. Marilyn.. Thank you so much for the great words.. There are times when I wonder if I am actually touching people’s lives and then I get your message reminding me that I do help others.. I am so glad I was able to make a difference in your life.. And I am going to ask you like I ask everyone I help.. Please pay it forward.. Be the pebble.. I know you heard it already but it is so true.. We have so many that we need to touch and inspire.. Bless you.. Reply
Rhonda February 21, 2009 Ramon, This is the second time I have watched your video and I know I will watch it again many times. You are such an inspiration to me. God Bless You and thank you for taking the time to share your story with others. Rhonda Reply
LINDA YOUNGBLOOD February 27, 2009 LOOK AT YOU I AM SO HAPPY FOR YOU I COULD JUST CRY I HOPE YOU NO YOU HAVE HELPED SO MANY PEOPLE AND I NO THY HAVE LOOKED UP TO YOU FOR HOPE SO KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK YOU DO AND NO I AM SO HAPPY FOR YOU LOT’S OF HUG’S LINDA Reply
Ramon March 4, 2009 Rhonda and Linda thank you both so much for the comments.. I have to say Rhonda that I have watched the video a couple of times and I amazed at how much I opened up but I have always said my life is an open book when it comes to helping others.. So that is why I did it.. Linda.. Thanks for the hugs and know that I will do what I can to keep paying it forward.. Reply
Victoria April 11, 2009 Mr.Lopez, Congratulations on your success with weight loss. The video and your motivation to speak honestly and keenly will help so many people to rebuild thier lives by making the right choice about weight loss. Thank you for your sincerity and honesty, “You have changed my view on weight loss.” Starting here, right now! Reply
Kittie April 21, 2009 I am just blown away. Ramon you are an amazing individual. I wish you all the best in the future. Thank you for being such an inspiration to me as well as so many others xx Reply
Rebecca April 24, 2009 Awesome! I am sooooo glad that I got to listen to this encouraging life journey. I could relate to alot that was shared in this interview….. I have been obese my ENTIRE lifetime, I am now 50 years old. I spent 3 years researching weight loss surgery and trying to read blogs and shared stories from others who had experienced surgery, to decide if I truely wanted to go through such a drastic change myself. Fear kept me at bay for a long while. I had bariatric Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass Operation October 2008 with no complications thank God. Today- 6 months later, I am 100 pounds lighter with still alot more to get off, and wishing I had done this years ago! Its not the easy way out like some would suggest, this is a very serious and ever-changing experience and people need to realize it means CHANGE, not just physically, but emotional too. Do your research and don’t let fear stop you, because being morbidly obese has alot more life threatening dangers to it then the best prepared surgery ever would. Best wishes to your future! RC Reply
frank April 25, 2009 hey i saw your video and i was like wow and i am going to get Gastric Bypass in july i am 22 years old and i am 410 pounds i have not always big over weight and i always told my self that what can i do nothing so i thought i would never be able to lose weight but i saw your video and thats when i told myu self that i wanted to get that done so thank you ramon for changeing my mind after i get it done i will tell you how it is going and how much i have lost all together Reply
Jean Goldstein May 11, 2009 Thank You Ramon for sharing your journey and your heart felt ideals with us. I am 47 yrs old 5’5 and 392 lbs waiting to get approved, and the story of your journey has both touched my heart and given me hope that there is a future out there waiting for me. I want very much to succeed! Just knowing that there are people like you and Yvonne who are succeeding and reaching out to others to guide them and they in turn reach out to others and the movement is growing… brings great excitement and a kind of deeply felt peace to me. I believe strongly in helping others. Perhaps, in time I can help someone going through the WLS process, too. Many Thanks, Jean /mamapoohbear on OH Reply
Ramon Lopez May 15, 2009 Victoria.. Thank you so much for the kind words.. I have always said that my life is an open book if it will help just one person.. I opened a up a lot.. So I am glad it helped.. Reply
Ramon Lopez May 15, 2009 You are so welcome Kittie.. I find it hard to accept the fact that people think I am an inspriration but if it helps someone that is what it is all about.. Paying it forward.. Reply
Ramon Lopez May 15, 2009 Rebecca.. Truer words can not be spoken.. Research.. research.. research and then research some more.. Congrats on the 100 pounds gone forever.. Reply
Ramon Lopez May 15, 2009 Please do so Frank I love seeing people go through this journey.. I would love to hear from you.. Just remember to pay it forward.. Reply
Ramon Lopez May 15, 2009 mamapoohbear it is all about paying it forward and being the pebble that starts a ripple that turns into a tidal wave of helping other.. That is what it is all about.. Reply
Ruth June 5, 2009 Ramon, People never look the same after profound weight loss! You look fabulous. I am writing a book on WLS and cultural implications. I’d like it very much if you would be willing to participate in an exploratory study to be included in the book. If so, please contact me: bariatric.operation@hotmail.com Anyone else that is interested is also welcome to contact me. Reply
Pam June 6, 2009 Someone please help me. Had gastic bypass almost 4 yrs ago, now I have gained 50 pounds. I have cut way back on what I eat and still no luck. I am so depressed for beating myself over this. anyone got a answer ANGELROSE55@aol.com Reply
Connie Stemley June 19, 2009 I am having the same problem as Pam. I had RNY 02/2000, I lost from 305 to 186 by 8/2000 and since that time have steadily regained my weight back to where it is now at a high of 260. I consume about 1800 calories per day, try to ride my recumbent bike at leat 5 minutes a day – can’t do more as my knees are shot – bone on bone at this point. I’ve called by surgeon’s office in California and they tell me to “work the program.” I have yet to figure out just what that means. Others tell me I just have to go back to a regular type of diet – Weight Watcher’s, etc., which never worked in the first place. My pouch is still viable – I can tell by what I can eat and how much it takes to make me full. I just can’t seem to get anywhere and I don’t know what to do. I am almost 68 years old and I am miserable. Can anyone help? Reply
Hungry2Live (Michael S) July 23, 2009 I can’t get enough of this story. It is such an inspiration. Someday, I will meet all of you in real life! Keep doing what you are doing Ramon AND Yvonne Reply
Ramon July 24, 2009 Michael: Thanks for the great words.. I just hate to burst your bubble but the person you really want to meet is Yvonne she is much better looking than me.. LOL.. It has been a long hard journey and I would do it all over again.. Reply
Yvonne McCarthy July 31, 2009 Hey Connie, I don’t know if you’ll see this or not but I’m happy to try to help you. I’m sorry you are having problems and maybe I can be of some help. You can contact me through my website at http://www.bariatricgirl.com. Many blessings, Yvonne Reply
Marty Harkcom January 14, 2010 I do not even know what to say or how proud i am of Ramon. I have known him for years and was a confidant of mine. I am so happy and proud of your journey this is one of the best testimonies you have. I love you brother and only wish you and your family the best. Great Job my man and thank you for your great smile and sense of humor! Reply
Laura Rosales November 23, 2010 This story made me cry and laugh I’m 500lbs and waiting to get my surgery date. I’m nervous and excited from all of these success storyies but I wanted to know how do I find a support group. I’m on my pre op need to loose weight within 3 weeks I’m on no carbs diet and I have moments that I cry bymyself I would be honor if I could meet Ramon Lopez. I live in New Braunfels, Tx and have a young son that is obese and a brother that i want someone, especially a man to talk about his weight. Please if you can help!! Reply
Ramon Lopez December 8, 2010 Laura.. I live in Houston and don’t know the proximity of here to New Braunsfels but if you want to shoot me an email my email address is Stonecold903@yahoo.com I hope you see this and I am sorry it has taken me so long to respond.. Reply
Ramon Lopez December 8, 2010 McFly.. Wow who would have thought that you would have found me here.. LOL.. Thanks for the great words.. You make me sound okay for being me.. It blows my mind when I think about all the great times we had.. Peace Bro Reply
Bobem November 30, 2012 Thank you for writing Suchithra! I am glad you find my wrtiings useful and inspiring to you! Everything you have written, I have read and it is important to me! I am praying with you.May you prosper in your dreams and in your whole life. In Light,Yvonne Reply
