HomeSuccess StoriesWeight Loss Surgery Transforms Yvonne McCarthy Into ‘Bariatric Girl’ gwhqadmin November 24, 2009 Success Stories 20 Comments 20 Responses Barbara Gathers November 27, 2009 Congratulations Yvonne! You are an inspiration. Bariatric Girl November 30, 2009 Thanks Barbara. That is so kind of you to say. Many blessings, Yvonne debra November 30, 2009 i am so happy to know you yvonne and thanks for the friendship…love you and proud of you Kathy December 2, 2009 Yvonne You Rock girl! We Dr. A girls have to stick together. It is amazing getting your life back and learning to love yourself again! Kat Mom2Three December 15, 2009 Are you going to be doing anymore interviews Yvonne? I loved the interview section where you talk to success WLS patients. Bariatric Girl December 17, 2009 Thanks everybody!! Love ya Debra, you’re right Kathy and Mom2Three YES! There will be more and thanks so much for asking. You’re a sweetie! Love you guys, Yvonne roxie (thinner56) December 20, 2009 wow, what a great story. im new (7 months out) and im struggling everyday because i really want to do this right i didn’t get brain surgery and im so mad at myself for not being able to change some of my terrible eating habits. i know this journey is hard for everyone and i would really appreciate any advice u can give me, im becoming so frustrated!!! Bariatric Girl December 28, 2009 Hi Roxie, sorry it took so long for me to see this. All I can share with you in this short space is something that works for me. Start fresh in the morning and plan your food for the day. Decide to nurture and respect the miracle surgery that you’ve been given. When you eat badly you are hurting yourself and the only way to stop eating bad stuff is to stop. Craving will stop if you stop reminding yourself how good the junk tastes by continuing to eat it. Which do you want more….the success of your journey or are you disrespecting the beautiful gift of life that’s been offered you? I was telling a good friend of mine today that it’s like we have a 5 year old inside us at the grocery store screaming “MOMMY MOMMY I WANT THAT CANDY!!!” Mommy has to say no because it’s not good for you…it is the poison that will return you to your prison of obesity. I would be happy to help you in any way I can. I know that if I treat my surgery with respect and protect my investment, I will get from it what I was promised….a successful journey to a healthy life. Roxie you are in a good place to make those changes. It gets tougher after about a year. Dedicate yourself and start over in the morning and show yourself the love you deserve. You can do this! hugs, Yvonne Tina March 18, 2010 Wow, I am so proud of you , it is amazing and so compelling and I thoroughly understand your pain completely. I am starting a weight loss program with my Dr in the morning and I hope to one day be as happy with my results as you are with yours, Best wishes to you , Tina malhal May 28, 2010 Hi Yvonne just read your truly inspiring success story! I am actually scheduled to go for the gastric bypass surgery in 2 weeks! My mind is made up but as the time comes closer I am starting to freak out a little! What can u tell me of the actual surgery and recovery! I am a big wuss and the thought of being hunched over in pain for weeks is not very appealing to me! Pleez put my crazy mind to rest Yvonne McCarthy May 28, 2010 Dear Malhal, It is so normal to freak a little but this procedure is so far advanced compared to when I had it. I have actually talked to several post-ops that say they had little to NO pain. Many are off their pain meds in just mere days. If you are uncomfortable for any reason just tell your doc but I’ll bet you’ll find out that it’s nothing compared to what you’ve imagined. Soooooo….put your crazy mind to rest and sit back and enjoy the beginning of what was the most amazing journey I’ve ever experienced. If you need me for anything you can find me on my site (Bariatricgirl.com) Many blessings, Yvonne Patty Davis July 16, 2010 dear yvonne GREAT JOB, GREAT LIFE—– I have just started on my to surgery journey, ( start next week with appointments) I am so torn on which one to do, gastric or the band. I can do the work for either one, I just want the one that will give me the best results for the work I am going to do. I have worked sooooooooooo hard in the past with little results so I need to do the surg that will work the best. Do you have any advice on one verses the other> thanks for your help.Patty Shirley July 19, 2010 Yvonne, you are an inspiration..I will be 65 one month before my gastric bypass surgery..I have been so upset, trying to decide if lapband or gastric bypass is best for me..my surgeon will do either one..I need to lose min of 80 pounds,(100 is on chart). I have bad knees, fibromyalgia, osteoarthritis, all the joint pain and complaints that come with aging..I am set for gastric bypass in 2 months, unless I change my mind. after researching and going to classes, I look around and see that I am not the most obese one in the room, but I want to be healthy again and enjoy retirement with husband..my main concern has been my age in relation to recovery from the surgery. I have seen more failures with the lapband than gastric bypass and I want to take this one-shot and make surgery work, therefore, I think all factors point to gastric bypass for me..With information I have shared, do you think I am a candidate for gastric bypass…Thanks..Shirley Ruben August 16, 2010 Are you ever in San Diego, Ca? Do you do any seminars in the San Diego area about your success or just bariatric weight-loss surgery? Yvonne McCarthy October 15, 2010 Hi Ruben, I just saw your response. If you’d like to contact me regarding any questions you can email me at yvonne@bariatricgirl.com. Thanks! Cheryl November 13, 2010 Ms. Yvonne, It’s difficult to respond through tears, but your story resembles my own life so closely that is was a little scary to read. I never experienced one day of having a small body though, I am due to have my gastric bypass Dec 9, and I don’t think i’ve ever looked forward to anything other than the birth of my children …honestly, I think I’m looking forward to this more, it’s hard to admit that. I’ve lived with this fat body for more than 30 years, and I am tired of it. I want the confidence and strength to hold my head high and be able to do whatever I want to do. Thanks for the story, it reassures me that I’m making the best decision of my life. Thanks Yvonne McCarthy (Bariatric Girl) February 3, 2011 Cheryl I don’t know if you’ll see this or not. I am so very sorry that I missed it. I would love to hear how everything went and how you are doing. If you happen to see my response I would love you to drop by my site at http://www.bariatricgirl.com and leave me a message please. We obviously have very much in common and I feel awful that I missed your message. Hugs, Yvonne Georg August 30, 2011 Hi Yvonne, Thank you so much for posting your story. I am having a gastric sleeve done next week, and while I am committed, I find there are a ton of negative comments and stories around me. I know that this is how I am going to find my way back to health, and that it is what is best. It helps to read stories like yours. Thanks again. elaine July 27, 2012 i have posted my story before, i do not seem to be able to get back on track. every one round me is saying they knew i wouldnt keep the weight off. (over 9 stone lost, went from a size 26 to a 12) i am so unhappy, cry a lot of the time and feel a total failure. i am back in size 16 clothes and have put a third of the weight back on. i go round in circles of eating because i feel useless, then feel guilty and eat again. please can someone help me sort a plan out to get back on track and like myself again. i dont know how many calories i am supposed to have per day, and know i have probably stretched my stomach pouch, can that be reversed and does any 1 know about intake ? please dont shout at me and say its my own fault, i have done enough of that i am begging for help yours very unhappy Elaine gloucester england Linda September 3, 2012 Is there a program available for diabetics who want to come off of medications and want to have gastric by-pass surgery or lap bands applied for people who do not have insurance, are there doctors who are experienced and willing to do these surgeries on people with no insurance/money? I am a diabetic and want to get rid of all medications (cholesterol/blood pressure) but unable to afford surgery. Is there any MD that can help me?
Bariatric Girl November 30, 2009 Thanks Barbara. That is so kind of you to say. Many blessings, Yvonne
debra November 30, 2009 i am so happy to know you yvonne and thanks for the friendship…love you and proud of you
Kathy December 2, 2009 Yvonne You Rock girl! We Dr. A girls have to stick together. It is amazing getting your life back and learning to love yourself again! Kat
Mom2Three December 15, 2009 Are you going to be doing anymore interviews Yvonne? I loved the interview section where you talk to success WLS patients.
Bariatric Girl December 17, 2009 Thanks everybody!! Love ya Debra, you’re right Kathy and Mom2Three YES! There will be more and thanks so much for asking. You’re a sweetie! Love you guys, Yvonne
roxie (thinner56) December 20, 2009 wow, what a great story. im new (7 months out) and im struggling everyday because i really want to do this right i didn’t get brain surgery and im so mad at myself for not being able to change some of my terrible eating habits. i know this journey is hard for everyone and i would really appreciate any advice u can give me, im becoming so frustrated!!!
Bariatric Girl December 28, 2009 Hi Roxie, sorry it took so long for me to see this. All I can share with you in this short space is something that works for me. Start fresh in the morning and plan your food for the day. Decide to nurture and respect the miracle surgery that you’ve been given. When you eat badly you are hurting yourself and the only way to stop eating bad stuff is to stop. Craving will stop if you stop reminding yourself how good the junk tastes by continuing to eat it. Which do you want more….the success of your journey or are you disrespecting the beautiful gift of life that’s been offered you? I was telling a good friend of mine today that it’s like we have a 5 year old inside us at the grocery store screaming “MOMMY MOMMY I WANT THAT CANDY!!!” Mommy has to say no because it’s not good for you…it is the poison that will return you to your prison of obesity. I would be happy to help you in any way I can. I know that if I treat my surgery with respect and protect my investment, I will get from it what I was promised….a successful journey to a healthy life. Roxie you are in a good place to make those changes. It gets tougher after about a year. Dedicate yourself and start over in the morning and show yourself the love you deserve. You can do this! hugs, Yvonne
Tina March 18, 2010 Wow, I am so proud of you , it is amazing and so compelling and I thoroughly understand your pain completely. I am starting a weight loss program with my Dr in the morning and I hope to one day be as happy with my results as you are with yours, Best wishes to you , Tina
malhal May 28, 2010 Hi Yvonne just read your truly inspiring success story! I am actually scheduled to go for the gastric bypass surgery in 2 weeks! My mind is made up but as the time comes closer I am starting to freak out a little! What can u tell me of the actual surgery and recovery! I am a big wuss and the thought of being hunched over in pain for weeks is not very appealing to me! Pleez put my crazy mind to rest
Yvonne McCarthy May 28, 2010 Dear Malhal, It is so normal to freak a little but this procedure is so far advanced compared to when I had it. I have actually talked to several post-ops that say they had little to NO pain. Many are off their pain meds in just mere days. If you are uncomfortable for any reason just tell your doc but I’ll bet you’ll find out that it’s nothing compared to what you’ve imagined. Soooooo….put your crazy mind to rest and sit back and enjoy the beginning of what was the most amazing journey I’ve ever experienced. If you need me for anything you can find me on my site (Bariatricgirl.com) Many blessings, Yvonne
Patty Davis July 16, 2010 dear yvonne GREAT JOB, GREAT LIFE—– I have just started on my to surgery journey, ( start next week with appointments) I am so torn on which one to do, gastric or the band. I can do the work for either one, I just want the one that will give me the best results for the work I am going to do. I have worked sooooooooooo hard in the past with little results so I need to do the surg that will work the best. Do you have any advice on one verses the other> thanks for your help.Patty
Shirley July 19, 2010 Yvonne, you are an inspiration..I will be 65 one month before my gastric bypass surgery..I have been so upset, trying to decide if lapband or gastric bypass is best for me..my surgeon will do either one..I need to lose min of 80 pounds,(100 is on chart). I have bad knees, fibromyalgia, osteoarthritis, all the joint pain and complaints that come with aging..I am set for gastric bypass in 2 months, unless I change my mind. after researching and going to classes, I look around and see that I am not the most obese one in the room, but I want to be healthy again and enjoy retirement with husband..my main concern has been my age in relation to recovery from the surgery. I have seen more failures with the lapband than gastric bypass and I want to take this one-shot and make surgery work, therefore, I think all factors point to gastric bypass for me..With information I have shared, do you think I am a candidate for gastric bypass…Thanks..Shirley
Ruben August 16, 2010 Are you ever in San Diego, Ca? Do you do any seminars in the San Diego area about your success or just bariatric weight-loss surgery?
Yvonne McCarthy October 15, 2010 Hi Ruben, I just saw your response. If you’d like to contact me regarding any questions you can email me at yvonne@bariatricgirl.com. Thanks!
Cheryl November 13, 2010 Ms. Yvonne, It’s difficult to respond through tears, but your story resembles my own life so closely that is was a little scary to read. I never experienced one day of having a small body though, I am due to have my gastric bypass Dec 9, and I don’t think i’ve ever looked forward to anything other than the birth of my children …honestly, I think I’m looking forward to this more, it’s hard to admit that. I’ve lived with this fat body for more than 30 years, and I am tired of it. I want the confidence and strength to hold my head high and be able to do whatever I want to do. Thanks for the story, it reassures me that I’m making the best decision of my life. Thanks
Yvonne McCarthy (Bariatric Girl) February 3, 2011 Cheryl I don’t know if you’ll see this or not. I am so very sorry that I missed it. I would love to hear how everything went and how you are doing. If you happen to see my response I would love you to drop by my site at http://www.bariatricgirl.com and leave me a message please. We obviously have very much in common and I feel awful that I missed your message. Hugs, Yvonne
Georg August 30, 2011 Hi Yvonne, Thank you so much for posting your story. I am having a gastric sleeve done next week, and while I am committed, I find there are a ton of negative comments and stories around me. I know that this is how I am going to find my way back to health, and that it is what is best. It helps to read stories like yours. Thanks again.
elaine July 27, 2012 i have posted my story before, i do not seem to be able to get back on track. every one round me is saying they knew i wouldnt keep the weight off. (over 9 stone lost, went from a size 26 to a 12) i am so unhappy, cry a lot of the time and feel a total failure. i am back in size 16 clothes and have put a third of the weight back on. i go round in circles of eating because i feel useless, then feel guilty and eat again. please can someone help me sort a plan out to get back on track and like myself again. i dont know how many calories i am supposed to have per day, and know i have probably stretched my stomach pouch, can that be reversed and does any 1 know about intake ? please dont shout at me and say its my own fault, i have done enough of that i am begging for help yours very unhappy Elaine gloucester england
Linda September 3, 2012 Is there a program available for diabetics who want to come off of medications and want to have gastric by-pass surgery or lap bands applied for people who do not have insurance, are there doctors who are experienced and willing to do these surgeries on people with no insurance/money? I am a diabetic and want to get rid of all medications (cholesterol/blood pressure) but unable to afford surgery. Is there any MD that can help me?
