"When I turned 50 years young I said to myself no more yo-yo dieting. I felt that going up and down the scale was not good for my heart. I made the decision that I wanted to see my six grandchildren grow up and to enjoy my great-grand children one day. At 365lbs I thought I would never be able to maintain a healthy weight again. I knew then I was ready to have gastric bypass surgery to help me achieve my goals. On November 19, 2007 I had the surgery.

Thanks to Dr. Dakin & the support staff I truly feel like I am a graduate after obtaining my goal weight of 167lbs one year later. I feel inspired to maintain my weight. Now the true work begins which is maintaining my weight and doing the work necessary without that feeling that I am working in vain. No more wishful thinking for me, the weight is finally off. I now enjoy swimming, working-out at the gym and just taking long walks again. I feel I have a new lease on life and by the grace of God I intend to live life to its fullest."
– DC

"As I look at my before picture I keep wondering what exactly I had to smile about. At 439lbs my weight was pressing on my lungs and I could barely breathe. I had no quality of life and was heading for certain death before my 54th birthday. I had a Sleeve Gastrectomy in June 2005 with Dr. Pomp and have lost 180 lbs. I have my life back and couldn't be happier. Crossing my legs and bending over to tie my shoes are once again everyday activities. This surgery is truly life changing and life saving. I am really looking forward to participating in the Walk From Obesity this year and every year thereafter. Oh, and by the way, the pants in the after picture are the same ones I was wearing in the before picture."
– HR

"I have spent most of my life struggling with my weight; and in recent years, that struggle had turned into a struggle for my health as well. That all changed for the better when Dr. Pomp did my bypass surgery. I have enjoyed remarkable success in my journey to better health and a better quality of life. And while I don't look at my surgery as a quick fix or an easy road to weight-loss success, I do look at it as a tremendous tool that has helped me to accomplish some of the things I have dreamed of all my life. The after picture here on this site is a good example. After wanting to be a runner for years but not having the physical stamina to train, I was finally able to pursue that dream. The picture is of me nearing the finish line of my first NYC marathon (26.2 miles). Thanks are due to Dr. Pomp and all of the wonderful support staff who have helped me to have a longer and happier life."
– MS

"Before I decided to have surgery, I looked into several options. I had been on many diets, but my weight kept creeping up. I was left out of things because I was not physically able to participate. I knew that I had to do something or else I was going to die. Dr. Gagner came highly recommended; he was so kind and reassuring. I needed to have a BPD/DS in 2 parts because of my health. I had the first surgery November 2003, the 2nd November 2004. Today I have lost 250# and I am active, healthy and can do things that I never dreamed I would be able to do again. I can go into any store and buy clothes, that alone is a wonderful feeling. I am a wife, mother and grandmother to 12 grandchildren. I now enjoy life to the fullest, as I am no longer a prisoner trapped in my body. Thank you Dr. Gagner for giving me back my life, Liz for her wonderful guidance and patience, and also Evelyn and Diana for their friendship and support every time I went to the office. I now make healthy food choices, exercise daily, and can once again dance with my husband."
– CF

"After much research, I decided to have the duodenal switch bariatric surgery. I did a lot of research into who was the best surgeon and had the best reputation. In my business I deal with clients from all over the world. In repeated occasions, Dr. Michel Gagner's name was mentioned as being one of the pioneers in his field and the best surgeon to do this procedure laparoscopically. I could not have been happier with the results of the surgery and Dr. Gagner himself. Having the best surgery for your specific needs is important, but having the best surgeon is critical. I had the best of both. It has now been 18 months after surgery and I have lost 172 lbs and have never felt better. Thank you, Dr. Gagner."
– MJ

The Duodenal Switch Surgery, performed by the brilliant surgeons Drs. Pomp and Gagner, is by far the best decision I have ever made. Prior to surgery, I felt as though I was falling apart, with the morbid obesity, insulin dependent diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, high cholesterol, breathing problems, and just feeling horribly exhausted all the time. I slept with a C-Pap machine connected to oxygen each night. All this at age 45 and I was scared for my life. I had tried every way there was to lose the weight, but nothing ever worked in the long run. Since I made the scary but life-saving decision to have the DS surgery over one year ago, I have lost 106# and feel as though I stepped out of that diseased body! Today all of the above problems have been eradicated and I am teaching full-time and feeling great! My husband and I go dancing on weekends, and I celebrate my new life each and every day! It may sound dramatic, but it is true. Dr. Pomp performed a miracle on me, I am so thankful to this man! Life can be great again....Don't hesitate...GO FOR IT!!!
– DP

"I lost 100 pounds in 6 months....I feel great!"
– DS

"Bypass surgery was the only option for me, after over 15 years of dieting, pills and unsuccessful exercise regimes I turned to Dr. Pomp for the surgery. Dr. Pomp and his staff have led me to lose the weight I wanted, and I have learned to eat and live healthier as well. He instituted this program and carefully monitors his patients as well. Dr. Pomp and Liz have helped me become who I once was."
– TD

"In 1999 I was fortunate enough to be one of Dr. Gagner's early laparoscopic BPD/DS patients. I followed Dr. Gagner to the New York-Presbyterian Center for Obesity Surgery and thanks to his continued care and expertise, I have gone on to lose a total of 134 pounds. My experience with the hospital and staff at New York-Presbyterian has been phenomenal! The facility is top-notch and I believe Dr. Gagner is the best in his field. I am healthy, finally in control of my weight, and finally at peace with my body. I would do it all again in a heart beat! I wish everyone the success that I have enjoyed."
– SH

"Before my BPD/DS, my health and my mobility had seriously deteriorated, along with my quality of life. In the 8 months since my surgery, I have lost 188 pounds. More importantly, I have gained back my health and my life. My diabetes is gone! So are my high blood pressure, high cholesterol, fatty liver, sleep apnea, knee pain, impaired mobility, asthma symptoms, breathing difficulties, etc. My kidneys are almost back to normal. This surgery has truly given me back my life, and given my husband and children back their wife and mother. I feel absolutely wonderful both physically and emotionally. I am so grateful to my surgeon Dr. Gagner, his outstanding nutritionist Liz Goldenberg, and all of the staff in their office."
– NK

"I am approaching my one year anniversary and I have lost 155 pounds to date. This surgery was the best decision for me and I am very grateful to Dr. Pomp and his staff. After years of struggling with all of the different diet plans, this was my last resort. Congrats and good luck to all."
– ACH