Our Bariatric Success Stories

Shona Gardner *

3 years ago Dr Fitzer changed my life for the better, I finally feel like “myself” . I have maintained my 100 pound weight loss for over a year now and do not feel deprived or missing out on anything. This is my life now and it is amazing. My before picture is the morning of my surgery and my after was just taken on Saturday night 10-28-23….life is good. If you are here trying to figure out if you should do it, you should. Thanks Dr Fitzer and crew.

Jason Lamprey *

So thankful to have found Virginia Bariatric and Dr. Fitzer. My life has forever been changed. I had gastric bypass July 2020. The process was simple, from consult to pre and post op. I always felt supported along the way. My results have been amazing and I am happy to report nearly 3 years later my weight is stable, bloodwork is perfect, and I am in the best shape of my entire life. At 32 I realized I needed to make a major change. All of my health issues were weight related- sleep apnea, diabetes, fatty liver, high blood pressure, knee and back problems… the list continues. My highest weight was 380+ plus with a BMI of over 50. Post op I was supported and encouraged to get moving ASAP- from walking in the hospital, to light walks at home leading up to full workouts 12 weeks post op. I happened to fall in love with fitness as the weight began to melt off. I felt my energy change, my endurance greatly improving, and basic daily tasks like walking, putting shoes on, sitting on an airplane all become easier/better. Here’s the deal- I am now a full time fitness coach. I followed the protocol. I moved my body. I challenged my mind. I have lost over 190 pounds. My overall body fat is now 10% - that’s the same % as an athlete. I have minimal loose skin because I started working out quickly- adding cardio AND STRENGTH training right out the gate. Now I get the opportunity to share my store and encourage others. My one regret, not doing this sooner.

Shelby Biancaniello *

Dr. Fitzer and his staff are FABULOUS!!!! I had a bariatric sleeve done almost 2yrs ago and it literally saved my life! I had breast cancer and not only did the chemo pack on the weight, it attacked my liver. I was bridging into complete liver failure. I had to get the weight off fast! After meeting with Dr. Fitzer, who is a little rough around the edges and needs to work on his bedside manner, but... he KNOWS WHAT HE'S DOING! His staff definitely makes up for his lack of bedside manner. They are very well informed, it is definitely a one stop shop. Meeting with their in house nutritionist, nurses and PAs. I knew I was in very good hands! I am 5ft tall, on a good day, and weighed 200lbs. I was a tight size 14. In 6months I was a size 4!!!! It has been just about 2yrs now and a few more "breast cancer related" surgeries later, I am now a size 2 and feeling FABULOUS!!!!! It is NOT easy by no means! The first 6 to 9 weeks are pure he'll, but if you stick with it and believe in yourself, YOU CAN DO IT!!! If I can do it... ANYONE CAN DO IT!!! I am a very jealous eater! This was very hard for me! It is sooooo very worth it!!!

Tim Prange *

When my wife and I first met with Dr. Fitzer, he asked me what I would say if he told me he could add 10 more years to my life. Looking back, he did so much more than that. When I went into the hospital for my surgery, I was on 9 different medicines for high blood pressure, diabetes and high cholesterol. When I left the hospital 3 days later I was already off of 5 of those medicines. My surgery was in September of 2019. At my heaviest, I weighed over 350 pounds. Now, a year and 3 months later I'm down to 213 pounds and still going strong. I started exercising again this summer and re-discovered how much I loved to ride my bike. I'm riding upwards of 90 miles a week now and the smile on my face every time I ride tells the story. I was never able to do physical activities with my daughter before and now I do on a regular basis. I want to say a huge "Thank You!" to Dr. Fitzer and his team. They have been supportive and so helpful throughout the process.