Rita Booth — Bariatric Surgery Patient Success Story
For over 10 years, Rita Booth tried all sorts of diets to lose weight, but they only worked temporarily.
In the workplace, she felt her weight was affecting her success. She notes that her customers would make decisions on doing business with her based on how she looked.
Not only did Rita want her customers to look at her differently, she wanted to improve her quality of life. Both her blood pressure and blood glucose were increasing.
In 2006, after doing some research, Rita underwent the prerequirements for bariatric surgery with a surgeon outside of UPMC.
She decided not to go through with the surgery. She felt it wasn't the right time for her.
A Life-Changing Decision
Five years later, Rita started hearing about George Eid, MD, from some of his patients and made an appointment for an evaluation.
Dr. Eid walked Rita through the entire bariatric surgery process, discussed her prospects for success, and exhibited confidence to be able to give her a better life.
After meeting with Dr. Eid and his staff, she felt educated and knowledgeable about the procedure and thought, “this is the right time with the right surgeon.”
Although it was a difficult decision, Rita underwent the gastric bypass procedure on August 5, 2010.
Winning Her Battle
Rita set a goal for herself — to be healthy and to feel good.
She was lucky to have support from her family and friends. They encouraged her to treat herself to something — a piece of jewelry or a vacation — once she reached her goal.
Being a huge animal lover, (she has four dogs) Rita's “treat” to herself was to donate pounds of dog food, in Dr. Eid’s name, for every pound she lost.
The Butler Humane Society was the recipient of her generous donation of 150 pounds of dog food and 8 pounds of dog cookies.
Rita would like to lose 30 additional pounds and will donate that amount in dog cookies.
Her high blood pressure has resolved and her blood sugar has decreased.
She credits Dr. Eid with allowing her to take control of her life and feels like she's been given a second chance.