From Last Resort to Rediscovery My journey in choosing weight loss surgery was not an easy one. I was in complete denial that I even had a problem with weight or food. I knew I was overweight. I wasn’t proud of my 307 pounds . . . I just didn't see it or what it was doing to me. In 2004, I had an OB/GYN suggest that weight loss surgery was an option I should consider in order to prevent the oncoming diabetes, my existing high cholesterol, and to add years to my life. There were other issues. I had undiagnosed sleep apnea and constant acid reflux.

Erik Fones had the idea of weight loss surgery in the back of his mind "for years and years," he says. "But the stigma kept me from moving forward." That finally changed in 2019, when Fones decided to make his back-of-mind dream a reality. "I have a four-year-old son. I want to be here for him as long as I can," he says. Fones, now 39, once weighed 374 pounds and suffered from type 2 diabetes. One year after bariatric surgery at the Inova Weight Loss Surgery Program at Inova Fair Oaks Hospital, he's down to 209 pounds. "I'm in the best shape I can ever remember," he says.

Working as a medical and surgical nurse at Inova Fair Oaks Hospital, I knew the benefits of weight loss surgery and felt ready for the surgery after years of struggling with my weight and multiple unsuccessful attempts at diets. I was hitting the big 50 and did not want to go into my golden years fat and unhealthy, joints hurting, blood pressure elevated. I knew the dangers of obesity could put me at greater risk for cancer, diabetes and heart disease, already in my family. I had colleagues and friends who had improved their health with successful bariatric surgery at IFOH.

For Lamar Smith, it was a startling visit to his primary care doctor that turned his life around. At the time, he was 45 and weighed more than 500 pounds. He had diabetes and high blood pressure. "My doctor told me if I didn't make some changes, I'd probably have a heart attack within 10 years," Smith recalls. "It was a shock at first. But it made me take stock of my life, and I started looking into surgery." In the spring of 2019, Smith underwent gastric bypass surgery through the Inova Weight Loss Surgery Program.

"Now is the time to face the dragon, or it will chase you for all of your life." I thought of that quote as I left my third doctor's appointment in a month. Each doctor told me that I would be a good candidate for roux-en-y gastric bypass surgery. My sleep apnea and fibromyalgia were getting me down. My arthritic knee was slow to heal after surgery and I was shopping for size 3X. I had to face the dragon. Inova Fair Oaks Hospital and my surgeon gave me the tools to fight on December 12, 2005, when I had the surgery.

We are pleased to offer you the opportunity to join a free virtual support group, which will provide the important support and motivation you deserve after your weight loss surgery. Call 703-348-4716 for more information or to register. You can also complete our online registration form.  Note: Inova virtual support groups do not replace individual consultations with your physician. We encourage you to consult with your doctor about information learned from our virtual support groups as he/she has a more comprehensive understanding of your health.

Several proven weight loss surgical procedures are available at Inova Fair Oaks Hospital. We also offer a nonsurgical bariatric procedure using what is called the intragastric balloon. Our nationally recognized and highly experienced bariatric surgeons will expertly guide you as you evaluate the weight loss surgical treatment that suits your lifestyle and overall health.

We Help You Every Step of the Way You may feel uncertain and have many questions about weight loss surgery. All of us associated with Inova Weight Loss Surgery Program at Inova Fair Oaks Hospital are committed to helping you, every step of the way. We offer many services to assist you in your decision-making process. Should you choose weight loss surgery, we have informative classes and support groups to address all your new nutritional, fitness and lifestyle needs. Our door is open to you. Review the options and let us know how we can serve you better.