Patient Success Stories
“I can’t do this on my own. I need help.”
My name is Glenn Wienski and I have been overweight most of my life--for probably 30 years, and got to my heaviest weight of 345 pounds during COVID. My wife and I were staying in a hotel so we were eating out every day. I ended up just gaining more and more weight and just could not lose it.
In 2022, I went to my primary care doctor, and he was concerned about my weight and said I should look into bariatric surgery but I did not want to do that at the time. I told him I thought I could lose the weight myself as I had done many years ago while training for a 5k. So I ended up seeing a cardiologist and he suggested the same surgery.
A year later, after the doctors suggested the surgery, my family and I went on vacation to Gulf Shores. I wanted to go to the historic forts but it was so hot and I was so overweight, I could not walk around. My knees were hurting, and I would have to sit in the shade while my wife and son walked around and took pictures for me.
That’s when I said, ‘I can’t do this on my own. I need help.’ That was in October 2023 and I had surgery in November 2023.
My primary care doctor recommended Grandview, and I went to the bariatric surgery seminar that Dr. Frey was leading. When we left the seminar, I asked my wife and son what they thought and they immediately said, ‘You need to do it’.
When I called to set up my appointment, I asked for Dr. Frey. I chose the surgery because of my age, 52 at the time, and because Dr. Frey thought I would be more successful with the bypass. He was right!
I currently weigh 188 pounds and can do everything now! I used to have to wear knee braces just to go bowling.
Now, I can go bowling with no pain.
I can walk with no pain. I go on long hikes, sometimes close to 15,000 steps in just two hours, and I was never able to do that before. I sleep better. I am no longer snoring. I have so much energy that I got bored at home and picked up a second job just to get out of the house more.
My biggest surprise from this journey has been my knee pain being gone. I thought I had arthritis in both knees and would eventually have to have knee replacements. But it is no longer an issue.
I really focus on keeping my weight at my target number. I still chart my calories. I enter my food log, and I try to make sure that if I do eat a little more or have a little snack that I get more steps in that day with a little walk or even just walking around the house more. I also go to the gym at least 3 to 4 days per week and try to get at least 15,000 steps in a day.
I would definitely recommend this to others. My friends and family were thrilled after I had the surgery. My extended family lives up north so my son suggested me not telling anyone and to see their surprise during our next visit. So in the summer of 2024, my mom and stepdad flew down to visit us. They almost walked right past me in the airport when I went to pick them up because they did not recognize me.
The whole staff have been amazing from the receptionist to the nutritionist to Dr. Frey. They have always been encouraging and supportive and that has meant everything!
Janna Parris
My name is Janna Parris and I decided to seek help because I was tired of being tired. I was overweight, uncomfortable and felt like I wasn't able to live the life I wanted with my kids.
Before coming to the clinic, I had tried everything. I did GLP-1 injections and just about every diet under the sun, but nothing worked long-term for me. This was the first weight loss clinic I had ever come to.
I first heard about the clinic through my best friend, who works in the billing department. From my very first visit, I knew this experience was different. Everyone at the clinic was so friendly and welcoming. The communication is great, and they really take the time to get to know you and understand your "why."
Around three months into the program I remember thinking, this is actually going to work. A few months later, I lost my mom. That was a huge turning point for me because I realized I couldn't eat my feelings anymore. I had to learn how to deal with difficult things without relying on food for comfort, and that became a major part of my journey.
The changes have been incredible. I’ve lost 126 pounds. My blood work is now completely normal. My high blood pressure is gone, my pre-diabetes is gone, and I can breathe and walk so much better. I've even had to go shopping and replace my entire wardrobe. My confidence is miles ahead of where it used to be.
The most rewarding part of this journey has been my family. We're a sports family and spend a lot of our time at baseball fields. Before, I was just trying to get through the day. Now, I can enjoy being there, be present with my family, and even take my younger kids to the park between games and play with them.
One day, my 5-year-old told me, "Mom, I can tell you feel so much better. You smile all the time now." I hadn't really noticed that change until she pointed it out. Knowing that my kids see a happy mom who feels good in her own skin means everything to me. I would do this journey ten times over just for that feeling.
More than anything, the most rewarding part is showing my children that the weight didn't win. I tried and failed many times, but I didn't give up. Being able to show my kids that perseverance pays off is something I'll always be proud of.
If I had known how good I would feel today, I would have done this ten years ago. I've already referred several people to the clinic because of the experience I've had. Dr. Barton Wood and the entire staff make you feel comfortable from day one. They treat you like a person, not just a patient, and that kind of support makes all the difference.
Juaquetta Murray
My name is Juaquetta Murray and for years I struggled with my weight. Like many people, I tried several different ways to lose weight. Some of them worked for a little while, but the weight always came back. After years of dieting and starting over, I realized I needed a more permanent solution.
I started talking to friends, doing research online, and learning more about bariatric surgery. After reading positive reviews and hearing great things about Grandview’s program, I decided to schedule a consultation.
From the beginning, I felt comfortable with Dr. Barton Woods and the entire team. Everyone took the time to explain the process, answer my questions, and make sure I understood what to expect. That support made me feel confident every step of the way.
One thing that stood out to me was how accessible and caring the staff were. Whenever I needed something, they were quick to respond and always willing to help. The level of care was unlike anything I had experienced before.
Of course, losing weight has changed my life, but the biggest transformation has been how I feel about myself. I have so much more confidence now. I can wear the clothes I want to wear, feel comfortable in social situations, and enjoy activities I used to avoid. One of my favorite victories was being able to ride amusement park rides without worrying about whether I would fit.
One of the most rewarding parts of this journey has been inspiring others. After seeing my success, two of my nieces decided to pursue bariatric surgery themselves. They were hesitant at first, but after watching my progress, they took that step and now say it was one of the best decisions they have ever made.
It wasn't until about six months after surgery that I truly realized how much my life had changed. My husband and daughter noticed the difference before I did. When old photos started popping up on social media, I couldn't believe how far I had come.
Today, nearly two years after surgery, I have maintained my weight loss and continue to enjoy a healthier, more active life. The surgery gave me the opportunity, but maintaining my results has become a commitment that I am proud of.
If someone is considering bariatric surgery, my advice is simple: do it. If you're tired of going from one diet to another without lasting success, this can be a life-changing tool. Choosing this program was one of the best decisions I've ever made, and I'm grateful every day for the confidence and quality of life I've gained.