Carl and Lynn Frair

After Surgery

Before Surgery

Location: Everett, WA
Ages: Carl 37, Lynn 31
Weight lost: Carl 160 pounds, Lynn 150 pounds

Surgery Date: 09/16/2008
Current BMI: Carl 35, Lynn 25

Carl and Lynn's story

Our journey together began 11 years ago, but our struggle with obesity has spanned our lifetimes.

Lynn and I grew up living pretty close to each other. During our relationship and marriage, we found we had similar experiences. Lynn used to hang out in the mall where I worked, and we'd spent the weekends with our families indulging in similar activities and visiting similar destinations. It wasn’t until 3 years ago we found out that we shared a bond so parallel that it would cause us to take action at the very same moment in time. That bond was obesity; we both grew up trying to fight it, and until recently we both had lost.

Why they chose to draw the line against living with obesity

Much like in a twist of fate that brings two people together, we found ourselves faced with issues stemming directly from obesity, which could no longer be ignored and required some sort of resolution. Giving up was not an option. Lynn and I discovered yet another parallel in our lives. Not only did we grow up trying to fight obesity, we had fought it the exact same way. We had tried 45 different diets with no long-lasting successful weight loss. That’s when we made the decision together to invest in our health and look toward gastric banding surgery.

We were suffering from severe sleep apnea; Lynn had been diagnosed as pre-diabetic and had hyperlipidemia. I had chronic pain, plantar fasciitis, and asthma. Lynn was on over 17 medications for various ailments, 85% of which could be directly linked to obesity.

How their lives have changed

Now, 18 months after surgery, Lynn and I find ourselves sharing yet another common bond—we are healthy. Lynn is medication free, we are both sleep apnea free, and my pain and plantar fasciitis are gone. Together we have lost 310 pounds and counting.

With the REALIZE^® Band and the support of the REALIZE mySUCCESS^® Program, we are able to track our progress, set goals, and plan meals to help us achieve long term sustainable weight loss. As a chef, I am even challenging myself to create new and exciting band-friendly recipes.

Things we can do that we couldn't do before

Throughout our lives Lynn and I have shared some similar experiences—some together and some apart. We both agree the life we are able to experience today is the best thing the two of us have ever had together.

Today we find ourselves sharing new adventures and a new lifestyle. We recently went on a cruise to the Mexican Riviera and hiked 7 miles in the mountains!

Lynn is now at her goal weight and she is planning on running a marathon in June.

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