GASTRIC SLEEVE SURGERY

Today I love being active. I run 3 to 5 miles daily and strength train. A year ago I lived in fear that I couldn’t keep up with my kids and so we stayed home and watch movies. I felt like life was not just passing me by, but my whole family, and I knew I had to make a change.

I always knew I wanted to be a mom. When my son and daughter were born, I was thrilled each time with my role as a Mom, and eager to teach them everything I know and share everything I enjoy.

But after my second child was born, I was 297 pounds and pre-diabetic. The person staring back at me in the mirror was someone I didn’t recognize. With the extra weight I was carrying around, I couldn’t participate in daily activities with my children such playing in the park or even riding their favorite rides at amusement parks. When I tried being active, my body would be in so much pain that I’d take Tylenol or Advil multiple times throughout the day. I tried all the fad diets, Jenny Craig and Nutrisystem. It worked at first, but once I went off it I’d gain back 20, 30 or even 40 pounds. I felt like a prisoner in my own body.

I decided to have weight loss surgery with New Jersey Bariatric Center and had my sleeve gastrectomy in January 2018. I feel like my life improved 100 percent. I lost 136 pounds, have no more knee or joint pain and most importantly, I am no longer pre-diabetic.

Not only did I lose weight I gained a love for being active, something I never was before. I’m now an avid runner. It feels great to be on the running trails working towards a healthier me. I incorporate my healthier lifestyle into activities with my family like playing in the park with my kids after school and chasing after them in the backyard. Instead of our movie nights, I now find myself strapped in next to them on all their favorite rides. My children are so supportive of their healthier and happier mom. If I’m having a bad day, my daughter reminds me of the motto I’ve followed since the beginning of my journey: “Can’t Stop. Won’t Stop.” Both my kids enjoy coming to the gym with me too and seeing their mom working towards her goals.

Weight loss surgery is the best tool I could have asked for to get my weight in control. I work at it every day, and the staff at New Jersey Bariatric Center is always there to support me. I stay on track with their nutrition webinars and support groups, and their overall encouragement. My self-esteem has improved tremendously. With my healthier self, I have the confidence to tackle the day and enjoy the best of my life.

*According to national studies, bariatric surgery results in an average weight loss of 55-80 percent of excess body weight. Excess weight is the amount of weight one needs to lose in order to have a “healthy” BMI of 25.