Lots of people want to lose weight. Many of us have found ways to do it that work, at least for a while. What can be a bigger struggle is keeping the weight off. About 65 percent of people who have lost weight find themselves back at their pre-diet weight within three years.
Fortunately, with the right approach weight loss success for a lifetime is within reach.
You may be inspired by Peggy Geiger’s success story.
Keep reading to learn more or visit this link to watch an interview with Peggy and her physician.
Peggy is a mother of three adult children. She lives in Waukesha, Wis.
She had struggled with her weight for years. She had tried all manner of diets.
Her weight was causing problems for her. The problems became more pronounced while she was recovering from knee replacement surgery.
“During my knee replacement recovery, the extra weight was a real problem. I realized that losing weight would be much better for my knee and all my joints,” Peggy explains. “So, I went to see Dr. Garza. We discussed the tools that would be available to me for weight loss. He answered all my questions.”
Peggy was carefully screened, and she met all the criteria for bariatric, or weight loss surgery. She began the process to have the gastric bypass procedure.
“There’s a lot to do to prepare before the procedure,” Peggy explains. “I saw a psychiatrist, nutritionist and a physical therapist to make sure I was mentally and physically ready. For a couple of weeks before the procedure, I went on a special diet to lose weight and prepare my body.”
During the gastric bypass procedure, the surgical team created a small pouch in Peggy’s stomach. The pouch is about the size of an egg. When eating, the food goes into that pouch rather than into the full stomach. Because of the pouch’s small size, the patient gets full much faster and consumes fewer calories. Since the patient’s food intake is now noticeably limited, it’s important for the patient to carefully follow the dietary instructions to ensure well balanced nutrition.
“I admit I didn’t follow the instructions very well after surgery,” Peggy recalls. “The first few months after were hard. I wasn’t eating the protein that was recommended. I wasn’t following through with the exercise needed for a successful outcome. I was losing weight but when my son, a Marine, came home for a visit, he saw how bad I looked. He went all drill-sergeant on me. He added reminders on my phone for me to get up and move or have something to eat. After a couple of weeks of this, I started to feel better and got back to my old self. It was just what I needed!
“Now I spend time most days running in the pool, then walking outside the gym. And I love it! I’m happy all the time and have my smile back! I love my new body and my children love my new attitude. Now that I’ve lost 110 pounds, it’s even fun to shop for new clothes!”
After surgery, the vast majority of patients will continue to make smart lifestyle choices and succeed in keeping the weight off. They also reduce their risks for weight-related medical conditions such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes and even certain cancers.
Is bariatric surgery right for you? Get some helpful information.
“Some of my friends thought weight loss surgery was the easy way to lose weight,” Peggy adds. “I tell them it still takes hard work and a commitment to do your part to be successful.”
Here are some steps long-term weight droppers like Peggy use to manage weight and keep it off:
When you’re ready for weight loss success, start by visiting with your health care clinician. Aurora’s website can link you to a lot of additional resources that will help you succeed with weight loss and boost your quality of life. We’re here to help!
Need help finding a doctor? Just visit the Aurora website!
