Peggy Lost 110 Pounds - How She Did It

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’s Success Story

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.

The Essentials for Weight Management

“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:

• Eat smart. People who lose and keep weight off continue to eat a balanced diet that’s lower in calories than what they ate before their weight loss. And they’re consistent in what they eat from day to day throughout the week. Your health care clinician can guide you in what works best. Our weight management services can also give you invaluable guidance that can help you achieve your weight loss goals.
• Start every day with breakfast. It will help you avoid feeling overly hungry later. That later hunger can lead to overeating.
• Keep moving. Get 60 minutes or more of physical activity most days of the week. Try different activity options. Do things you enjoy. It boosts the chances you keep it up. Your 60 minutes don’t have to come all at one time. At work try taking a brisk walk during your breaks. Park farther way from the workplace or store entrance. These walks count!
• Write it down. Keep track of what you eat and your physical activity. This is a great way to stay motivated to follow through with your plan.
• Weigh yourself regularly. If you see your weight go up, you can get back on track before things get away from you.

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!