Vivian is Succeeding at Every Step of Her Weight Loss Journey
Same dress before and after surgery. Vivian's mother, a seamstress, has been altering her clothes to fit her much slimmer figure.
Vivian has faced numerous health challenges in her life, but according to the breast cancer survivor, keeping weight off was the most difficult. “Through high school, I maintained a healthy weight – then during college and the years that followed, I gained weight a little at a time,” says Vivian. “My father’s side of the family includes genetically heavy people and I knew I had to do something to get my weight under control.”
At first, Vivian tried dieting and AdvoCare supplements. She lost 40 pounds, however, the weight slowly crept back on. About 10 years ago, Vivian looked into having gastric bypass surgery, but decided this wasn’t the right option for her. Recently, a friend who had gastric sleeve surgery told Vivian about this procedure – and she decided to attend one of Dr. William E. O’Malley’s seminars to learn more. “This decision saved my life,” explains Vivian. “I was 289 pounds when I had my surgery in May 2017 and have lost over 80 pounds in less than six months. I had no complications and very little pain after surgery – the whole experience was great.”
Although Vivian admits there’s no “magic cure” to losing weight, she echoes Dr. O’Malley’s words by saying that gastric sleeve surgery is a “tool” that can help. “People need to understand that it’s a process and a lifestyle change that takes motivation and dedication,” says Vivian. “But the rewards are well worth it because you can achieve your weight loss goals!”
“In life, you choose your own path and decide what’s best for you. If I had to do it over again, I’d choose gastric sleeve surgery in a heartbeat.”
- Vivian
Vivian adds that the entire team from the Bariatric Surgery Center at Highland Hospital has played a key role in her success. “We’re so fortunate to have this top-ranked facility right in our backyard,” she comments. “Everything about Highland, from the nurses to doctors, dietitians and the Monarch Support Group, is absolutely wonderful. And Dr. O’Malley is the best of the best. I refer to him as the ‘Dr. Oz’ of the bariatric world – he’s my man!”
In addition to being healthier overall since her surgery, Vivian has a much more positive attitude and a tremendous amount of energy. She exercises every day, even if it’s simply walking, and works out on an elliptical bike. Vivian also enjoys gardening and social gatherings, as well as cooking and baking for family and friends. “Even though I plan out all my meals, I love making other people happy by whipping up a special treat for them,” she says.
Plus, Vivian is looking forward to shopping for a new wardrobe. Her mother, a seamstress, has been altering Vivian’s clothes to fit her much slimmer figure. “It’s amazing how good I feel about myself,” she explains. “When I look in the mirror, I can’t believe the transformation. I’d tell anyone who’s on the fence about having gastric sleeve surgery to do it, do it, do it! At least attend a free seminar to learn more. In life, you choose your own path and decide what’s best for you. If I had to do it over again, I’d choose gastric sleeve surgery in a heartbeat.”
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