Jennie's Weight Loss Story
Weight Lost: 180 lbs.
Comorbidity Resolutions: High blood pressure resolved with no medicine needed
Surgery Type: Gastric Bypass
I’ve been overweight my entire life. I started gaining weight when I was in the third grade, and I tried every imaginable diet. I would lose about 60 pounds, and I would gain it back. I tried out for “The Biggest Loser” and didn’t make it. I decided, that with the help of my supportive family, I was going to have the surgery.
With a family history of diabetes, I knew that was going to be happening to me, and I didn’t want it to happen. I also wanted to be more active with my children and husband.
The Surgery Experience
Floyd has been great, and the nurses in the hospital were so helpful. They called me the week after my surgery to check on me. Having access to Dr. Scott and his nutritionist has been amazing because they always answer my questions quickly. If anyone is thinking about weight loss surgery, look into it. It’s a lifestyle change, but if you were as miserable as I was, it’s worth the lifestyle change.
After Surgery
Gastric bypass surgery really changed my life. The biggest thing was the first time I played tennis with my daughter for two hours. I came home, and my husband asked why I was crying. I was crying because I could do it. I’m a horrible tennis player, but I was able to spend that kind of time with my daughter, where in the past I couldn’t do that.
Before my surgery, there are very few pictures of me because I didn’t want to be in front of the camera. Now we have Selfie Sundays where I ask to take photos with my daughters, my husband and even my dog. I want to start going forward and having more pictures with my family.
I’m the same person, but I’m totally different as well. The other person was a shell. I went through the motions every day because I had to, but that person was miserable. Today, I’m a happier person, a healthier person, a more active person.
Running a half marathon has always been on my bucket list, but I didn’t think I could do it. I started running before my surgery, but running as an overweight person is very hard. I was determined, so I signed up for my first 5K. It took me an hour to run those 3 miles, but I did it.
After my surgery, I pushed myself harder and signed up for the Peachtree Road Race in Atlanta. I finished the 6 miles in 1 hour 20 minutes. I was happy and so excited.
In November, my friend asked me to run the Berry Half Marathon with her. I trained five days a week, and my family sacrificed time with me as I was trying to reach my goal. Up to the day of the race, I’d only ever run 12 miles, and I wasn’t sure I was going to make it. I was really doubting myself, but when we reached the starting line, I was ready to run. It was amazing! I ran 6 miles in the first hour.
When I saw the finish line, I started crying because I knew what I had done. I finally crossed off an item on my bucket list.