BARIATRIC
PROCEDURE:
EXCESS WEIGHT
LOSS -YEAR 1:
103 lbs
BARIATRIC
SURGEON:
My Journey
It is said that the definition of insanity is repeating the same process expecting a different result. I lived most of my life that way when it came to maintaining a healthy weight. I was in denial of my addiction to food and how much and how poorly I ate. I nurtured my addiction by using food to cope with stress and boredom. I had lost weight a handful of times managing to lose 50-100 pounds; but each and every time, I gained the weight back. The last time I gave up, I convinced myself that I was just a “big boned” gal, and I should embrace my body the way it was. Being a plus size woman was trendy these days.
By the end of the summer of 2016, I reached my highest weight of 302 pounds. At that time, I had to do some soul searching and face the fact that at 32 years old I was morbidly obese, depending on a CPA machine to sleep at night, and despite my outward smile, I was miserable. Activities that I loved like martial arts and scuba diving were beginning to hurt me.
Of all the facts to face, the worst was that I was setting a horrible example for my son. By the time I reached 300 pounds, I could no longer play or keep up with him. I could no longer go to trampoline parks as the year before I broke a spring attempting one, and I about died from embarrassment. That summer he begged to go to a local amusement park, and I reluctantly took him. As we walked up to the line for the “Super Cyclone”, I stood off to the side and told him to go. He begged me to come with him, but I told him that I couldn’t fit. Before he started into the line alone, I caught the look of disappointment on his face. My heart sank. A sense of determination came over me. I HAVE TO MAKE A CHANGE.
I first met Dr. Cheregi at an information seminar. He was so charismatic and passionate about how Bariatric surgery can help. Following the information meeting, I had my consultation with Dr. Cheregi. I was very anxious about my consultation. However, Dr. Cheregi listened attentively as I shared my story. He went over every single one of my two pages of questions. His soft nature made it easy to be completely honest with him and know he would not judge me. With genuine sincerity, he laid out what I had to do if I wanted to change my life. It was at that consultation that I knew Dr. Cheregi was the only surgeon I wanted to do my surgery.
I had Gastric Bypass surgery on August 30th, 2017. I sincerely consider this my second birthday. Cheregi and his team were amazing. They were available any time to answer questions as I was adjusting to my new “pouch”. Three months after surgery, I celebrated my son’s birthday by taking him out for laser tag. Sixty-six pounds down, I OUTRAN EVERY SINGLE KID THERE. It felt incredible for the first time in years that I was no longer on the side lines. I was also soon back in martial arts. As the weight started to lift, I couldn’t wait to do more.
At my one-year post op appointment, I was greeted with the biggest hug and smile. Dr. Cheregi beamed with pride as I filled him in on the amazing things that happened that year. For my two-year anniversary, I ran my first 5k; and it was an honor to have Dr. Cheregi run at that event with me at the halfway point and meet me at the finish line. Within three months of that race, I tackled seven more 5k’s.
Today, I am just over 2 years post -op, and I am so proud of what I accomplished. I work out 5-6 days a week because I WANT TO. And most importantly, I am living life to the fullest and teaching my son the importance of health. Bariatric surgery gave me a new lease on life, and I now run an online support group for other bariatric patients. I am so incredibly grateful for Dr. Cheregi, and I couldn’t image my accomplishments without him and his team!
ATTEND AN INFORMATION SEMINAR
Dr. Cheregi and Dr. Chang invite you to learn more about Advanced Bariatrics and how you can take control of your life with bariatric surgery. Click below to see the time and location of upcoming seminars.
