Health Scare Helps Niki Decide to Lose Weight
The importance of staying healthy and living a joyful life became crystal clear to Niki Horak three years ago. That's when her son Chandler, then eight, was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer of the soft tissue under his eye. "Only 350 new cases of this cancer are diagnosed every year," says Niki. "There was no genetic link to cause it, just bad luck."
Chandler's health scare taught Niki that life holds no guarantees. "You never know what's in store for you." As she worried about Chandler's health, Niki also worried about herself. "I needed to lose weight to get healthy, especially since diabetes and heart disease run in my family. And being healthy would increase my chances of a long, happy life.
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Niki wasn't always overweight. It was during Chandler's illness that her BMI moved into the obese category. "We kept junk food around the house because it was important that Chandler put on some pounds. He was so little and skinny. But instead, I gained and he stayed the same!" Because Niki has two jobs, and two young sons, finding time to exercise has always been difficult. And her extra weight sapped her energy. It was time to consider weight-loss surgery.
Although Niki considered every surgical option, her insurance covered only lap band. "I liked that lap band is less invasive, and the recovery is minimal, so it was a choice I liked."
Weighing 238 pounds, Niki had surgery in April 2010. "The band was loose at first while I got used to it." In the year that followed, Niki had the band tightened four times, decreasing her stomach's capacity for food with each tightening. Fifteen months post-surgery, Niki weighs just 138. Her energy has returned, she's more active, and she sleeps better. "My sleep used to be restless and my back always ached." A healthier diet contributes to Niki's renewed energy. Oatmeal and yogurt for breakfast; lots of salad, chicken and other proteins for lunch and dinner; nuts, protein bars and protein shakes between meals.
With Chandler's cancer well into remission, Niki and husband Aaron plan to celebrate Chandler's health, Niki's weight loss, and their ten-year wedding anniversary with a trip to Aruba. Snorkeling, four-wheeling and maybe para-sailing are planned. "And I'll be wearing a bikini!" Niki laughs.