Making the Most of Being Mom: How Weight-Loss Surgery Changed Andrea’s Life
After giving birth to her beautiful twin boys in 2011, Andrea knew it was time to take control of her weight. Weighing 402 pounds, Andrea suffered from diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, sleep apnea and arthritis in her knees.
“I dreamed of the day I could run around with my kids without getting winded, and enjoy the simple things in life—like having an active social life,” Andrea remembers.
Struggling to lose weight, Andrea went for a checkup with her primary care doctor, TriHealth’s Lee Niemeyer, MD, which led to her being diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Dr. Niemeyer attributed her weight plateau to PCOS and then suggested bariatric surgery through TriHealth Weight Management. Worried for her future, Andrea knew this surgery could save her life.
The Commitment to Lose
In July 2015, everything changed for her. It was surgery day. TriHealth Weight Management’s team created a truly wonderful experience for Andrea. George Kerlakian, MD performed the surgery and had Andrea at ease from day one.
“I had no issues with the surgery, and the weight started coming off pretty quickly,” Andrea says.
She attributes her easy recovery to the TriHealth Weight Management team. They made the process simple, giving her a list of when and what she could eat and drink and also included a bariatric card to make dining at restaurants easier.
Knowing the team was available for her to call at any time gave Andrea a sense of comfort during her recovery. Even today, the team checks in on her and is available for support.
A New Life
More than two years later, Andrea has lost 165 pounds and has gone from a size 28 to a size 16. Her only regret is that she didn’t have the surgery sooner. Andrea now enjoys a more active life, from walking and riding her bike to having the stamina to play outside with her kids.
Her work life has also tremendously improved. Life as a cosmetologist was tough before the surgery, but now Andrea can handle the long days standing on her feet.
Her advice to someone considering this surgery is simply not to wait.
“The TriHealth Weight Management team sets you up for a life of success and will hold your hand every step of the way,” she says. “I’m thankful for their informative and patient team and for continually checking up on me.”