Via Christi Weight Management Success Stories

Cindi Wilson
Pounds Lost: 70lbs. ?
Lost her weight in: 2005

Cholesterol: (normal: under 200)
Before surgery: 250
After surgery: 180

"I have a family history of obesity, heart disease, high cholesterol, diabetes, stroke and cancer. I could see my future by looking at what my parents and older siblings have experienced and decided I didn’t want to end up that way."

"Being a yo-yo dieter all of my adult life I tried just about every diet with no lasting success. My doctor told me that yo-yo dieting was harder on my body than remaining obese, so I knew I needed to do something with permanent results."

"The education classes before surgery not only informed me of the surgical procedure and its risks and benefits, but also prepared me for life after surgery by having me practice the lifestyle. That way I was able to make a completely informed decision if the surgery was right for me."

"I commend the post-op support group for making the outcome of the surgery a complete success. Early out it helped me to troubleshoot issues unique to bariatric patients. Now that eating has gotten easier the group keeps me on track so I don’t revert back to my food addiction ways. Plus I am able to help those who are either early out or waiting to have the surgery. It’s like being part of a special community where only we truly understand what each other is going through."

"Medically I no longer have asthma. In the past I would have to use my rescue inhaler prior to doing anything requiring exertion. My cholesterol has gone from 250 to 180. Weight has been lifted off of me both figuratively and literally. Now I am healthier and more self-confidant than I have ever been. I truly enjoy exercise! I do resistance training 3 days a week and high-impact kickboxing or step aerobics 3 days a week, and am looking into becoming an aerobics instructor. I physically FEEL lighter with energy to burn."

"My husband and I like to travel. Prior to surgery I barely fit into the airplane seat with using every inch of the seatbelt and I would be spilling over into my husband’s space. When it came time for in-flight refreshments I had to use my husband’s tray table, because there wasn’t enough room for mine to come down completely…and I couldn’t cross my legs at all. Now when we fly I have room to spare…and so does my husband! I can use my own tray table while having my legs crossed and not even touch the seat in front of me. To describe what the surgery has done for me in one word that word would be: freedom."

"My husband likes the new me as well. It felt so good the first time he gave me a hug and said, ‘Look…I can put my hands together!’"