Celebrating Independence Day and Freedom From Obesity

July 4, 2023

Happy 4th of July 2023! Today, as we commemorate our freedom throughout the United States, surrounded by loved ones, engaging in parades, festivals, barbecues, and fireworks, the ObesityHelp Team also joins in celebrating YOU, regardless of where you are on your weight loss journey. Whether you are taking the initial steps towards achieving your Freedom From Obesity or have already reached your goal weight, your pursuit of a healthier lifestyle deserves to be celebrated.

Allow us to introduce you to Steve, Katherine, thechief94, bsinspirationhcandmore, Wink, and Crystal—six individuals whose incredible transformations before and after their weight loss journeys have led to a remarkable collective weight loss of 1,012 pounds! Their stories serve as a profound inspiration, and we believe they deserve a celebration as spectacular as a dazzling fireworks display!

Celebrating Independence Day and Freedom From Obesity

Throughout his life, Steve faced a persistent struggle with obesity. From a young age, he endured feelings of isolation and became a target for bullying due to his size, causing significant damage to his self-worth. In search of solace, he turned to food as a coping mechanism.

However, a profound wake-up call awaited Steve in the form of his father's untimely passing, a tragedy that may have been prevented through the adoption of a healthy lifestyle. Determined to spare his own daughter from a similar fate, Steve embarked on a transformative journey. On April 9, 2018, he underwent Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy (VSG), an instrumental step towards reclaiming his health. Since then, Steve has successfully shed an impressive 155 pounds, and along with it, his newfound confidence shines brightly. Today, we raise our voices in celebration of Steve T.'s remarkable VSG journey.

Before & After VSG with Steve T., down 155 pounds!

From as early as 5th grade, Katherine grappled with the challenges of weight management, enduring years of yo-yo dieting. Like many of us, she found solace in food, relying on it to cope with stress, sadness, and even moments of happiness, as it was a constant presence in her life. As a nurse, the demands of 12-hour shifts took a toll on her, causing persistent pain while standing on her feet.

The turning point arrived during a plane ride, when Katherine experienced a profound moment of embarrassment. Too ashamed to request a seatbelt extender, she struggled to fasten her seatbelt, enduring discomfort and distress throughout the flight.

Determined to reclaim her life, Katherine pursued Weight Loss Surgery (WLS) with unwavering resolve. The procedure went smoothly, devoid of any complications. Prior to the surgery, her weight had spiraled out of control, hindering her progress in various aspects of life. But no more! Following Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy (VSG) and adhering to the prescribed guidelines, Katherine has triumphantly shed an incredible 147 pounds. She has regained control of her life, embracing a newfound sense of freedom.

Today, we raise our voices in celebration of Katherine's triumphant journey through VSG. Her story serves as a beacon of inspiration, proving that with dedication and determination, it is possible to overcome the obstacles that once held us back.

Before & After VSG with Katherine, down 147 pounds!

Upon concluding his service in the Navy, TheChief94 transitioned into a sedentary desk job, and with it came the onset of weight-related challenges. The burden of excess weight triggered a cascade of comorbidities, leading to the necessity of medications for hypertension, GERD, Type II diabetes, and sleep apnea. Despite numerous attempts at various diets, TheChief94's desire to be present for his grandchildren served as a powerful motivator.

In light of this, he made the decision to undergo Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery (RNY). Since that pivotal moment, TheChief94's perseverance has been rewarded with a remarkable weight loss of 176 pounds. As a testament to his commitment, the number of medications he relies upon has decreased significantly, bringing about a positive change in his overall health and well-being.

On this 4th of July, we join in celebrating TheChief94's transformative journey. His dedication and resilience serve as an inspiration to all those facing similar struggles, demonstrating that through the power of personal choice and medical intervention, one can overcome significant obstacles and embrace a healthier, more fulfilling life.

Before & After RNY with TheChief94, down 176 pounds!

bs_inspirationhcandmore carried the weight of excess pounds throughout most of her life, facing the additional challenge of being diagnosed with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) during her college years. Like many others, she embarked on numerous dieting attempts, only to find that sustainable results remained elusive. Struggling with bouts of depression, she found solace in food, turning to it for comfort during difficult times.

However, it was the progression from pre-diabetes to a full-fledged diabetes diagnosis that served as a pivotal wake-up call for bs_inspirationhcandmore. Recognizing the need for a drastic change, she made the decision to pursue Gastric Sleeve (VSG) surgery. Since then, she has experienced a remarkable transformation, shedding an astounding 205 pounds. Alongside this significant weight loss, bs_inspirationhcandmore has achieved numerous incredible milestones and celebrated victories that extend beyond the numbers on the scale.

Today, we celebrate bs_inspirationhcandmore's awe-inspiring journey through Bariatric Surgery. Her resilience, determination, and unwavering commitment serve as an inspiration to all those who face similar challenges. Through her story, we witness the profound impact that gastric sleeve surgery can have on one's life, empowering individuals to reclaim their health, overcome obstacles, and achieve a multitude of non-scale victories.

Before & After VSG with Bsinspirationhcandmore, down 205 pounds!

In a relatable pursuit, Wink explored a multitude of weight loss strategies, including Nutri-System, Fen-Phen, Atkins, and the South Beach diet. Although these approaches initially yielded results, they were ultimately accompanied by weight regain and, at times, even surpassing his original weight. By 2018, Wink found himself weighing 380 pounds, prompting a profound realization.

Motivated by his deep desire to cherish precious moments with his wife, daughter, and embrace the richness of life, Wink embarked on a transformative path. On June 8, 2018, he underwent Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy (VSG) surgery, catalyzing a significant shift in his existence.

Today, Wink has achieved remarkable milestones. No longer reliant on medications, with the exception of daily vitamins, he has embarked on a comprehensive household transformation. Embracing healthy eating habits and increased physical activity, his entire family has embraced a lifestyle change. Wink now maintains a weight of 200 pounds, a remarkable accomplishment considering it is even lower than his weight during his freshman football days.

Join us in celebrating Wink's awe-inspiring journey. His dedication to his health and unwavering commitment serves as an inspiration to all those seeking a transformative change. Witnessing his profound progress, we are reminded of the profound impact that VSG surgery can have, empowering individuals to reclaim their lives, prioritize well-being, and cherish the moments that truly matter.

Before & After VSG with Wink, down 185 pounds!

Crystal battled with weight and self-esteem throughout her formative years, leading her to experience constant withdrawal and anxiety. This ongoing struggle persisted into her adult life, prompting her to experiment with various diets and workout regimens in an attempt to find a solution. However, it was in June 2017 that Crystal made a life-changing decision. She opted to undergo RNY surgery, a weight loss procedure. The results were astounding—Crystal successfully shed an impressive 144 pounds. Her journey extends far beyond just the numbers on the scale, as she has achieved remarkable victories that cannot be measured by weight alone. To learn more about Crystal's transformative story and her awe-inspiring non-scale triumphs, delve into her captivating journey.

Before & After RNY with Crystal, down 144 pounds!

Celebtate your own Independence Day and Freedom From Obesity and inspire others! The OH team wants to hear from you to share your weight loss surgery journey. Visit our Before & After Submission page for details.

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