Before & After DS with Eileen (Chef), losing 137 pounds!
February 20, 2018Why I Decided to Have WLS
I am 40 years old and I’ve worked 15 years in the food industry in Manhattan. The irony is that it is my job to keep others healthy, yet for years I ignored my own well-being. I work as a private chef creating healthy meal options for my clients. I have an intense schedule. As I was busy balancing a business and family life, I did not allow time for myself. I created healthy and delicious meals for people every day and worked long hours at my family owned bakery. My services as a chef were in high demand.
For nearly half my life, I have quietly dealt with a chronic condition called Lymphedema.
Lymphedema impacts different parts of the body for different patients. For me, it impacts my legs. It went undiagnosed, thus untreated for 18 years. My legs were always swollen with lymphedema from my toes to my mid-thighs. With each passing year, the swelling got worse. Only a handful of people in my life knew about my condition and over time it became harder to hide.
In addition to the Lymphedema, there was the weight gain that impacted my mobility and stamina. I also developed Sleep Apnea and high blood pressure. My declining health made it challenging to do the job I love so much and I was concerned for my life. Being on my feet for 14-hour shifts was excruciating and nearly impossible. I needed a plan!
Before & After DS with Eileen (Chef)
Weight loss total: 137 pounds
Surgery: Duodenal Switch
Surgery Date: December 5, 2016
Surgeon: Dr. Julio Texeira
My Surgery and Post-Op Life
Faced with having to lose 200 pounds, I began the journey of healing my body from the inside out. I attended a bariatric surgery information session at Northwell Health in the Spring of 2016. I had a conversation with Dr. Texeira and the dietician, Michelle. I decided on bariatric surgery that night.
It was several months before I would undergo the duodenal switch surgery, but monthly visits with the team kept me on track. As a chef and nutrition educator, I never imagined that I would find myself making this decision, but it was absolutely life altering. I’m back to teaching nutrition. I no longer have high blood pressure and there is a significant decrease in the swelling in my legs from the Lymphedema. I practice Yoga twice a week. These wins have taken quite a bit of commitment, structure, and planning to be successful. I created a program for myself that works in conjunction with the surgery.
I’ve been able to use my experience and knowledge to support other bariatric patients. I created Barilicious Meals because this is a challenging journey. It challenged me so I can only imagine how trying it could be for those with little knowledge of food and nutrition. I am proud of the journey that I am on -- I work on it every day. I am grateful that I can create delicious meals and even desserts for other bariatric patients.
A Special Milestone / Non-Scale Victory
This past winter, I celebrated my 1-year surgiversary. I dropped over 130 pounds, and I am more active and energized than I have ever been. This is the healthiest I’ve ever been in my adult life. I’ve been able to use my experience, the structures I put in place for myself, and the new bariatric friendly recipes I created to support other patients who’ve undergone bariatric surgery.
How has ObesityHelp helped me on my journey
This site was a one-stop shop for answers to all my questions. I also spent a lot of time on the site reading about other people’s journeys.
Share Your Before & After Success!
Do you have Before & Afters, special milestones and non-scale victories from your journey that you’d like to share? The OH team wants to hear from you! Visit our Before & After Submission page for details.
