Margaret and Steven: Lost 235lbs. Together. Gained the Lifestyle they Love!
June 17, 2013“Neither one of us felt good about ourselves before, and we always turned to food. The surgery has empowered us to take control of our lives. Now, we can go out to dinner and share a meal–and actually be full! We bought a pair of motorcycles to celebrate our weight loss success. Riding is something we’ve always wanted to do but never could’ve done before.”
Margaret and Steven are a husband-wife success story. They made a pact to have the surgery and lose the weight, once and for all. In order to help each other with post-surgical recovery, they opted to do the surgeries one at a time–and Margaret admits that she let Steven go first so that he could be the “guinea pig.” She became nervous and nearly backed out when Steven had a minor post-operative issue, but it was quickly resolved and the weight began to fall off. “He was dropping weight like crazy. I couldn’t believe it. I decided immediately to do the surgery, and it was worth it. Mine was a cakewalk, and I’ve lost 75 pounds. I used to wear a size 16; now I’m an 8.”
Steven has lost 160 pounds. A 34 inch waist has replaced his previously 50 inch frame. He now enjoys shopping because he actually feels good about himself and how he looks in new clothes. He no longer needs blood pressure medication. Margaret has said goodbye to her sleep apnea machine and diabetes medication. They made a commitment to an active lifestyle, joining a gym and walking their neighborhood often. Plus, Margaret and Steven now have a grandbaby to chase after–something they wouldn't have been able to do prior to losing the weight. “We constantly remind ourselves that while the surgery was an amazing part of our weight loss journey, it was just a tool. In order to be truly successful, you have to do your part, too.” Margaret and Steven believe Dr. Bauman and his team have given them the guidance they need to be successful.
They urge others who are thinking about the surgery to give it careful consideration. It requires quite a commitment, but it’s one worth making. “Invest in yourself. Literally and figuratively. We did, and we’re so glad. We celebrate our new lives daily.”
The Weight Loss and Bariatric Surgery program at Carolinas HealthCare System is helping people regain a healthy lifestyle. Take the first step to a healthier lifestyle by attending a free informational seminar on weight loss surgery. Our bariatric surgeons will walk you through the process and determine which option is best for you. Visit www.carolinashealthcare.org/bariatric or call 1-800-358-1895.