A Mother and Daughter’s Weight Loss Journey

December 12, 2013

Vicki and her daughter Veronica have always been close, but 2013 brought them even closer.

Ten years after her mom had Lap-Band surgery, Veronica made the decision to have the Sleeve Gastrectomy with the same surgeon. “We had both known for awhile that I was going to eventually end up at Dr. Srikanth’s office, it was just a matter of when,” said Veronica.

“When she first approached me, I told her I thought it was the right decision but that she was only allowed to have the surgery if she went to Srikanth,” said Vicki. “She looked at me like I was nuts and told me she wouldn’t consider any other surgeon!”

Vicki’s Weight Loss Story

Vicki was 39 when she had the Adjustable Gastric Band. Her daughter Veronica was 17. “I was thrilled for her,” said Veronica.

With a history of type 2 diabetes in the family and as Veronica’s only living parent, Vicki’s motivation to have weight loss surgery was to get healthy for her daughter. “I needed to make myself as healthy as possible so that I would be here for her and her kids,” said Vicki.

Vicki describes the weight “melting off” after surgery. She started going to the gym and fell in love with an active lifestyle that included Yoga, Pilates and TRX. She was promoted three times and started dating. Vicki has maintained a 100 pound weight loss for 10 years.

Vicki and Veronica's before and afters

Veronica’s Weight Loss Story

Veronica started gaining weight as an early teen and continued to struggle with her weight as an adult. At 27 she decided it was her turn to get healthy. She describes the decision to have weight loss surgery as one of the best decisions she has ever made. “I am so thrilled that I didn't wait to have the life I always knew I could,” said Veronica. In less than a year after surgery, Veronica has lost more than 120 pounds and can now keep up with her three-year-old.

“Veronica has always been very confident—I raised her that way—but she has blossomed even more since the surgery. I am so proud of her!” said Vicki.

A Mother’s Advice

So what advice did Vicki have for her daughter? “I told her she had to work with the surgery. It is not a magic pill – it is a tool and you determine how effective the tool is,” said Vicki.

“She told me that I didn't have to be perfect post-surgery,” said Veronica. Vicki told her daughter to work with the surgery and not sabotage herself because the only person she would be hurting was herself.

After surgery, the mother and daughter duo are more active and enjoying life. “There is a feeling of lightness when you know that you are healthy and you feel and look good,” said Vicki.

Any regrets? Nope! “It is one of the very best decisions I ever made. My only regret is that I didn’t do it earlier!” said Vicki. “I am so proud of Veronica for making the decision when she did.”