Tori lost 158 pounds

Transformation of the Day: Tori lost 158 pounds. She had high blood pressure, asthma, sleep apnea, and was on the verge of having diabetes. After having Gastric Bypass surgery and getting results, the pressure and stress that comes with being a caregiver for a family member led to depression and weight gain. By getting therapy and coming to terms with some hard decisions, she was able to get back on track. Check out her story.

My journey started back in 2015. After trying for several years on my own and being unsuccessful or regaining what I lost, I decided to have weight loss surgery to help me on my path to healthier living. I had high blood pressure, asthma, sleep apnea, and was on the verge of having diabetes, which runs in my family.

In April 2015, I started preparing for my Gastric Bypass surgery by losing 46 pounds on my own by following the surgeon’s instructions. That meant walking, meal changes, dietician visits, etc. My highest weight before surgery was 467 pounds.

After surgery, the first year was a breeze. I was down 100 pounds. I was no longer on high blood pressure meds or asthma meds, and I was sleeping better. However, life happens, and struggles do occur.

I became the caretaker for my mother, who developed early-onset dementia. Moving her in with me, no longer being as active, cooking daily meals for her (which weren’t always the healthiest because of what she wanted prepared) and the family issues that come along with dealing with siblings and being a caregiver took a toll.

I went into a depression after deciding that the best care for my mom after 3 years of her living with me was in a nursing facility. This decision devastated me but realized I couldn’t care for her if I wasn’t well and if I was bickering with her children. Needless to say, my weight was returning!

I decided to seek therapy to help with my mental stability. By meeting and talking with my psychologist weekly for 2 months, I was able to get all of my aggression out. Within those two months, I started to feel better, and I realized that I made the best decision for my mom.

I returned to walking daily, eating healthier, and once again using my tool (weight loss surgery) as my guide to know when I’ve eaten enough. I was back on track with losing weight and maintenance of my success!

I am proud to say that after 4 years I have lost a total of 158 pounds and I’m still losing! My goal is to reach 250 pounds. The journey continues with 59lbs to go until I reach my goal, but I also have a lifetime of maintaining to go!