Transformation of the Day: Barbara lost 108 pounds. At 51 years old, she had high blood pressure along with knee and back pain. After being diagnosed as borderline for diabetes, she decided to have weight loss surgery. Now, at 54 years old, her health has improved dramatically and she feels like she’s 35. Check out her journey.
I am 54 years old and have battled with my weight all my life. At the age of 51, my doctor told me I was borderline diabetic. I was already taking 2 blood pressure medicines at the time, and I was suffering from back and knee pain. My highest weight was 283 pounds at 5’4″.
So, I discussed weight loss surgery with my doctor. Next, I went to see a bariatric surgeon who ultimately changed my life. I had Gastric Sleeve Surgery on July 31 2015. Now, I weigh 175 pounds. I wish I’d done it sooner. Sleeve Surgery is the only way I’ve been able to lose weight and keep it off. (My daughter Ronieka was just featured by BWLW on June 20th.)
What was your motivation?
My health is what bought me to the decision to have the VSG (Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy). I am no longer on blood pressure medication. In fact, I don’t take medicine for anything. I’ll be 55 years old in December and I feel like I’m 35.
How did you change your eating habits?
I stopped eating bread. I eat very few carbs and absolutely no soda.
What did your workout routine look like?
I could only workout in the pool because of my back and knee issues, so I did water aerobics. 4 days a week, I took Aqua Zumba.
What advice would you like to share?
I have advice for women seeking to have weight loss surgery. You have to remember that surgery is just a tool. You still have to change your eating habits, or you will most certainly regain that weight back. I learned to eat for nutrition and not for the taste.
Barbara Brown says
No. Complications at all I did everything the doctor told me to do and I was fine