Natasha lost 280 pounds with weight loss surgery

Natasha wrote us to share her weight loss journey.  She lost 280 pounds, more than half of her original body weight of 490 pounds, with gastric bypass.  Here is what she shared with us:

My Name is Natasha. I’m 38 years old and I live in Tacoma, Washington. I had Gastric Bypass weight reduction surgery on August 19, 2009 (Dr. E. Patchen Dellinger @ The University of Washington Medical Center performed my gastric). I am 4 years out for my surgery date. I lost 280 pounds, going from 490 pounds to a current weight of 210 pounds. I went from a size 34 to a size 9/10. I feel FABULOUS!!!!  I have 40 pounds to go to get to my idea weight & height, but I am content were I am at now.  This surgery is NOT a means to an end. You still have to put in work. It is a VERY stressful surgery for some, but I would do again in a heartbeat. I feel so much better.

What did you do to change your eating habits?

• I only drink water or non-sugar drinks like Crystal Light & Skim Milk.
• I used Splenda only
• Switched to “I can’t believe it’s not butter”
• I only eat grilled chicken & fish
• Fresh vegetables
• I don’t eat pork
• I reduced my beef intake
• No Carbonated Drinks
• No bread
• Reduce Carbs intake
• Increased my protein intake since I can’t handle the protein shakes they suggest after surgery.
• If want something sweet I eat sugar free snacks such as jello or I eat yogurt.
• I don’t eat fruit because I can’t really handle them.
• Basically I cut out my sugar intake, cut out pork and reduced my beef intake.
• I cut out seasoning & reduced my salt intake.
• I use Olive and Pam. I cook everything on my George Forman Grilled and a lot of crock pot meals.
• I drink plenty of water & eat eggs for protein

My stomach can hold 6 oz. and I can’t eat or drink at the same time.  That is a advantage for me in terms of not overeating.  I have managed to keep the weight off for 4 years, but it is still a process.  Also, let me note that I exercise twice a day by walking and doing medium intensity cardio.  In addition, I entered into therapy to help with my transformation as well as joining a support group.