Most of us can identify with the struggle to lose weight and stay in shape.  Whether it’s losing that baby weight after carrying a child, or a lifelong battle with the scale, virtually everyone has attempted to shed pounds.  For most people, lifestyle changes such as improved diet and increased physical activity are enough to do the trick. 

However some of us try every method available, with no permanent change in our health or weight. Bridget had tried every weight loss strategy available. “I tried Atkins.  I tried South Beach. I tried all those diets and nothing worked.  I’d lose the weight for a little while, but it always came back,” she said. At 42, Bridget knew that her weight elevated her risk for many health conditions, from diabetes to stroke.  She also knew that she wanted to be around for her kids, to stay healthy for them. 

A Life-Changing Decision

Bridget finally decided to look into bariatric surgery.  She knew that the procedure would require a complete lifestyle change.  Bridget understood that her weight loss wouldn’t come from the surgery itself, but from how she treated her body after the surgery was complete; the procedure, after all, is a tool that makes it easier for patients to lose weight through modified diet. 

Bridget and Dr. Fernandez, at Bridget's pre-op visit

After attending three different seminars on bariatric surgery, Bridget finally decided to have her procedure done with Dr. Alfredo Fernandez at Brandon Regional Hospital.  Bridget noted that, “It felt like a family there. I could see that he cared about his patients and made them feel loved and welcome.  I wanted to be part of that family.”

In one way, Bridget will already have family with her.  Bridget brought her mom to the seminar, so that she would understand the procedure.  Bridget’s mom, who suffers from diabetes, decided to undergo the procedure as well.  She’ll assist Bridge through recovery, then have bariatric surgery herself.  Bridget knows that this dynamic will bolster their commitment, since they’ll both have built-in support, right up the road.

Leading by Example

Bridget had to complete a three-month program that included support meetings, visits to the psychologist, and sessions with both doctor and nutritionist.  Along the way, she learned that she had an opportunity to share her story. That required another life-changing decision: to make her struggle public.

Why did Bridget make the decision to share such a personal undertaking? “I thought it was important for other women to see someone like them.  Especially in the African American community, people are afraid of surgery. I want to show that I’m facing those fears and can come out healthier and happier,” Bridget said. “We’re at higher risk for so many health conditions, so it’s really important to address that.”

Over the coming months, Bridget will share her progress, challenges, and thoughts with us.  Soon she will undergo a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass.  The procedure will significantly decrease the size of her stomach and change the path of her digestive tract so that her body absorbs calories and nutrients differently.  Look for regular updates on Bridget’s progress toward her weight loss goal (a BMI of 25) right here on our blog!

If you have questions about healthy weight loss or bariatric surgery, please contact us at Brandon Regional Hospital.  Visit us online or call 1-888-327-2636 to learn more.