Lisa's Story: Creating a new outlook on life
I tried every diet there is, from pills to liquid diets. I was ready to get a fresh start in life.
Like many Americans, Lisa has struggled with her weight her whole life. She suffered through her continual failure to control her eating habits and weight and from the cruel comments from others.
"I was so tired of being hurt, of being ridiculed, of being made fun of," she said. She had tried "every diet there is," from weight-loss pills to liquid diets. However, after graduating from college, Lisa was ready to get a fresh start in life.
After talking with her doctor and researching different options, Lisa decided on gastroplasty, also known as "stomach stapling," it was then a relatively new procedure. Her doctor recommended she have her procedure at Northside because of the care they provide and level of their bariatric expertise. So after graduating Lisa underwent a gastroplasty procedure.
After the surgery, Lisa was determined to take advantage of the "new tools" she had been given. From dieting choices to exercise, Lisa was committed. "It was about will power, portion control and truly putting yourself first and taking care of yourself," she said.
She had to make drastic life changes that focused on a healthier lifestyle. So after working out during the day, Lisa would go out dancing with friends at night. "I was out there running in the 95° Georgia sun in August. That tells you how badly I wanted it."
The procedure gave Lisa a new outlook on life, giving her "an advantage I didn't have before." With her newly found confidence, she went after the job of her dreams and she got it!.
"It made a huge impact on my life. It was a very prestigious firm and I always wanted to be one of those people wearing the suit, wearing the high heels, walking into a great office building. And because of my hard work, I made it happen".
Through a coworker, she also met her husband, Frank. "My life completely opened up. I continued to lose the weight, continued running, and continued my healthy eating program."
When Lisa and Frank decided to have a child, she again chose Northside. They are now the proud parents of a healthy eight-year old, Todd.
I didn't do it for my mom, my dad, my husband or my kids. I did it for me.
Todd has become her motivation to maintain a healthy lifestyle for herself and for her family. From encouraging exercise to racing to see who can finish their broccoli first, the mental and physical benefits of an active daily routine make it all worth it.
"I want him to have fun and appreciate his life because my life was difficult when I was little and I want him to really appreciate and to have fond, fond memories of his childhood.
Lisa has even recommended her "life-changing" procedure to others. "I have friends who have had the surgery because of me, and their lives are better because of it."
"It really was like a rebirth for me. It was a life changing experience. It makes me want to continue to grow and excel and I know that I never want to go back to the way I was."
"My life wouldn't have been the same without this surgery," Lisa proudly remembers. "I would do it again in a heartbeat. The rewards have been so great."
When asked if she had any advice for someone considering this procedure, Lisa said, "If you are considering having bariatric surgery, think about who you're having it for. Are you having it for you? To better yourself? To make yourself feel better? Or to feel better about yourself? Have you tried all other opportunities available to you and you've really done your research? And you feel this is a good fit for you. Then do it for yourself. But realize it's not something that you can do for a few months and quit. This is a life altering event and you have to stick with it. But it's really worth it. I would not change a thing about it. I would never go back to where I was and I'm so pleased that I had it. I didn't do it for my mom, for my dad, for my husband, for my kids. I did it for me. And I'm so glad that I did."