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Shelli's bariatric success story

Shelli underwent weight loss surgery that significantly transformed her life.

April 12, 2017
Weight loss patient Shelli with her husband and two children.

"I decided to talk to a doctor about the procedure so I continued to research until I came across Dr. Chae. He had the most experience in sleeves and I couldn’t find any negative reviews. I went in for my consultation in October and it was a whirlwind from there. My insurance required that I meet with a nutritionist, exercise consultant and psychologist for three months before the surgery. Fortunately, Dr. Chae has an incredible team that walked me through those three months. I learned a lot of things that I would have to do after the surgery that I thought were going to be impossible (like giving up soda as I was a raging Diet Coke addict) and only eating ¼ of a cup of food for the first few weeks). What I learned after the surgery was that I didn’t even want soda and I couldn’t eat more than ¼ cup without feeling full.

Weight loss patient Shelli before surgery.

This has been the most amazing thing I have ever done for myself. I have lost more than 100 pounds in a year and it was so easy. I still have to work on getting my head on straight because, unlike bypass or lap band, there are no dietary restrictions with this surgery other than carbonated beverages. I am still tempted to solve my problems by eating, but I just remind myself where that got me before. Sometimes I slip, but I have had so much success that it is really easy to get right back on the horse.

I know surgery can be scary and it seems odd to remove a part of your body that is functioning properly – but I think that if you are obese that is an indicator that it isn’t functioning properly. Truth be told, my only regret is that I didn’t do this sooner. I cannot say enough about how happy I am. Dr. Chae is like a firefighter – he pulled me out of a burning building and literally saved my life. I am still not at my ideal weight, but I have learned through this process to accept myself. I used to say that I wish I was as thin as I was when I thought I was fat. Well I am not that thin, but I feel thinner because I can finally say, after 43 years, that I like myself and how I look. That is a gift that is priceless."

Published:
April 12, 2017
Location:
Sky Ridge Medical Center

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