Shelli's bariatric success story
Shelli underwent weight loss surgery that significantly transformed her life.
"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.
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."