Shelly

Their Story

Describe your life before you had Weight Loss Surgery.

At 330 lbs., just walking up stairs was difficult. My knees and back were struggling to support my weight. I didn’t go to family fun outings like Sea World or Disneyland, because walking or standing for any length of time was out of the question. Besides the obesity, I was healthy. Which continued to be my excuse to put off doing anything about it.

How long were you considering Weight Loss Surgery before you came in?

I went through several diets and exercise programs that took off over 100lbs each time, but would put the weight back on (plus some) as soon as I would stop. I always looked at surgery as a cop out or the easy way out. It was an embarrassment to even consider it. My primary doctor mentioned it and asked if I would at least entertain a consultation. I figured I could do that much. After talking to the surgeon, I realized that it was just what I needed. A tool that would be with me for life. And I understood that it wasn’t going to be easy at all.

What was it like to work with our team?

My surgeon and the staff at Del Mar Surgical have been amazing. They treated me with respect and encouragement throughout the whole journey. I started my journey right before the pandemic and was delayed because of it. I had to do psychology appts and dietician appts. over the phone. I had to get a pre-surgery covid test. I always felt like I was in control of my own decisions. No one ever pressured me.

Describe your life now, after Weight Loss Surgery.

Since the surgery I have lost over 150lbs. I have not been this size for about 25 yrs. I feel like a normal human being again. I go on hikes with my family. My family and I went to Disneyland and were there open to close. I was outlasting them! I felt great! My husband is in pretty good shape and an average size physique. I can borrow his jackets and flannels when I get cold and they are perfectly too big for me. He grabbed one of mine and it was almost too small for him! That would never have happened!