Nancy's Weight Loss Surgery Success Story

Lost 115 Pounds

It was fourth grade and I was wearing my cute new pink pants. We were all standing in line to go to recess and the class bully, Chris, said I looked like a pink pig and started making snorting sounds. This was a character defining moment; I chose to punch him square in the nose as hard as I could. As he cried on theground with a bloody nose, I became the cool girl who stood up to the bully but inside all I could do was cry. I never wore those pants again but kept up my facade for the rest of my life. (Disclaimer: that was the first and only time I physically assaulted anyone). As I tried every diet from healthy to truly bizarre, I kept overcompensating for my weight. I was the good daughter, straight "A" student, talented softball player, stellar employee, loving wife, "pot luck" mom but always failed at one thing, my weight. No matter how many things I accomplished I was still that little insecure girl.

My career led me to the marketing department at Sky Ridge. In 2006, my boss and I came up with an idea to showcase before and after pants in our lobby to draw attention to our bariatric surgery program and our first

"Pants Across Sky Ridge" event was born. Year after year, I would create poster boards with the participant stories and look in awe at their before and after pictures. I kept thinking I wish I had the courage to take that leap. After three years of getting to know a second family of sorts, I decided it was time. Initially, my husband did not want me to have the surgery. He was really scared that he would lose his wife and mother of his children, but eventually he realized that I had to do this for myself and my kids.

Update: My inner athlete has returned! I completed two sprint triathlons and am full of energy! I can run around with my kids, take stairs at a jog, fit in an airplane seat and do more than I even thought possible. I am now involved in Cross Fit where I have adopted the mantra "strong is the new skinny."

I truly believe that I was meant to meet Dr. Chae, Kelly and all my friends at the support group. Without them, I would still be the "happy go lucky" woman who was really crying inside.

A special thank you to my husband, family, friends and coworkers for their amazing support!