Archbold Medical Center| Archives Magazine | Spring 2019

10 ARCHBOLD MEDICAL CENTER “I weighed 303 pounds when I started my bariatric journey, but I’ve now lost 101 pounds and am closer to my goal weight of 180 pounds,” said Williams. Since the surgery, Williams has seen a multitude of changes in her life. A new way of life “The surgery has made such an impact on my lifestyle,” said Williams. “I’m now able to play laser tag with my children for the first time and ride roller coasters. I can lean over and pick things up off the floor. I can cross my legs, tie my shoes and wear clothing that’s not out of a plus-size store.” The key to successful bariatric surgery is reteaching your body how to eat. CRISSYWILLIAMS “There were a multitude of factors that led me to a decision to try bariatric surgery,” said Williams. “I no longer felt healthy, and I was uncomfortable sitting in chairs, lying down and getting up— and my joints were tired of me. I felt horrible about myself, and my daugh- ter was watching. I knew I needed an intervention.” Williams struggled for 13 years to lose weight. She tried Omnitrition, which is an HCG diet, and a no-carb diet. She would lose the weight, but the loss never lasted. “I felt like a failure,” said Williams. “I had low self-esteem because I would put the weight back on.” Williams had a gastric sleeve proce- dure on July 12, 2018. “The surgery has changed my way of thinking when it comes to meals,” said Williams. “I’m no longer living to eat, but eating to live. I’m more aware of what I put into my body.” Williams’ newfound favorite food is riced cauliflower, since it can be used in many different ways. Salsa with cheese chips has also become her go-to snack. “My advice to people considering the weight-loss surgery is ‘Don’t wait, just do it,’” said Williams. “It’s worth the money and it’s worth your life.” “I feel healthier,” she said. “I can move without getting short of breath; I sleep better and have more energy. And my two children are happier because I can do more things with them.” —Continued from page 9 TAKE the WEIGHT OFF for new life