Meet Tanya, she gifted herself weight loss surgery for her 48th birthday, and it was the best present she could have ever received! She decided to take control of her life and health by undergoing gastric sleeve surgery with Dr. Roshek at the Nicholson Clinic. Here’s her inspiring story of transformation.
Life Before Surgery: Tanya’s life before surgery was filled with challenges. “Life was miserable,” Tanya says. At 5’5 and 370 lbs, she was up to a 5x in clothes and on 12 medications. She struggled with mobility issues and deteriorating mental health and self-esteem. Simple tasks like walking were painful, and she felt trapped in a cycle of hopelessness.
Decision to Undergo Surgery: After years of unsuccessful attempts of yo-yo dieting, losing weight and regaining weight, and several health scares, Tanya stumbled upon a bariatric group on Facebook where she found inspiration in a fellow member’s before and after photos. Encouraged by the positive experience shared, she chose the Nicholson Clinic for her journey to better health.
Working with the Nicholson Clinic: Tanya’s experience with the Nicholson Clinic was nothing short of exceptional. From the support of her dedicated Patient Care Advocate to the professionalism of the medical staff, she felt guided and cared for every step of the way. “I had so much support; it was really incredible during a very vulnerable time”, Tanya shares.
Despite initial setbacks with insurance, Tanya opted for self-pay and took out a loan—an investment she now considers invaluable. Tanya explains, “initially I was going to go through insurance and about 2 weeks into pre-op appointments I received a letter from my insurance company stating my approval was denied due to a contractual exclusion. I was devastated! I chose to take out a personal loan and it was the best $10k I’ve ever spent in my life. I’ve spent that and more over the years becoming obese.”
Life Now: Fast forward to today, and Tanya is living a life she never thought possible. “Life NOW is how I wish it had been for the last 20 years. It’s a brand-new life!” From 370 lbs to 266, a significant weight loss of 104 lbs, she exudes newfound energy and positivity. Emotionally, she’s undergoing therapy to address her relationship with food and past traumas, while physically, she’s embraced a more active lifestyle, participating in virtual walking challenges, in-person 5ks, and even discovering a love for pickleball. Tanya is happy to report, “I’ve gone from being a couch potato to my own version of being an athlete, lol! I am SO grateful for my new lease on life.”
Maintaining Weight Loss: Tanya attributes her continued success to a strong support system of family and friends, managing her mental health, and staying active. While she doesn’t adhere strictly to a specific diet, she makes intentional food choices, practices portion control, and listens to her body’s cues. Most importantly, she’s learned to cherish her second chance at life and refuses to let food dictate her happiness.
Tanya’s journey serves as a beacon of hope for anyone struggling with obesity and its associated health issues. Through determination, support, and the right medical intervention, she’s reclaimed her health and happiness, proving that it’s never too late to rewrite your story.
If you’re considering weight loss surgery, take inspiration from Tanya’s story and reach out to the Nicholson Clinic for expert guidance on your own transformative journey.
