Transformation of the Day: Nicole lost 219 pounds. She weighed 410 pounds and was diagnosed with hypertension. She used a low carb lifestyle, weight loss surgery, home cooked meals and regular exercise to lose the weight. Check out what she shared about her journey.
I was motivated to lose weight because of health concerns. My biggest fear was losing my mobility because of obesity. My highest weight was 410 pound and I’d been diagnosed with hypertension. I am 5’10″ tall. I used the Atkins plan to stay below 375 pounds, and was able to regulate my hypertension without medication. I continued to yo-yo between 350 lbs and 375 lbs until I decided to have bariatric surgery at the weight of 350 lbs in April 2013. I had the roux en-y bariatric bypass procedure. Today, about three years later, I weigh 191 pounds.
I have learned that cooking your own meals is the best way to keep the weight off along with regular exercise. I stopped eating regular bread and reduced my carbohydrates overall. My go-to meals include home cooked protein, vegetables and brown rice with fresh seasonings. I no longer use salt or sugar. My workout routine is simple. At least 3 times a week I walk for 30 to 45 minutes in addition to doing light weight training in the gym. I also go outdoors and walk longer, for up to 90 minutes.
I encourage others to keep trying until they find a weight loss plan that works for them. Also, don’t be discouraged about loose skin and get back on that weight loss wagon when you slip off.
While the three main types of procedures are all priced differently, the overall average cost of any type of bariatric surgery will be about $42,000. The surgery itself can cost from 8 to over 16 thousand dollars, but that is just for the surgery. Bariatric surgery is a term used to refer to the process of preparing for the surgery and the recovery. As a process, this can include extensive testing, therapy in some cases, in-patient recovery, out-patient recovery and follow up procedures. Unlike many surgeries that rely on one type of specialist and a generic support team; Bariatric surgery uses a specialized Bariatric team during the entire process and the whole procedure. This is why it is one of the most expensive procedures.
