“This is a lifetime
decision. Let’s do
it together.”
LaShawn took the first step and asked her primary doctor for
a referral to CalvertHealth’s Metabolic & Bariatric Surgery
Program. “When I found it was covered by insurance, I was
scared and happy,” she said. Tony grabbed her hand and smiled
at his wife of 10 years as he talked about their decision to have
bariatric surgery.
“I didn’t want her doing this life-changing thing alone,” he
said. “I was in the same boat as her and she was committed to
doing something about it. I was with her during the entire
process. We did everything together.” And together, they lost
more than 200 pounds.
“Now, I’m able to go and do things,” said the 44-year-old
father of four. Today, at 5’ 11 ½” he is down to 235 pounds from
315 after having gastric sleeve surgery on Sept. 27, 2022. “I feel
great … no regrets! I can tie my shoes again … that sounds like a
small victory but it was huge for my mental outlook. It was one of
the first changes I noticed after surgery. I was so happy, it
made me feel as if more changes were coming.”
LaShawn at 5’5” is down to 138 pounds from 267 after having
gastric bypass surgery on May 25, 2022. “I feel great … this is the
best I have felt in a long time. It allows me to do more. I have more
endurance. I’ve started doing Pilates two to three times a week.”
“It’s not a diet. It’s a lifestyle change.”
Dr. Alami emphasizes that bariatric surgery is not a “quick fix”
but instead a tool for lifelong weight management. “Surgery is
just the beginning of the journey. For long-term success, patients
need to understand that surgery is only one-third of the equation.
Nutrition, lifestyle and exercise make up two-thirds.”
He also stressed the impact patient education has in
ensuring patients are prepared. “Patients really need to know
what they’re getting into and they need to understand it to be
able to commit to it.”
Tony said having bariatric surgery changed his entire
relationship with food. “Before, I didn’t understand how my
food choices were affecting my health. I was an emotional eater.
You learn what a healthy plate looks like. Now, every bite counts.
I make more thoughtful choices about what I put in my body.”
He has also added regular workouts at the gym.
LaShawn said being able to listen to her body was the single
most important benefit she gained. “Being aware of what your
body needs to function is very different from what your bad
habits have convinced your body to crave,” she said. “Now,
I’m able to distinguish when I am eating for my health
requirements versus over-eating for emotional comfort.”
Her husband added,” Bariatric surgery is more about
good health than weight loss. Weight loss is a consequence
but the actual program is about promoting a healthy lifestyle.
It’s a lifetime commitment and you really have to be ready for
those changes.”