As a young, working mom, Tameka Thomas was struggling to make her own health a priority. Once athletic, she found it more difficult than ever before to find time to exercise. And although she prepared meals for her family that were generally pretty healthy, she found herself eating a bit too heartily. Being mindful of portion control was not on her radar at all. Her clothes became a little snug, then tight, and then didn’t fit at all. As her weight progressively climbed to over three hundred pounds, she felt heavy, tired, and not at all like herself.
“I was at my wits end,” recalled Tameka. “I thought about bariatric surgery for a long time but didn’t pursue it because I was scared. It’s a big decision to have surgery.”
Then, Tameka was diagnosed with diabetes – a direct outcome of her obesity. It was a true turning point; she knew the time had come to make serious changes in her life. As she began conducting some online research about local bariatric programs, her hairdresser underwent surgery, turning to bariatric surgeon, Dr. Andrew Averbach, with a lot of proven experience, as well as an excellent reputation, at Ascension Saint Agnes Hospital. Her hairdresser had an extremely positive experience and results, which motivated Tameka to finally attend a bariatrics information seminar. Her husband attended the meeting too, eager to learn more about the process and stand alongside his wife and support her, every step of the way.
“As soon as I attended that meeting, I was confident this was the right path for me to take and that Saint Agnes was the right program for me,” said Tameka. “I had gastric bypass surgery a few months later, in May 2018. And it was hands down the very best decision I have ever made in my life.”
As Tameka began setting her alarm for the early morning hours, squeezing in gym time before work to start off her days, she began to find herself again. She followed Dr. Averbach’s guidance, changing her eating habits and making portion control another new priority in her life. To date, Tameka has lost 107 pounds, traded her size 24 clothing for much more fashionable size 12’s and 14’s, and gained a whole new perspective on life.
“I am 42 years old and I have never felt better,” said Tameka. “I am happy. I am confident. I am pursuing things that I would not have done, before. My only regret is that I didn’t have the surgery sooner.”
As she is in the process of making a career change, in pursuit of new opportunities that align with her personal passions, Tameka is also planning to travel with family to some new and exciting destinations - places she can explore and enjoy now that she is comfortable in her own skin.
“Now, if there is something I want to do, I just do it,” said Tameka. “I no longer have to think about if I can, or if I should, based on my weight. Every aspect of my life is different and better, and I couldn’t be more appreciative of Dr. Averbach and the great team at Saint Agnes, who supported me every step of the way in my journey, and who helped me get here. I feel fantastic!”
Ascension Saint Agnes has worked with patients for the last 15 years throughout their weight loss journey to help them achieve success. To learn more about our services, attend our weight loss seminar today!