We regularly feature our bariatric warriors on our social media channels, but this year we’re taking their success one step further by inviting our Prime patients to share their own personal experiences about the weight loss surgery journey.
We are thrilled to kick-off this new Prime series featuring Barbara Vargas, who writes in her own words what propelled her to choose gastric sleeve weight loss surgery and how it has changed her life today.
How an Embarrassment Propelled a Life Blessing
By Barbara Vargas
I have been overweight my entire life. I have struggled with countless diets, only to lose the weight and regain it and more. It has been a vicious cycle.
My ah-ha moment came at a point where it should have been a happy moment:
I was at the airport, vacation-bound. The airplane was overbooked and they seated me in an emergency exit row. As the plane was preparing for take-off, I realized that my seatbelt didn’t fit.
I asked the flight attendant for a seatbelt extender. She approached another flight attendant, whispered something, went into the cabin, and the plane literally came to a stop.
She approached me again and explained that FAA regulations stated that a person who needs a seatbelt extender is not permitted to sit in an emergency exit row. The flight attendant asked a young lady sitting across from them to change seats with me.
But the young woman’s father began arguing with the flight attendant asking why his daughter had to move. I wanted to cry at that point and felt helpless. This argument went on for a few minutes and then the flight attendant whispered to the gentlemen why his daughter was asked to change seats with me.
He eventually agreed but looked at me with such disgust, I could feel my heart sink.
What was supposed to be a happy family vacation turned into a nightmare,
or so I thought at the time.
It wasn’t until later that this nightmare moment proved to be a blessing in disguise.
Time for a New Beginning
After arriving home, I started making serious inquiries about having bariatric surgery; I never wanted to experience anything else like that ever again.
My search brought me to Dr. Seun Sowemimo’s office in May 2017. Dr. Seun explained the surgery and what to expect in great detail. Then and there, I decided to make the change in my life and go forward with gastric sleeve (VSG) weight loss surgery in July.
I often say that this was the best decision ever, and it was.
I have lost 110 pounds, but more importantly, I have gained my love for life back.
To my surprise, I’ve developed a love for exercise. Keep in mind, I went from sitting on a couch to training for my first half marathon this April. (Did I just say that?)
My success would not have been possible without the extraordinary care of Dr. Seun, his amazing staff, and bariatric nutritionist Lori Skurbe. Their continued support extends well beyond the operating room.
“Barbara has a soft shell and a hard core, the personification of determination. (She’s been running 5Ks every week through the winter!) I’m proud to be on her team.”
Dr. Seun Sowemimo
New to Exercise? Here’s How I Started
My advice is to find something you love to do. Try many different forms of exercise and give them a chance. You never know what you may end up loving.
I discovered a love of running. It provides me with a sense of mental clarity and an amazing feeling of accomplishment. Last year, I decided to step outside my comfort zone and as part of my New Year’s resolution, I’m trying a new class at the gym every month.
Some I loved, some not so much, but it was a great experience.
Get Weight Loss Surgery Tips and Tools from Barbara and Our Other Bariatric Rock Stars
Moving to Less Meat, More Plant-Based Foods
I have recently starting to incorporate more of a plant-based diet into my life because regular exercise is only part of the equation for living a healthy lifestyle.
In order to be successful, one must incorporate exercise,
healthy eating and a positive mindset.
Life is a balance.
I’m teaching myself how to cook using healthier options; I try new recipes with new ingredients all the time. Like the classes at the gym, there have been recipes I really enjoy and others not so much.
Dr. Seun Explains the Life-Changing Value of Eating a Whole Food Plant-Based Diet
But I’m expanding my horizons in every aspect of my life. If I want my body to perform at optimal levels, I need to feed it properly.
This leads me to my final attribute for successful weight loss–keeping a positive mindset. Just as I make healthier choices with food and exercise, I also read positive affirmations daily.
I remind myself that I am worth it, because I am.
Having just reached age 50, I am happier and healthier than I have ever been in my life. Best of all, I have more energy than I did when I was in my 20s.
I wish the event on the plane never happened, believe me, but today I know it was a way to launch my journey to where I am today.
Barbara Shares Her VSG Weight Loss Success on Our YouTube Channel
#BestDecisionEver #BestBariatricDoctorEver #PrimeFamily