How bariatric surgery changed Rachel’s life
At 21 and nearing 300 pounds, Rachel Myers knew she needed to make a change.
“I was miserable in my own body and I was isolating myself because of it,” says Myers. “I did the personal training, used the nutritional coach — nothing worked.”
Myers’ diagnosis of a hormonal disorder called polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) proved to be the motivation she needed to investigate weight loss surgery options. She immediately started to do research online, following people on social media and talking to anyone she could find. After finding bariatric surgeon James Sebesta, MD, she decided to attend an in-person seminar at MultiCare’s Center for Weight Loss & Wellness.
“I loved the seminar,” Myers says. “I wanted to hear everything, to ask questions and to see everything in person. Right after the seminar, I set up a consultation on the spot.”
At her consultation, Myers learned that her insurance covered the surgery and she started her six-month supervised pre-surgery diet right away, with positive results.
“I really appreciated how supportive everyone on the team was,” she says. “I felt they truly cared.”
Myers had surgery in October 2018 and 10 months later she had lost 130 pounds. These results caught her by surprise precisely because everything else she’d tried before had failed.
“I’m blown away,” she says. “I am beyond pleased with my decision. Because I chose to do this so young, I now have an amazing life ahead of me instead of spending my 20s miserable and wondering ‘What if.’”
Aside from feeling comfortable in her body, Myers has gained strength and energy. As a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in a busy hospital, she spends most of her shift on her feet, caring for others. Instead of coming home sore and exhausted, she comes home full of energy and happy to go back to work the next day.
As successful as the surgery has been for her, Myers cautions anyone who may think surgery is a panacea or an easy way out.
“Bariatric surgery won’t fix all your problems,” she acknowledges. “You have to be the one that uses this tool that’s been given to you by eating the right foods and exercising. I now love to go to the gym or do activities five to six times a week — anything to get my heart rate up.”
What’s Myers’ biggest piece of advice for anyone considering weight loss surgery?
“Do your research and talk to people,” she says. “But also imagine the possibilities and don’t keep holding yourself back.”
The MultiCare Center for Weight Loss & Wellness supports you before, during and after the weight loss journey.
