COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) – With summer right around the corner, many might feel pressured to get into shape.
However, shedding the pounds can be tough, especially when it seems like you’ve tried everything.
Monique Davis is a mom and veteran, who said one’s weight loss surgery is personal.
“I was not happy with how I looked, I think on the outside, people probably saw me smiling and doing the things but on the inside I was definitely not happy with my appearance.”
The increase in fad diets and medications becoming available for a fast fix has been a growing concern for doctors. But aside from physical change, being overweight is associated with greater health risks, from high blood pressure to diabetes, and even cancer.
“I was tired all the time. My kids would laugh all the time because I would joke about my knees hurting going up the stairs. I could not walk without being tired, literally couldn’t walk around the corner without getting exhausted or tired, so it was a challenge it was really a struggle,” said Monique.
Regarding solutions, one may think surgery is the easy way out, but that’s far from true.
“I think I had tried all the other things. “Once I had my children it was kind of an up and down so I was able to lose weight at one point and then I picked it right back up.”
Doctors say the real work starts after the operating table and Monique was ready for the challenge.
Last summer she decided to undergo a bariatric surgical procedure.
“She began her journey much the same way most people do, recognizing that how she was living her life really wasn’t getting her where she wanted to be, recognizing that she needed some help to make the changes to get to a healthier life. So she went through much of the same process, webinar, seminar—we discussed what options she had and what would be the best option for her,” said Dr. Marc Antonetti.
Antonetti is the medical director for bariatric surgery at Lexington Medical Center.
Over his tenure, he’s performed over 2000 surgeries, including Moniques.
“He gave me the pros he gave me the cons which was good and it just made me feel better so I went home thought about it and ultimately made my decision,” said Monique.
“We try to emphasize a healthy approach to a long-term way of changing your behavior, it’s not about not eating this or that, but it’s about taking simple steps and being mindful of your eating,” said Antonetti.
After the quick procedure, Monique said she embraced a new lifestyle.
“It was great, I didn’t have any major issues at all. I look at what I eat a lot differently, I portion my meals out. It was just getting used to a different lifestyle. Whether it be the nurse or dieticians they were always willing to help me.”
Dr. Antonetti reminds patients that the surgery is simply a tool, the real work is mental
” Life continues to go on, challenges that people have in their lives continue to arise. And really the post-operative support is what really makes the difference in helping people achieve their goals.”
Today Monique serves as a certified medical technician in Dr. Antonetti’s office.
She says seeing the before and after photos really opened her eyes
“It’s like WOW, that was me and to see where I’m at.”
And she’s determined to stay on track, reminded of her why
“Do It for you, do it for your health first and foremost. I did it for my health and I did it for my children because I wan to be around for my children and potential grand children and for me there’s so many thing I want to do in life,” Monique said.
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