Weight Management Stories
Patients Share Their Stories
Get inspiration and support from people just like you. Weight management patients share the struggles they’ve faced, and the stories of their success with OhioHealth.
Matthew's Story
Making the Commitment to Weight Management
Growing up, I was always thin. But then, suddenly, I was 40 years old and 451 pounds. I had cracked heels, high blood pressure and sleep apnea. I couldn't even tie my own shoes. And then I developed diabetes, which scared me the most. My dad and other family members died from diabetes complications, and I started to worry I wouldn't see my kids graduate.
I thought I could lose the weight on my own, and tried eating healthy, cutting carbs and sugar. Nothing worked. Eventually, I asked my family physician for help. He encouraged me to attend an informational session about weight-loss surgery at OhioHealth.
Bariatric Surgery and Beyond
At first, I felt like I was giving up on myself, and cheating. But joining the program was the best decision I've made in my life. It was a yearlong process, and at times I got frustrated. But the approach OhioHealth uses reprogrammed my mindset and lifestyle, so I don't return to my old habits. I lost 201 pounds. I can run a mile and walk my dogs. I have energy to keep up with my kids. I look good in a suit again. It totally changed my outlook and personality.
But the greatest benefit is that I'm healthy. I left the hospital cured of diabetes. I'm not always sweating. I don't have sleep apnea, or foot and joint problems. Weight-loss surgery is a miracle that lets you reset the clock. It gave me a second chance at life.
Rafat's Story
I had always promised myself weight-loss surgery would be a last resort. I work with cardiovascular and diabetic patients, so I knew what steps to take to lose weight and thought I could do it on my own.
I was in Chicago with friends when I realized my situation wasn’t functional. My friends were taking the train to our destination for the day, but I had to take a cab because I physically couldn’t get to the station in time.
Bariatric Surgery and Beyond
I was overwhelmed, and couldn’t see a way out of my situation, so I decided to go to an informational session about weight-loss surgery at OhioHealth. Dr. Rana put my mind at ease with the clinical science behind it, and I reconsidered my stance when I learned people who have surgery keep weight off more successfully than those who take alternative routes.
The program gave me the time and support I needed to adjust my mindset and my habits, so that after surgery, it was a seamless transition into a new lifestyle. It’s a lifestyle I never believed I could have before surgery. I discovered that I really enjoy weightlifting, and now I’m a personal trainer and competitive Olympic weightlifter. I have energy to play with my kids, and a newfound confidence. Without the surgery, I would’ve missed out on these things that bring me so much joy.