A Weight Loss Surgery Story: Patient Interview
One of the most rewarding parts of the work we do at Nashville Weight Loss Solutions is having the opportunity to hear our patient's stories. Throughout the years, we’ve had thousands of patients in and out of our doors, but each story is truly so important to us. Each member of our staff is cheering each and every patient on and we are grateful to celebrate every win with them.
We had the privilege of hearing Maribeth’s story, and we are excited to share it with you. Maribeth’s story is an inspiring testament to the transformative power of weight loss surgery and the profound impact it can have on one's life.
What were the biggest frustrations you had prior to having weight loss surgery?
The biggest frustration of all for me prior to losing weight was not being the best mom and wife I could be for my family. I wanted to be able to do things with my family that would require more stamina and energy that I just didn't have. One of the most rewarding things happened this past Spring when we took a vacation to Gatlinburg, and I was able to fit in all of the rides and be present in everything with my husband and children rather than sitting on the sidelines out of breath and too large to ride the rides. I will never forget sitting in the test chair outside of the 'Wild Eagle' roller coaster and the harness buckling with room to spare when the year before I couldn't even fit in the seat. I cried tears of joy and I knew at that moment the journey was worth it all... So grateful to Dr. Houston and his team for helping me achieve the goals I have been longing to conquer for the last 20 years.
What made you make the decision to choose weight loss surgery?
I am what they call a "Revision Patient". Back in February of 2004, with a different surgical team in the area, I had an Adjustable Lap Band surgery that was troublesome from day one. I struggled continuously to get the band adjusted correctly which caused severe acid reflux, and many visits to the doctor that left me depressed and with complete weight loss failure. My band ended up having a leak, and I had the fluid removed and went on with my life with a non-working band. I went on to have 3 pregnancies, one of which ended in stillbirth due to a Trisomy 13 diagnosis, and with the huge emotional journey that came with losing our baby girl, I crept back up to my highest weight ever. I spent the next few years trying to lose weight on my own with every possible program that this billion-dollar weight loss industry threw at me. Nothing worked.
It was the Fall of 2021 when a friend shared her story with me about her weight loss, and said she had gastric bypass with an incredible surgeon named Dr. Houston over at Nashville Weight Loss/Centennial. This gave me the courage to consider doing more research about possible band removal/gastric bypass surgery. Fast forward to June of 2022, and after much thought and prayer, I felt that the timing was right to set up my consultation with Dr. Houston and meet with him to discuss surgery. I was nervous, scared, and like a puppy dog with my tail between my legs coming in to say "Well...for the past 20 years I have failed, and I'm a girl who's already been through weight loss surgery once, but...can you please help me??" He asked a few questions and we talked for 30 minutes and then he said "I can help you"... "Let's do this". He left to go get Julie, a lady who worked in his office that he wanted me to meet to talk about the next steps. While he was gone and I was sitting in the room alone, I told myself that I needed a sign... I needed to know that I was doing the right thing. Back up to the part of my story when we lost a child and had a stillbirth at 37 weeks in utero... the reminder of my sweet baby girl is a "pink butterfly". Every time I see a pink butterfly, I am reminded of her and the bittersweet journey we had with her. When I see a pink butterfly it gives me peace to know that I'm in the right place or doing the right thing, and I sense her near. When Julie walked into the room to talk about the next steps with surgery, she was wearing a long knee-length cardigan that was covered in pink butterflies. I looked at her with tears coming down my face and I said "Sign me up, Julie... I don't care how much it costs... I'm doing the right thing and have total peace about it". Fast forward to November 2, 2022, and that was the day that along with the help of Dr. Houston and his team, I changed my life forever... and I'm never going back to the old me. It might have taken 47 years of my life to get it right, but it was worth the wait. And thank you, Julie, for wearing the cardigan that day! I'm SO grateful for that moment in my life.
What was it like to work with our team?
The team is amazing. Dr. Houston scared me at first hahaha... (I love you, Dr. Houston)... but it was like "country cornbread girl meets Mr. Serious", but after I got to know him and talk to him and be myself we had a great connection. And through my journey with him, I wanted to make him proud and I wanted to come into the office for my follow-up visits with success! He was exactly what I needed. What I needed was the best in the bariatric industry, and he is by far... the best. Of course from my other comments earlier, I love working with Julie and all of the dietitians are amazing and so knowledgeable and helpful.
Describe your life now, after Weight Loss Surgery.
It's indescribable how amazing it is to feel the way I do right now. The energy I have and the ability to wear clothes from regular stores rather than shopping online is an incredible feeling. Seeing my health screenings and numbers that used to be sky high be back in the NORMAL range. It makes my heart so happy. Mainly because that reminds me why I did this in the first place... to be around longer for my husband and children. They got their wife and mom back. I'm alive. I'm free. No more chains holding me down. The self-confidence that I now have! It's an amazing feeling. I am not to my goal yet but that's okay! I'm doing everything right and in time, I will get there! It's only been 7 months since my surgery, and I'm almost down 100lbs, and that is definitely something to be proud of! I used to HATE to exercise, and now I hate it when a day goes by that I'm not at the gym. I have a beautiful new relationship with the elliptical and weights that I've never had before and taking time for YOU is the most important thing you can do to make this work.
Here are the 5 daily things that help to keep me on track:
1. Mindset
2. Protein Goal
3. Water Goal
4. Exercise
5. Vitamins
These are the daily game changers that have set me up for success.
One of the things I'm most grateful for is when I decided to make this change and have the surgery, and when I started my pre-op diet, my husband decided to make some changes with me on his own. He ate what I ate and changed his diet and exercise routine with me! Together we are currently down almost 150lbs... a whole person!!! So definitely I think my favorite thing to do now is hug my husband and watch our arms go all the way around each other! It's a wonderful feeling.
On behalf of all of our staff at Nashville Weight Loss Solutions, we are so proud of you, Marybeth! We couldn’t be more excited about your new lifestyle and the opportunities ahead for you. Thank you for sharing your story!
At Nashville Weight Loss Solutions, we offer the 4 main bariatric surgeries available today as well as bariatric revisions, in some cases. If you are interested in weight loss surgery you can schedule a consultation with Dr. Houston by completing our contact form HERE. or by calling our office at 615-342-5820.
