Sticking to a New Year’s resolution can be hard. Two months into the New Year, and most of us have already given up on those promises to eat better and exercise. This article delves into inspiring weight loss success stories, highlighting the transformative power of determination, support, and comprehensive weight management programs. These stories offer a glimpse into the personal battles, pivotal decisions, and life-changing outcomes experienced by individuals who have successfully navigated their weight loss journeys.
Overcoming Obstacles with Support and Expertise
Without support and expertise, weight loss can be an almost impossible journey. Nicole Taub found herself wanting desperately to change her habits and be healthier. As her determination pushed her to make the next steps to get healthy, she found Tufts Medical Center Weight and Wellness Center. The program offers medical and surgical weight loss options and is a MBSAQIP Accredited Comprehensive Center and a Designated Blue Distinction Center. With their support and the right plan, Nicole was able to overcome those typical New Year’s downfalls and persevere.
Nicole Taub's Story: Breaking the Vicious Cycle
Nicole Taub's story starts in an all too familiar way. She struggled with her weight as far back as she can remember, but as she looks back now, she doesn’t think she ever truly appreciated just how out of control things were at times. She was always looking for a “quick fix.” As a teenager there was the fad diet in the weeks leading up to prom; then came weight loss meetings in college (where she convinced herself that she could fit the fast food hamburger into her daily allotment); and finally attempts at clean eating and extreme food restrictions as an adult. All for what??? The immediate results inevitably gave way to weight gain well above the total she lost, and the vicious cycle would begin again.
Everything changed for her in the summer of 2018. Getting on the scale was never a pleasant experience, and she never let her weight define her, but that summer the number had gone up - a lot - and she couldn’t account for the weight gain. She’s not even sure she saw it when she looked in the mirror, but the scale doesn’t lie. In that moment she knew it was time to stop the cycle and she made the decision to visit the Tufts MC Weight and Wellness Center. She had friends who went through the surgical process, some with great success, but it wasn’t until she was ready to make the choice for herself that she was able to fully commit. This was that moment. It wasn’t about vanity or the size of her jeans - she needed to get healthy and she needed help doing it.
Nicole remembers her first visit. What really stands out is hearing that she would have to wait six months before we could schedule the surgery. She couldn’t believe it. She finally made the decision to change her life and now she had to wait even longer! In the moment she was angry, but as she writes this nearly 19 months to the day from that visit, she can confidently say that the six-month pre-op period was the first step to her success on this journey.
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The Weight and Wellness Center at Tufts MC requires that patients go through a medical weight loss program before surgery to promote long term success. The program offers education and support for: behavior, lifestyle, nutrition, physical activity and medication management. Without this time to prepare for the long term, patients may resort back to old habits.
A Journey of Change
Nicole had her surgery on January 14, 2019. The time that followed wasn’t easy. She had spent years (unsuccessfully) telling herself, “don’t eat if you’re not hungry,” and here she was trying to meet her daily goals without much of an appetite or the energy to get up and sit at the table. Luckily, she has an incredible support system in her family, friends and the team at Tufts MC, all of whom keep her motivated. For that, she is eternally grateful. These folks, coupled with her tendency to follow the rules, have been immensely helpful to her on her journey, and the results are better than she ever could have imagined.
Nicole is now a year post-op and has lost over 120 pounds. She has discovered a passion for yoga and is even working out regularly (I have muscles!). When she looks back at old photos she struggles to recognize herself, but it’s not just the extra weight she was carrying. This journey has been about more than becoming physically lighter…an emotional weight has been lifted that can’t be reflected in “lbs.” The best compliments she gets aren't about how skinny she looks (although it never hurts!) but rather the people who see how much lighter and happier she is on the inside. It took her a while to get here, but she is without a doubt the best version of herself the world has ever seen.
Kulp's Transformation: A Second Chance at Life
Kulp's story is a testament to the life-saving potential of weight loss surgery. “I was very sick,” she says. “I had fatty liver disease that was killing me. I had diabetes. I had high cholesterol and high blood pressure. I was incontinent. Four years ago, she met with Jonathan Spitz, MD, a bariatric surgeon at MultiCare Rockwood Weight Loss & Bariatric Surgery Center. “My son has special needs - I’m his sole person, and I was dying,” Kulp explains. “I couldn’t let that happen.
“I weighed 190 at 17,” Kulp shares. “The high cholesterol, high blood pressure, the diabetes - all went away,” she says. “I’ve found that I really enjoy zip-lining, and I want to do more,” Kulp says. “It’s hard to go have fun when you’re miserable at the same time,” she says. “Once you’ve had gastric bypass, you need to eat correctly because your body doesn’t absorb nutrients as well,” she explains. Kulp’s transformation was remarkable. “I’ve gone through a huge change,” she says. “People who haven’t seen me in a while don’t recognize me. Now, she’s in the process of skin removal surgery (read about it here). “I can’t wait for my skin to be fully healed,” Kulp adds. “People think the surgery is easy and it’s going to do it all - but that’s not the case,” she says.
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The Butterfly Effect: Profound Changes Beyond Weight Loss
Metabolic bariatric weight loss surgery can result in profound, positive changes across multiple facets of a person’s life - a phenomenon known as the butterfly effect. These changes extend beyond physical health, impacting emotional well-being, self-confidence, and overall quality of life.
Kerri Carvalho's Journey: From Resolutions for Others to Self-Discovery
When asked about her New Year's resolution, Kerri Carvalho takes a long pause.“I don’t think I’ve ever made a resolution just for me,” she says. “Ever since I became a mom, more than 20 years ago, it’s always been for my family.” After some consideration, she has an idea. “I would like to be the best version of myself, and I think I have all the tools to do that now.”This revelation comes on the heels of a nearly four-year weight loss journey. Carvalho has lost 105 pounds, but she’s only now beginning to accept that the new, “smaller” woman in the mirror is the same "bigger girl" she once was.
Challenging Misconceptions About Weight Loss Surgery
With her dark, expressive eyes and confident demeanor, it’s hard to imagine Carvalho ever doubting herself. The 42-year-old administrative coordinator and fellowship coordinator with critical care medicine at The Miriam Hospital has always embraced a full life surrounded by family, friends, and work. She faced her bodyweight challenges head-on, adhering to a rigorous daily work-out routine and weaving in and out of various diet plans. She was a frequent competitor in Spartan races, the world’s premier obstacle course race, achieving its badge of honor, the Trifecta. Even her hypothyroidism was under control.
But when her A1C tests revealed she was pre-diabetic, her endocrinologist prescribed phentermine to enhance her weight-loss efforts and further reduce her A1C. To everyone’s dismay, instead of losing weight, she gained more. The endocrinologist and her primary care physician agreed it was best to stop the phentermine. At this juncture, she began to reconsider the weight-loss surgery she had long dismissed as an “easy way out.”
Carvalho recognizes now that her opposition to weight-loss surgery was unfounded. Her perspective changed after consulting with Beth Ryder, MD, FACS, director of the Center for Medical and Surgical Weight Loss. “When Dr. Ryder explained what my lifestyle would be like after the surgery, everything changed.” Carvalho remembers. “She is an easy person to talk to and answered every one of my questions. She made me feel comfortable in my decision. She predicted I would lose 70 or more likely 50 pounds. I saw it as an opportunity to get my life back.” Carvalho qualified for the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass procedure, one of the most performed types of metabolic bariatric surgery. It is recommended for patients who have had little to no success with diet and exercise or have serious health problems because of their weight.
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“Once my eyes were opened, I became more accepting that I would not be giving in to something that was easy,” she reflects. “It was actually a million times harder than going to the gym.”
Reaping the Rewards of a Healthier Lifestyle
Carvalho’s expectations were exceeded. While her significant weight-loss is an exception, she experienced little discomfort following surgery. Although she bounced back quickly, she continues to adjust to the rigor of maintaining sufficient nourishment and hydration. Her favorite protein is chicken, and she’s found new recipes that satisfy her supportive husband, and three adult children, too.
Along with her weight loss, Carvalho’s A1C results are normal, something she never achieved previously. Her athletic performance has improved as well. She has shaved 25 minutes off her Spartan race time and is able to reach the top in the rope-climbing obstacle. To complement her weight loss, Carvalho underwent plastic surgery to have extra skin around stomach removed and a breast lift.
“I ran Spartan races successfully as a thicker woman,” Carvalho says. “Now, I run those same races with so much more confidence, ability and skill than I ever imagined I could. I can now complete obstacles that I never even considered attempting.”
Another positive outcome for Carvalho is her reflection in the mirror. While she hasn’t changed on the inside, it’s been only recently that she has accepted her exterior transformation. “Never in my adult life have I have been small,” she says. “My decision to have the weight-loss surgery remains the best decision I could have made. It gave me my life back, and so much more.
Dave Sousa: Regaining Life's Simple Pleasures
It is the little things in life that stand out most to Dave Sousa after his metabolic bariatric surgery - being able to buy clothes in any store, to incorporate color into his wardrobe, to take long walks with his dogs, to not worry about sitting in booths when eating in restaurants with his family. Under the expert care of Beth Ann Ryder, MD, the program director for the Center for Medical and Surgical Weight Loss, Sousa embarked on a transformation that would not only alter his physical appearance but reshape his approach to life itself.
Dr. “My life is so, so different as a result of it, and I am so incredibly grateful for making the decision," Sousa shares, his gratitude extending to the life he's reclaimed. Before the surgery, activities like going to the beach were marred by self-consciousness and discomfort. The support from the Center for Medical and Surgical Weight Loss team, including dieticians, has been instrumental in Sousa's post-operative care, guiding him through dietary adjustments and lifestyle changes. "The surgery is not a magic pill," he said. Today, Sousa views food as fuel, finding satisfaction in healthier alternatives that cater to his cravings without compromising his progress, like the recent discovery of a sugar free alternative of his favorite candy - black jelly beans. "If it wasn’t for the surgery, I would still be 400 pounds trying to figure out how to lose the weight," Sousa said.
Christina Pimentel Puckett: A Mother's Joy Reclaimed
When Christina Pimentel Puckett runs around the playground with her children, she is not simply being a good mom. She is doing something that seemed almost impossible to her a few years ago. Through the Center for Medical and Surgical Weight Loss, Christina flew down on a path that not only reshaped her body but also revitalized her health, spirit, and daily experiences.
However, the transformation did not stop at physical health. “I am able to now do so much with my 4- and 5-year-old children," said Puckett. "I can go to the park and swing on the swings, ride rides at theme parks with them, jump at the trampoline park, etc. In addition to changing her appearance, the effects of the surgery have impacted her self-confidence and helped her reclaim a joy in activities as simple as shopping, which once felt daunting. “I feel like I have become a different person since having surgery; a better person," said Puckett. "My attitude towards myself and how I feel about myself has improved tremendously. Looking ahead, Puckett is excited about the future.
Yiselle Sanchez: Paying It Forward Through Kindness
Like most people considering metabolic bariatric surgery, Yiselle Sanchez felt a mixture of skepticism, nervousness and hope. After a great deal of thought, support from the center’s staff, and conversation with her family, Yiselle made a brave decision, and her transformation through Brown University Health's Center for Medical and Surgical Weight Loss is not just a story of weight loss. "I’m going to do it for me first, but then, I have two little ones,” said Sanchez.
Undergoing metabolic bariatric surgery is a monumental decision that requires mental preparation and a deep understanding of one's relationship with food. Sanchez faced this challenge head-on. "It’s an internal battle,” said Sanchez. “Things you think have nothing to do with why you gained weight have everything to do with it - everything to do with how you grew up, everything to do with what happened in your past. We have to mentally get in there, and we have to mentally be strong because, if not, the surgery won’t be a success for you.
Post-surgery, Sanchez experienced a remarkable physical transformation that embodies the butterfly effect-small changes leading to significant impacts. From struggling to walk up stairs to walking six miles, her life has taken a 180-degree turn. Sanchez's journey was supported by an ecosystem of care at the Center for Medical and Surgical Weight Loss, including her family and the medical team. Her story highlights the importance of a supportive environment in navigating the challenges post-surgery. “They helped me change my life, especially Dr. Ryder,” explained Sanchez. “I want to thank her. She gave me my life back . . . Dr. Ryder doesn’t know this, but I appreciate what Dr. Ryder did for me. She treated me like a human being. She didn’t treat me like I was this person with an obesity problem, and I didn’t matter.
Inspired by her own experience and the kindness of a nurse who comforted her pre-surgery, Sanchez now works with Rhode Island and The Miriam hospitals as a patient services representative, hoping to be there for others as the nurse was for her. “You’re worth everything you’re going to do,” said Sanchez. “You’re worth everything that is going to happen after. You’re worth every amazing step after the surgery.
Jamie's Story: Overcoming Obstacles and Discovering Mindful Eating
Jamie had a long road to surgery. Having struggled with weight her whole life, she looked into a laparoscopic weight loss procedure while living in Connecticut almost 20 years ago. The night before her pre-op, she found out about a family history of Factor V Leiden, a mutation that increases the risk of blood clots. “At the time, I had twins that were only a few years old,” said Jamie.
Years later, at age 50, Jamie’s health began to decline. “Until that point I was always the ‘active fat girl,’ so not much stopped me,” she said. “But from 50 to 54, I was diagnosed as an insulin-dependent diabetic, developed pulmonary hypertension, got pneumonia 4 times, and began experiencing pain in my knees. Jamie was so excited to get the date for her third attempt at weight loss surgery-March 25, 2020. At long last, she had the RnY gastric bypass surgery that August with Dr.
“I went home on no insulin and no Metformin, which was the first real win,” she said. “From there I started walking, a little more each day, and now I go to the gym. Jamie says the surgery changed her relationship with food, helping her discover mindful eating. But there have been challenges-for Jamie, the biggest was hair loss, a common symptom of metabolic bariatric surgery that’s not often talked about. “I already had very fine, thinning hair, and six months in I started to lose it. The surgery was the boost Jamie needed to achieve a healthy lifestyle. “I had tried dieting. I had tried everything.
Kellie Armstrong: From Patient to Program Manager
Kellie Armstrong, MSN, RN, CBN, had body contouring surgery. Her surgeon was Rachel Sullivan, MD. After trying “every diet under the sun,” without success, a health crisis on a medical missionary trip made her realize she had to get serious for herself. She had gastric bypass surgery in 2005 and committed to a successful lifestyle transformation, losing and keeping off over 100 pounds. Kellie has completed spartan races, iron man triathlons, and a few dozen marathons. She became the program manager of Center for Medical and Surgical Weight Loss several years after her procedure and helped hundreds of others on their weight loss journeys.
“While running about two years ago, I began to notice bruises around my hips, rashes on my skin, and significant discomfort,” said Kellie. “I wasn’t as comfortable in my body.” She underwent a panniculectomy, or removal of excess skin on the abdomen, and elected to add a back lift to make the procedure a full truncal lift, or a 360-degree circumferential incision. Kellie was back to walking within a few days and was able to jog again after about eight weeks. “Patients like Kellie who seek out body contouring surgery have worked really hard to lose all this weight and achieve a healthy lifestyle,” said Dr. Sullivan.
Clarke's Story: An Active Mom
In the ED, her EKG was abnormal. There is a history of heart attack and stroke on both sides of her family, Clarke said. The wife and mother of two has worked at The Miriam Hospital since 2013, first as a CNA and the last two years as a registered nurse. When she began caring for recovering weight-loss surgery patients in the special care unit, she met Kellie Armstrong, MS, RN, CBN, program manager of the Center for Medical and Surgical Weight Loss. Beth Ann Ryder, MD performed Clarke’s Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery. “She’s an amazing human being … the most compassionate doctor I’ve ever met,” Clarke said. “Dr. And she’s thrilled to be the active mom to her children that she wants to be. “They can’t keep up with me now,” Clarke said.
Finding the Right Tools for Success
"I'd been overweight for most of my life and struggled through every program imaginable, with success for a while, but always returning to old habits and behaviors. I contemplated surgery, but I was afraid. After seeing a photograph of myself and seeing how big and sad I was I knew I needed help. I made the call to The Miriam Hospital and was treated so kindly. Going to the initial consultation really changed my life. I saw the surgery as a tool to help me. I learned about my options. [In] my subsequent visits through pre-op I felt so prepared and informed. After surgery, the follow up and support was amazing. I wasn't sold a 'quick fix'; I was offered the opportunity to utilize a tool that can help me change my life and it absolutely did.
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Felecia Vasquez: A Renewed Sense of Purpose
Ten Months, 170 Pounds, and a Whole New LifeWritten by: Denver Health patient Felecia VasquezIn March of 2024, I began my weight loss journey and entered the Denver Health Bariatric Surgery Center program, which would be my second time attempting the program. The first time around, time and seriousness weren't in my favor. It took another year before I felt serious about taking the next step. With hard work and dedication, I was able to lose about 60 lbs. before surgery, which helped me develop the mindset I needed to be successful. I had Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass surgery on October 23, 2024, and never looked back. Ten months and 170 pounds later, I am a completely different person. More than the number on the scale, I've gained energy, confidence, and a renewed sense of purpose. For the first time in my life, I am consistently doing something for myself, and it’s been nothing short of life-changing.
Breaking Free from Dieting Cycles
Before surgery, I spent years stuck in cycles of dieting, starting strong and then hitting plateaus that left me discouraged. I have been overweight my entire life, as far back as I can remember; weight was always my biggest struggle. This time felt different, the motivation, the seriousness of the situation, I could envision the kind of future my life would be if I didn’t do something, a harsh, unsettling reality was staring me in the face, and this was when I knew I was ready. I wanted more out of life. I wanted to be the healthy, happy mother my kids deserve.
To be honest, I almost backed out of the surgery the night before, as I was met with a mixture of nerves and uncertainty. I called my support system, weighed the pros and cons, remembered why I wanted this so badly, and then, for the first time in my life, I followed through. With the help and support of the incredible bariatric team at Denver Health, my vision became my reality.
Embracing a Healthier Life's Journey
This journey has taught me so much, especially that this is not a race. There is no finish line. I am learning that consistency is key, and the most important thing I can do is take it one day at a time. Just keep going, trust the process, and give myself grace. The mental aspect has been one of the hardest parts, but therapy has helped me work through the deeper reasons behind my relationship with food. It helped me forgive myself, eat more intuitively, and stay focused on long-term changes.
Leveraging Technology for Weight Loss
I've also leaned into technology to support my journey. AI has been an amazing tool for creating personalized meal plans, grocery lists that fit my calorie goals, and simple, effective workouts I can do at home or the gym. This journey does not come easily, or happen overnight, it is a tool for a much bigger picture.
If you're starting out, my biggest advice is this: don’t compare your journey to others, use your resources, ask for help, and don't be afraid to challenge yourself. Take the stairs, park a little farther, and when you're tired, go for that 10-minute walk anyway. You won't regret it. I feel stronger, lighter, and more grounded than I've ever felt. I am thankful that Denver Health’s Bariatric Surgery Center prepared me for life after surgery. I wouldn’t have been even remotely successful if I hadn’t worked the program first.