Megan Brooks's story is one of remarkable resilience and determination. It encompasses not only a significant weight loss journey but also her battle with cancer, showcasing her "can-do" attitude and unwavering spirit. From struggling with weight since childhood to facing a cancer diagnosis in her late 20s, Megan's story is an inspiration to those facing similar challenges.
Early Life and Weight Struggles
Describing herself as a natural extrovert with a Type A personality, Megan was an active child and talented athlete in high school. Despite her athleticism, she faced ongoing weight challenges, which she attributed to a slower metabolism. Although she remained on the "fit side" and was tall at 5' 10", she always dreaded the annual physicals required for her sports activities.
Her college years brought positive experiences, but also the development of poor eating and lifestyle habits. She admits to making poor food choices during meals and consuming alcohol at times. After graduation, she entered the corporate world and began to notice societal biases against overweight individuals. "People assume that because you are overweight, you’re lazy," she observed.
The Turning Point
In her late 20s, Megan started experiencing physical limitations, feeling winded during activities that others her age did effortlessly. The turning point came when she saw social media posts from a friend who had undergone bariatric surgery. Witnessing her friend's physical transformation sparked a thought in Megan's mind.
The birth of her nephew, Brooks, in August 2018, served as the ultimate catalyst. "His birth is really what triggered me to say I have to take ownership of my weight," she says. Looking in the mirror, Megan finally acknowledged her unhappiness with her appearance and health, realizing she hadn't prioritized herself.
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Finding a Solution: UC Health Weight Loss Center
Megan sought advice from her friend who had bariatric surgery and learned about the UC Health Weight Loss Center. Impressed by her friend's positive experience and the honesty about the challenges involved, Megan decided to attend a seminar at the center.
At the seminar, Jonathan R. Thompson, MD, bariatric surgeon, medical director of the UC Health Weight Loss Center, and assistant professor at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, spoke about obesity, weight loss, and surgical options. Megan was impressed by Dr. Thompson's knowledge and ability to explain complex topics in a simple, understandable manner. "When I heard him speak, I was so impressed with his knowledge and his poise," says Megan. "He was so conversational. I asked him a few questions after the seminar, and I knew that UC Health was the right fit for me."
Megan also realized that obesity is a chronic disease that requires lifelong management. "I’m going to have to live with it for my entire life," she added.
The Weight Loss Journey
After six months of pre-surgery visits, a special diet to prepare her body, and behavioral and lifestyle modification education sessions, Megan underwent bariatric surgery. Dr. Thompson emphasized that surgery is only a small part of the long-term process, with changes needed before and after the procedure.
Megan embraced the program with her characteristic "can-do" attitude, following the process diligently and watching the pounds come off. "For me, I took the stereotype of surgery away and looked at it as a reset button with a tool kit that I’m going to have for life," she says. Interestingly, much of her success occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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The support of her family, especially her parents and sister, was crucial throughout her journey. "I would not be the person I am today if not for my parents - I love them through and through. My dad told me when I decided to have the surgery that he was so confident because I was confident. My sister has been one of my biggest advocates. She’s held my hand and wiped my tears on the hardest days."
Megan emphasizes the importance of following the advice of the Weight Loss Center's team of professionals. "The journey, the mentality, the education - I would not have succeeded if it were not for the UC Health Weight Loss Center." She acknowledges that the journey isn't always easy. "Don’t get me wrong, we are human and we are not perfect. There have been days that I’ve fallen off the wagon, but I know the next day when I start again, I’m in control of what happens."
Working with Ivan Bennett, physician assistant at the UC Health Weight Loss Center, Megan appreciated his helpful analogies. "My favorite one is the gasoline-in-the-car analogy. Every day, when it’s time for my three-hour snack, I’ll tell myself - ‘OK, how much gas do I need to put in the car today?’ It’s a daily reminder to keep you on course." Ivan noted that Megan fully embraced the tools and strategies provided by the program.
Megan prioritizes exercise, viewing it as "her time" and being "blatantly selfish" about it. She realized that she could continue her regular life and job while undergoing this lifelong process. Even a simple walk with her dogs counts as being active.
Dr. West-Smith describes Megan as an inspirational person who has worked hard for her success. Today, Megan has lost a total of 270 pounds and feels confident about her future.
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Megan emphasizes the importance of her support system, including her boyfriend, family, friends, and fitness communities. "While I personally make the choices, my support system consisting of my boyfriend, my family, my friends and the fitness communities I have been exposed to through these changes are the folks that help me stay grounded and focused on my journey," states Megan. "They are cheering me on when things are hard."
For those struggling with their weight, Megan offers hope: "I’ve been in that place, and you can get yourself out. I am so glad I found UC Health - there is hope in their Weight Loss Center program."
A Cancer Diagnosis and Battle
Just when Megan was celebrating her weight loss success, she received another life-altering diagnosis: cancer. "I was shocked," says Megan Brooks of the day she received her cancer diagnosis. "I was in disbelief. I couldn’t talk." At 29 years old, the business owner and mother of two from Eau Claire, Wisconsin, was having lunch with her husband after a doctor’s appointment when she received the news from Suzette Peltier, M.D., her gynecologist at Mayo Clinic Health System in Eau Claire. "She told me to come back," Megan says. "She said: ‘We need to deal with this right now.’"
The cancer was spreading to her lymph nodes, requiring immediate action. Less than three weeks later, Megan underwent a robotic hysterectomy and lymphadenectomy (removal of the lymph nodes) at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. "It was over and done very quickly," Megan says.
Recurrence and Aggressive Treatment
Unfortunately, a few months later, Megan experienced pelvic pain, leading to the discovery that her cancer had returned. This recurrence necessitated aggressive treatment, according to Larry Past, M.D., Megan’s radiation oncologist at the Albert J. and Judith A. Dunlap Cancer Center at Mayo Clinic Health System in Eau Claire.
Megan underwent 25 radiation treatments, five days a week for five weeks, followed by brachytherapy at Mayo Clinic. This seamless coordination of care between the Eau Claire and Rochester locations was a significant advantage. "Patients like Megan can receive radiation and chemotherapy in Eau Claire and then receive more specialized treatment in Rochester, if needed," Dr. Past says.
Each Monday after radiation, Megan received chemotherapy with Eyad Al-Hattab, M.D., her oncologist. Dr. Al-Hattab emphasized the importance of supportive care during this difficult time. "We do a lot of supportive care to get the patient through these difficult times," says Dr. Al-Hattab. "Everyone has different needs, so every plan is different. Our Palliative Care team helps patients deal with the side effects."
The treatments caused significant side effects, including nausea, vomiting, dehydration, weight loss, poor appetite, and extreme fatigue. Despite medication and diet, Megan felt extremely ill. "It took everything out of me every day," Megan says. "I was very weak and vulnerable, and needed everybody." Unable to drive, Megan relied on her mother to take her to her appointments.
The Power of Support and a Positive Attitude
Throughout her cancer battle, Megan relied heavily on the support of her family and friends. "They were always there for me," Megan says. "I was surrounded by the love of my family. The Cancer Center nurses are some of my friends now."
Megan also emphasizes the importance of a positive attitude. "Take all of the help and support you can. Keep a positive attitude. Fight and push to get better."
Life After Cancer
After a scan revealed she was cancer-free, Megan's family and friends encouraged her to return to life, which she did enthusiastically. Just three months after getting the all-clear, she bought a business.
Dr. Al-Hattab expressed his joy in seeing Megan thrive after her life-altering diagnosis. "There’s a sense of joy seeing someone doing well after a life-altering diagnosis," says Dr. Al-Hattab.
Looking back, Megan describes her experience as surreal, like a dream that happened to someone else. She is grateful it is over and proud of herself and her family for persevering.
Finding Further Empowerment Through Running
Megan Marie, now 37 and living in Connecticut, found another avenue for empowerment through running. At her heaviest, she weighed 351 pounds. Now, she weighs 145 pounds. Balancing motherhood and a career, she had neglected her own health and wellness, leading to poor food choices and exhaustion. Simple tasks like climbing stairs left her breathless, and she suffered from sleep apnea.
Weighing 351 pounds in January 2019, she knew she needed to change. She resolved to lose weight, making sure everyone in her life knew her goal for support. Previous attempts had involved extreme calorie deficits and excessive workouts, leading to burnout.
This time, she made small, gradual changes, focusing on nutrition first. She reduced her carb intake, eliminated processed foods and refined sugar, inadvertently starting the keto diet. She stuck to this diet for a year, losing 180 pounds.
To sustain her progress long-term, she reintroduced carbs and discovered running. Using the Couch to 5K app, she initially struggled but eventually completed the program in May 2020. She ran her first virtual 5K in July 2020. Now, she runs three times a week, focusing on endurance rather than speed.
Running provides mental and physical endurance, discipline, and consistency. It also gives her a sense of freedom and self-care. "Running is the self-care time I had been missing in my earlier life. It’s the time I have to myself to decompress and think. It’s only me on the road, surrounded by my thoughts that I feel like maybe, just maybe, I can fly."
The hardest part of her journey has been maintaining her progress after reaching her goal weight. She has learned to set new goals, with running playing a significant role. Having lost over 200 pounds in 15 months, she inspires others to believe they can change their lives. "Finding running has been like finally living the dream I’ve had since I was a child, like I’m free, like I can fly."
Keto Diet Success
Megan's experience highlights the potential benefits of the keto diet for weight loss and overall well-being. For Megan, keto has been more than just a weight loss diet. “I struggled with depression and weight issues since graduating high school,” she says. “I had tried other diets. Counting calories, meal restriction. One day, Megan had a wakeup call. She realized that her weight was keeping her from being the best mother she could be, and she sat down to do some research. “I have 2 young children and it was a chore to get off the couch,” she says. “I couldn’t play with them. Couldn’t be the mom they deserved. Megan is coming up on her two-year anniversary of starting keto. “The first few weeks were the hardest,” she says. “Especially coming off the sugar. “I can run with my kids, I can do my job better. I have more energy. “My hair started to fall out after I lost the first 50 pounds or so.