Carla before surgery
How do I start a story one never wants to talk about? I grew up not having to worry about my weight and health, except my father was very obese. Bariatric surgery never was in my vocabulary or in my thoughts.
In 1996, I was diagnosed with Hashimoto’s Disease (Thyroid Disease). My world was turned upside down and it took time to get through this journey. I found myself in 1999 struggling for the first time with my weight. Of course I had been through a lot but this was just another struggle I did not want. Medications, working, tired all the time, and as time passed my weight continued to creep up.
I want you to know the real me. I enjoy laughing, being around others, cooking, shopping, my family, recipes, kitchen gadgets, ok…anything that deals with the kitchen and food! I love to cook for others, my family, parties or just because. Better yet, I love to eat!
In 2008 I joined the team of Southern Surgical as their administrator. Weight loss surgery or the world of Bariatrics was not part of my background, but I was eager to learn and excited to a join a team that helped so many people. It was only when my friend asked me when I was going to have surgery myself, did I realize how overweight I may be. I was shocked that I could even qualify. Unfortunately, my BMI was a 40.
July of 2010 is the launch of my journey! Monday was surgery, Wednesday I got to go home from the hospital and on Saturday I ended up in the ER because my calcium bottomed out! Thyroid Disease and calcium are big partners in crime. The malabsorption part of the bypass made getting the correct dose of calcium a tricky game at first. I am a pro now at my vitamins and to recognize when I start to feel a little tired or off. My employees and friends say I am naturally a little off anyway.
Carla after surgery
It has been wonderful to have Southern Surgical everyday as a part of my journey. My first six months out I said I wish I had never done it! Now a year later, I have lost more than I currently weigh. I have lost 118 pounds and went from a size 20 to a 2! That’s correct I lost the 0 in my pants size.
Ask me, would I do it again? YES! Of course I would. I enjoy shopping for new clothes. My taste buds have changed but I still love to cook and eat. I do miss sodas and still enjoy the sound the can makes when you open it, “Pop!”
I took over a support group in Washington, NC and have met some of the best people in the world. We encourage each other and try to keep focused on our future to a healthier us. The fact is I am not getting any younger and no matter what comes my way, I am so much healthier today and determined to continue to hit the road running for success!
Carla Jennette