Weight-Loss Surgery: It’s Not Cheating

Debbie Elcik is a middle school teacher. We’re happy she’s agreed to share her weight-loss story with us.

“As a kid, I always had an extra bit of weight to lose and never lost it,” she says. “I was active, but was always chubby. As an adult, my weight just kept growing and growing. After I had my daughter, I was about 280 pounds. That’s when I started looking into weight-loss surgery.

“At first, I toyed with the idea, but I told myself, ‘That’s cheating. If I really want to lose the weight, I just have to put my mind to it.

“I can tell you this now: It’s not cheating. I wish I hadn’t waited so long to have it done.

“I had the surgery five years ago when I was 39 years old. I wheeled into surgery at 290 pounds. As of today, I’ve lost 72 pounds — and I’ve kept it off for five years.

“Before surgery, I was on various medications. I was the fat girl in the room. I couldn’t do the things I wanted to do. I tried all the diets and would lose 20 or 30 pounds, but it never materialized into anything more than that.

“I’ve got about 30 more pounds to lose to be at my ultimate goal, but I’m a lot smaller than once was. I kick-box. I spin. I’m active. I shop in regular stores. People don’t look at me funny when I walk into a room. I don’t feel like that uncomfortable fat girl anymore. There’s no other way to describe it.

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“The surgery was not uncomfortable. The experience was wonderful. I was very prepped and prepared. I knew exactly what was going to happen. I knew what my outcome was going to be. I knew what to expect. The pain was minimal. I would do it again. It changed my life.

“When you lose 70 pounds, that changes everything. I take no medications now, which is the hugest part besides being thin. My type 2 diabetes is gone.

“If you’re laden with medical issues because of your weight, the surgery to me is a no-brainer.”

Debbie also told us about the changes in her diet.

“My typical breakfast now is Greek yogurt with granola. Sometimes I’m unconventional and will eat half a turkey sandwich or a protein shake or, if I have time, egg whites with spinach.

“Lunch is always salad with chicken or tuna. Or a half a sandwich and a salad. Dinner is protein, vegetables, maybe a baked potato, maybe not.

“There are certain foods that I don’t eat, but I would never use the word ‘deprived’ to describe my lifestyle today. I think I tried harder to deprive myself of things when I was fatter, because as a fat person, I would tell myself, ‘You shouldn’t eat that.’

“Now I can eat in moderation, walk away, and be happy. I eat like everybody else does now. I don’t pretend to starve myself, thinking that others are looking at me, wondering ‘Does she really need to eat that?’ I don’t have that feeling anymore.”

Congratulations, Debbie.

If you’ve tried all the diets and they don’t seem to be working for you, we invite you to make an appointment to see one of our surgeons by calling our office at (516) 616-5500 or, if you prefer, use our online contact form to start a conversation now.

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Weight-Loss Surgery: It’s Not Cheating

Thomas

Lost 145lbs

Thomas' success story

I went in for surgery. An hour later, I came out a new man.

Everybody treated me like a king. The day of surgery, I was excited. The hospital couldn’t be any nicer. I went in for surgery. An hour later, I came out a new man. My recovery was awesome. I was out of bed that day. My wife and kids were my motivation on getting this surgery. They are my whole life. I’m happy I’m going to be around for them.

Listen to Thomas’ testimonial

Nicole

Lost 76lbs

Nicole's success story

I hit my goal weight ... and I feel fabulous

I had the gastric bypass. I am Type 2 Diabetic and I wanted to gain control of my sugar. I hit my goal weight in about 5 and half months and I feel fabulous. The procedure has completely changed my life for the better because it has empowered me as a middle aged woman that I can really do everything and anything that I want to do. I don't put an age on anything. I don't say I'm too old for something.

Listen to Nicole’s testimonial

Robert

Lost 76lbs

Robert's success story

I was tired of the way I looked. I was tired of the way I felt.

I knew if I didn't change something soon, I was going to be in a lot of trouble. The consultation process was a lot easier than I expected. I was met with open arms. I was treated like I was the only patient here. Not only did they answer all of my questions, they had questions for me to make sure I was the right candidate for the surgery. After surgery and that weight started dropping off, my life started changing for the better.

Listen to Robert’s testimonial

Samantha

Lost 92lbs

Samantha's success story

I feel like a completely different person.

I had the gastric sleeve procedure. The driving factor behind me getting this procedure was my health. I didn't feel good physically or mentally. I had joint pains, even standing was difficult sometimes. Emotionally, this surgery completely turned my life around. I have so much more confidence. So much more happiness. I feel like a completely different person. I feel stronger. I feel able to accomplish more.

Listen to Samantha’s testimonial

Eileen

Lost 99lbs

Eileen's success story

It saved my life.

The driving factor behind me getting my procedure was that I couldn't get up off the floor with my granddaughter. That was my why. That was my big reason for having this surgery done. After surgery, it was a little bit of a struggle with what to eat. What you put in your mouth that you don't even think about. You don't think about what you're eating or how you're eating and portion size. It's what I do now every single day. The procedure has changed my life in so many ways. It saved my life.

Listen to Eileen’s testimonial

Brittany

Lost 126lbs

Brittany's success story

I am totally comfortable in my own skin.

I think I always grew up identifying myself as less than other people because I was fat. I decided to tackle that and just live my life. I had a sleeve gastrectomy. It changed how I view myself. How I communicate with people. I'm able to be much more of myself and live the life I always thought I should have been living. I am totally comfortable in my own skin. You have the tools you need to succeed here.

Listen to Brittany’s testimonial

Desiree

Lost 157lbs

Desiree's success story

I have a brand new life. I can do things I couldn't do before.

I had a vertical sleeve gastrectomy because I had just become diabetic, and I had hypertension for many years. I lost a total of 157 pounds in 11 months. I have a brand new life. I can do things I couldn't do before. Everyone at New York Bariatric Group has been wonderful. They are kind. They are understanding. They make you feel comfortable. They will guide you every step of the way on your journey so that you can be successful.

Listen to Desiree’s testimonial

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