The weight of Americans is increasing in almost every category – whether you’re male, female, adolescent or adult. The reasons for this dramatic weight gain are as varied and complex as the individuals who are carrying the extra pounds. Genetics, eating habits, lifestyle, geography, income, belief systems, emotional health and coping skills are just some of the factors affecting how and why people gain weight.
Mistie Westbrook was a healthy young woman who never struggled with her weight growing up, but things changed before she reached the age of 20.
“When I was 19, I experienced a traumatic life event that left me feeling very isolated and depressed,” said Mistie. “As a result, I gained over 100 pounds.”
Over the next several years, Mistie continued to grapple with her weight. After the birth of her daughter, she learned she had Fibromyalgia, which resulted in significant pain and fatigue.
“The medications that I was taking to combat my Fibromyalgia were causing me to continue to gain weight. I was eating more and more and never feeling satisfied. I finally hit 296 pounds,” recalled Mistie. “I was sick of sitting on the sidelines at my daughter’s events and wanted to become more active in order to enjoy spending time with her. I finally realized I had to get some help.”
After hearing about weight loss surgery from a coworker, Mistie talked to her primary care physician and was referred to the Tallahassee Memorial Bariatric Center. Working with her team of physicians, Mistie created a long-term plan for her weight loss goals. She was approved for Gastric Sleevectomy surgery with Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare (TMH) general surgeon, Jeffrey Crooms, MD, and to receive pre-operative care from Kelley Lang, MD, TMH’s certified bariatric physician.
“Before the surgery I was trying to lose weight on my own and nothing was working,” says Mistie. “Thanks to Dr. Crooms and Dr. Lang, I’m now seeing results as I work towards my weight loss goals.”
Since her surgery, Mistie has been working closely with Dr. Lang and the Bariatric Center’s dietitian and therapist to maintain her progress and make healthier choices to continue her weight loss.
“Dr. Lang and the staff at the Bariatric Center were the first people to look at me like I was a person instead of a lost cause. They have a very unique personal touch that made me feel comfortable. They help me stay in check, answer my questions about nutrition and suggest alternatives that fit my life and schedule.”
Mistie now sticks to a much healthier and active schedule, walking during each of her breaks at work and on her lunch hour. She takes the stairs at every opportunity, participates in other athletic activities on the weekends and lifts weights at night while she watches TV.
“I am more active now, but I’m also managing my diet. I’m not starving anymore. I’m not cranky anymore. I’ve gotten into a healthy eating routine that fits with my active lifestyle – it’s 100% easier than before.”
After overcoming so much, Mistie is proudly chronicling her success on social media, posting updates on her weight loss, and documenting her journey to help others.
“I’m dedicated to helping others, be it about weight loss or the other issues I’ve faced in my life. I’m happy to share my story and the resources that have helped me, like the TMH Bariatric Center, so people know there are other people out there who have dealt with and overcome similar situations. You don’t have to deal with it alone, there is help!”
