Danielle’s Story: Redefining Strength for a Path to Better Health
“If there’s one thing I want people to hear, “Danielle said. “It’s this: There is no shame in choosing your health. There is strength in asking for help. And weight loss surgery doesn’t make you weak – it means you chose to fight for your life.”
Danielle’s Story: Redefining Strength for a Path to Better Health
Danielle remembers wearing a size 12 in high school and wishing she were smaller. Looking back now, she realizes how healthy she actually was. As life went on, she gained weight without giving it much thought – until her first pregnancy.
Severe preeclampsia led to an early delivery at just 32 weeks and my baby requiring a stay in the NICU. “That was a real wake-up call,” Danielle said. “My health wasn’t just affecting me anymore – it was affecting my daughter.”
After giving birth, Danielle needed to be on blood pressure medication, something she had never expected at her young age. That’s when she knew it was time for a change.
Making a Change
At first, Danielle never considered weight loss surgery. Instead, she closely worked with dieticians, weighing in and testing her urine twice weekly for accountability. Despite efforts, her weight loss stalled at 15 pounds.
She then tried prescription medications, including Metformin, and GLP-1 injections, but each time her progress plateaued.
“For years, I never even considered weight loss surgery,” Danielle said. “In my mind, it was taboo – something meant for ‘other people,’ maybe older people. Not someone like me. I was still young.”
After her second daughter was born, Danielle weighed 315 pounds. At that time, she reconnected with a friend who found success with gastric sleeve surgery. Seeing someone her own age lose so much weight and feel better changed Danielle’s perspective. For the first time, she allowed herself to consider weight loss surgery.
Taking the First Step
Danielle scheduled a consultation with Baptist. The surgeon gave her two options: gastric sleeve or bypass. Based on her weight and long‑term health goals, he recommended the bypass for more sustainable results.
“I trusted his guidance – and I’ve never regretted it,” Danielle said. “What struck me most was how thorough the screening process was – especially the focus on mental health.”
Surgery and Recovery
Danielle had her surgery in the fall of 2023. The process was not easy. Danielle followed a strict diet a month before surgery and was limited to clear liquids the week leading up to surgery.
Recovery took time. Danielle did experience some lightheadedness but shared post-surgery symptoms with her care team for support. “What made the difference is that I felt so supported by the Baptist team,” Danielle said. “I called when I felt like something was wrong, and they talked me through it.”
As the weight shed, something unexpected happened--other people took notice. Danielle’s mom, Dena, saw her transformation and scheduled her own consultation. Other friends soon followed.
Danielle wishes weight loss surgery carried less shame, especially for younger people. “I heard people say weight loss surgery was a shortcut – like I was cheating,” Danielle said. “But I tried everything else! This surgery wasn’t a shortcut. It was a tool. I had to work to lose the weight, and now I have to work to maintain it.”
Two and a half years after her surgery, Danielle weighs around 145 pounds, losing more than half of her original body weight.
Understanding the Struggle
Danielle grew up in the “clear your plate” generation, where finishing what was served was expected, even if you were already full. She is not an emotional eater, but instead a bored one, constantly battling food noise.
After surgery, the food noise remained but without the ability to eat large amounts. Her care team prescribed a medication commonly used for ADHD to help quiet her mind. Danielle found this helpful.
Counting the Wins
Danielle’s biggest victories are not reflected on the scale. They have been the everyday, routine moments:
- Sitting comfortably in chairs and airplane seats
- Riding attractions at Disney without worry - no longer fretting the safety bar would not latch
- Cross her legs with ease
Those non‑scale victories mean more than any mirror reflection ever could. “I won’t tell anyone this was easy – because it wasn’t,” Danielle said. “The early weeks were emotional. But once I was able to eat again, it was easier. There was no guesswork or temptation. I didn’t crave the things I used to.”
Danielle’s journey took courage, resilience and honesty, and it was worth every hard moment.
“If there’s one thing I want people to hear, “Danielle said. “It’s this: There is no shame in choosing your health. There is strength in asking for help. And weight loss surgery doesn’t make you weak – it means you chose to fight for your life.”
To learn more about your options and first steps for weight-loss visit ebaptisthealthcare.org/weight-loss or call 448.227.6250.
