Alicia's story

It's hard to say what my future plans are, but I know the possibilities are endless. I can do so much more now – not only because I physically can, but because I am in a better state of mind. I am up to any challenges, and I just know that from this point forward I will be living a much fuller life. ~Alicia

The decision to have gastric bypass surgery was not easy for me. I first looked into it in 2006. A few of my co-workers had the surgery, so I read up on it and signed up for an information session at Park Nicollet. At that time, I decided that gastric bypass wasn’t for me. But over the next two years, I began to realize my weight was getting out of control.

One of my favorite things to do is attend concerts. I was at my heaviest when I went to a show and discovered that I couldn’t fit into my seat. I was so embarrassed. It was then I decided I needed to do something. I tried various diets, but nothing worked. So I reconsidered gastric bypass.

I discussed it with my family, and they encouraged me to attend another information session. This time, I just knew it was the right thing for me to do. I’m only 23, but I knew if I didn’t do something soon, I could be obese for the rest of my life and end up with multiple health problems.

It has been amazing to see the changes I have made since my surgery in February of 2008. I really have appreciated the new things that have happened to me. Though most may be small to some people, they are huge for me. I think one of the best moments was when I discovered I could fit into my sister’s clothing. I have never been able to share clothes with anyone, and when I realized I could wear her clothes, it almost brought tears to my eyes.

I also am proud of the mental changes I have made. I really am a different person. I look at food differently, I look at myself differently and, overall, I just feel better about myself. For the first time in my life I can say, “I like who I am.”

In the six months since surgery, I’ve lost 95 pounds. It’s hard to say what my future plans are, but I know the possibilities are endless. I can do so much more now – not only because I physically can, but because I am in a better state of mind. I am up to any challenges, and I just know that from this point forward I will be living a much fuller life.

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