Every now and again, Brianna pulls out her size 20 jeans and tries them on. After losing 120 pounds, she marvels at the oversized waistband draping off her small frame—and a smile lights up her face.
“I can’t believe these pants used to fit me,” says Brianna, who underwent weight loss surgery a little over a year ago at 29 years old. “Trying them on reminds me that I will never let myself be this size again.”
Understanding the science of metabolism
Brianna’s journey started about six years ago while planning her wedding. She noticed she was gaining weight and no matter what she did, nothing seemed to stop the scale from creeping upward.
Admittedly, her weight had fluctuated over the years, but something seemed different this time—and it was. Brianna was diagnosed with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), a hormonal imbalance that affects metabolism, food cravings, and fat storage.
Fighting an uphill battle
“That’s when it started to make sense for me,” she says. “I remember looking at a photo of myself and I didn’t recognize the girl in the picture. I felt like my body had betrayed me because I was eating salads, taking supplements, and working out. I broke down crying, thinking who is this woman?”
The excess weight impacted Brianna’s physical and mental health. Her BMI was rising, her knees ached, she had sleep apnea and irregular periods, she always felt bloated, and she craved food—especially sugar. Brianna felt awful, and her self-confidence was at an all-time low.
A fully connected team of experts
Brianna’s primary care doctor, Andrew Selinas, MD, connected her to metabolic specialist Danhua Xiao, MD, PhD, who started her on weight loss medication. But this led to some troubling side effects, so Dr. Xiao suggested a consultation with a bariatric surgeon.
“My doctors helped me find the answers,” says Brianna. “They were all part of Atlantic Heath and could discuss my symptoms or look at my medical records to understand what was going on.”
Hope through weight loss surgery
Bariatric surgeon Muhammad Feteiha, MD, says, “Brianna arrived at our office feeling defeated. Her body chemistry was out of balance. It was causing insulin resistance, weight gain, and putting her at risk for type 2 diabetes. A sleeve gastrectomy surgery could help reset her metabolism and resolve some of her PCOS symptoms.”
A new mindset, a fresh start
Brianna recalls feeling validated at that first meeting with Dr. Feteiha. He helped her understand that bariatric surgery can be an excellent tool to reset the body, particularly for people with underlying medical issues.
“Sleeve gastrectomy is a surgical procedure that reduces the size of the stomach to restrict calories and reduce hunger signals,” says Dr. Feteiha. “We started Brianna on a three-month pre-surgery preparation that involved a liquid fast and nutrition education, and she adapted to it beautifully. We knew she would be an excellent candidate for the procedure.”
In those three months, Brianna’s relationship with food changed drastically. Her nutritionist helped her understand portion control, how to build a colorful plate, and the amount of protein her body needed. When she was cleared for surgery, she was confident and excited about her future.
Life after weight loss surgery
Today, Brianna has embraced a new way of living with consistent meal prep, regular exercise, and a dedication to her health—which has boosted her self-esteem. She’s learned how to reinvent the foods she once loved into healthier, more nutritious versions and even crafts her own freshly made juices brimming with nutrient-rich greens, fruits, and proteins to curb her cravings.
“I am so thankful for this new way of life,” says Brianna, whose supportive husband has also lost 60 pounds on her meal plan. In fact, their whole family enjoys the benefits of her wholesome, home-cooked meals.
“I am a completely different person today because of Dr. Feteiha and his team. This experience has increased my confidence in ways I can’t even express—and my body is saying ‘thank you.’"
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