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Mission NutritionChef Jackie's Success Story
Soon it will be a year since CRMC’s chef, Jackie Balcomb, had gastric bypass surgery. All her life, Jackie had struggled with her weight, and at her heaviest she weighed 260 pounds. She tried every diet in the book and would lose some weight only to gain it back and then some.
For two years, Jackie thought about having gastric bypass, and after attending seminars and making sure her insurance would pay for it, she finally decided to go ahead with the surgery. On October 12, 2009, Jackie had the surgery.
The healing process was difficult. At first she felt miserable, but after three days started to feel better. For two weeks, she was only allowed small amounts of fluid and protein shakes. Jackie explains, “After surgery your stomach can only hold one ounce portions, and so you need to chew your food thoroughly or it might come back up.” She said certain foods did not taste the same after surgery, but her taste came back after about six months. Although, there are some foods she just doesn’t care to eat anymore - such as steak. Otherwise, she eats a normal diet with small portions.
Overall, Jackie has lost 90 pounds since the surgery and continues to lose weight slowly. The majority of the weight was lost in the first three to four months. She would like to lose another 20 pounds to be at her goal. Of course exercise is an important part of losing weight, and so, to keep fit, she works in her yard and swims. While at work she uses what’s available in the kitchen for exercise, such as five pound cans for weight lifting.
Jackie is very glad she had the surgery and would definitely recommend it to others. She has more energy now than she ever had before; her back and feet don’t hurt; and she doesn’t struggle to do her job anymore. However, she says it is a difficult decision and suggests to any one considering it that they do it before their health begins to fail as there can be complications afterwards.
Jackie before and after surgery. Just look at her now!
Way to go Jackie! The dietitians are proud of you!!
Submitted by: The Dieticians (9/10)