Tami Salyerds, 39
Patient of East Coast Bariatrics at Halifax Health
Weight Loss 5 Years Post-Surgery -- 216 pounds
"Weight loss surgery is learning to stay in a place where your health doesn't control your lifestyle, but your lifestyle controls your health."
For a woman in her late 30s, Tami Salyerds was in her own words, "in pretty bad shape." She had uncontrolled diabetes that was starting to affect her kidneys, high blood pressure, asthma, and joint pain. Her husband and three children helped her with the chores on their farm, including caring for 65 animals.
"Everything I had tried on my own had failed and my health was rapidly getting worse," Tami admits. "I came to a point of surrender, realizing that I couldn't lose the weight without drastic intervention. My family had seen me struggle with my weight and my health. I was ready to participate in life, not just watch everyone else enjoy it."
After meeting with the team of healthcare professionals at the Halifax Health Weight Loss Surgery Center, Tami knew she was in good hands. "I knew that I would not only have the best care surgically, but the before and after care was just as good. The team made sure I had every tool available to me for long-term success. After surgery I have continued to have access to a bariatric dietitian, exercise physiologist, mental health professional, support groups and other experts trained in weight loss surgery.
In addition to her 216-pound weight loss, Tami's diabetes, high blood pressure and asthma have all resolved. "I haven't taken medication for these conditions since the day of my surgery," she says. "Not only is walking no longer a problem, but I have been known to hike mountains, white water raft, go rappelling and participate in a few other adventurous activities.
"Before the surgery, when I was dieting I always felt like I was starving," Tami explains. "I had no concept of what 'full' felt like. With my new 'pouch' I know what feeling full is like and it takes very little food to achieve that feeling. I also have committed to regular exercise. Any activity that gets you moving is OK. Remember, I own a farm and pitching hay is definitely exercise!"
Tami says that morbidly obese people's (at least 100 pounds over their ideal weight) lifestyle is controlled by their weight - where you eat (can you fit in the booth), where you go to the movie (can you fit into the seat), what kind of car you drive, where you vacation, everything.
What would Tami say to others considering weight loss surgery? "It's the hardest and best decision you'll ever make. The rewards of reclaiming your health and lifestyle are greater than any food you ever tasted or thought you wanted. Sharing my story and being an example to others is a joy in my daily walk through the journey of weight loss surgery. To the caring staff at the Halifax Health Weight Loss Surgery Center I can only say, 'Thank you.'"
