Michelle’s Weight Loss Journey: How Bariatric Surgery Helped Her Get Her Life Back

In October 2021, Michelle Harris began a life-changing transformation alongside Matthew Fourman, MD, with ProMedica Weight Loss Surgery.

Michelle was at her heaviest, experiencing unwanted side effects of weight gain and simply put, was tired of being tired. Today, Michelle is proud to say that she is “51 years young and living her best life.”

Here’s Michelle’s story, in her own words.

Living My Best Life

By Michelle Harris

Before I had surgery I struggled just to go up and downstairs. I was on a CPAP machine for sleep apnea, and medication for acid reflux. I used medication at times for my asthma. Before I had surgery it seemed as if my fibromyalgia was in a constant flare-up.

I couldn't keep up on family trips. I would have to rest often due to being tired, out of breath or in physical pain in my back, hips and feet. Often times, I struggled with simple daily tasks such as bathing and using the restroom.

I hated having my picture taken. Shopping was no longer enjoyable. There were numerous times that I would avoid social or family activities due to the shame I felt from being overweight.

I think one of the worst things I experienced prior to surgery was that I hated the person in the mirror! I was mad at myself and felt guilty at the same time because I had let myself get so big. I was worried about running into people in public that my husband knew, because I felt that it may embarrass him. He never once said anything of the kind. I often let my insecurities about my weight and myself in general carry over into other areas of my life. I was somewhat paranoid that people were making fun of the way I looked. I hid myself behind frumpy clothing.

One evening in a conversation, my husband told me, "he wasn't going to sit and watch me die." That was a huge eye-opener for me. I also found myself at 253 pounds, the heaviest I had ever been. It was at that moment I knew it was time to make a change.

I was tired of being tired, of buying plus size clothing, of hiding from social activities. I was simply tired of being insecure, embarrassed and hating the fat girl in the mirror!

I couldn't keep up with my 6-year-old granddaughter. Playing with her was difficult without getting winded or tired.

I was missing out on life! Having surgery for me was an opportunity to be healthy physically and mentally. To live longer for those I love. To be able to finally play with my granddaughter without having to stop and rest repeatedly. I wanted to be able to share in my husband's passion for roller coasters. I wanted to know what it felt like to have my picture taken without feeling shame or embarrassment.

I needed to do this for me!

I remember the night I started researching the ProMedica Toledo Hospital Bariatric program. The website had multiple videos introducing each surgeon. I knew immediately upon watching Dr. Fourman's video that he was the surgeon for me. I met with Dr. Fourman for the first time on October 14, 2021. As soon as Dr. Fourman entered the room and introduced himself, I immediately felt comfortable and at ease about my choice to have the surgery and about my choice to go with ProMedica Toledo Hospital and Dr. Fourman.

Dr. Fourman is very professional and knowledgeable. He is attentive, he answered all of my questions. I didn't feel as if he was rushing to get in or out. Dr. Fourman cares about his patients and their well-being. Dr. Fourman helped me to choose the bariatric procedure that was best for me.

After speaking with Dr. Fourman and doing my own research I chose to have gastric bypass. My surgery was March 2, 2022. I would highly recommend Dr. Fourman and the team at ProMedica Toledo Hospital to anyone who is considering having bariatric surgery. I received great care from a team of attentive and caring staff. The care I received before and after surgery was second to none!

After surgery, life was a whirlwind of change. Bariatric surgery requires us to make necessary lifestyle changes in order to be successful after surgery. Bariatric surgery is not “the easy way out." It takes a level of mental toughness to have bariatric surgery.

Since having gastric bypass, I can now go up and down stairs as often as I want without getting out of breath or having to rest. I can now take care of my personal needs with ease. I no longer require my CPAP machine, my inhaler for my asthma or medication for my acid reflux.

One of my favorite things to do since I had surgery is to workout. Before surgery I struggled to maintain an exercise regimen because it was just too hard for me and honestly I just lacked motivation. I had tried for years to lose weight, I tried all the fad diets and I did have some success at times, only to be met with defeat as I would gain back the weight and then some.

One of the most important keys for success was finding an exercise program that I liked, that I could do and wouldn't get bored with. It wasn't until I met my current personal trainer Kristy Castillo of Kristycastillofit that I learned that in order for me to have continued success in my weight loss journey I would need to learn how to fuel my body. Be consistent in getting in my workouts, protein and water. I now have a healthy relationship with food, which has attributed to my success. Exercise before surgery was a chore, now it is a privilege. It is something I don't have to do, I get to do!! I am now able to workout at least 5 days a week, before I was lucky to get off the couch.

My weight loss journey soon became a journey of self-love and self-discovery. For the first time in my life, I could look in the mirror and see a beautiful, sexy, strong and confident woman, instead of the insecure fat girl with no self-esteem. I now know what it means to be comfortable in your own skin. I see my worth and value, not the number on the scale.

I was blessed to have wonderful family and friends to love, support and encourage me. The best advice I received prior to surgery came from my son, Devon. He told me "start now, start preparing as if you have already had your surgery. It will make it easier afterward." That advice changed my whole mindset. I truly believe had I not made the lifestyle changes necessary before surgery, I wouldn't have the success that I have had thus far.

Every weight loss journey is different. There will be highs and lows. It is important to remember to always trust the process. We didn't gain our weight overnight and we certainly are not going to lose it overnight. Bariatric surgery is not a quick fix. It takes commitment and dedication. It is not a diet, it is a lifestyle.

Lastly, I would like to thank Dr. Mathew Fourman and the entire bariatric team at ProMedica Toledo Hospital for giving me my life back. I am 51 years young and living my best life.