After being overweight for most of her life, Julie Cook, age 46, received
a wake-up call following a colonoscopy last year that revealed five precancerous
polyps. Considering that her mom had recently passed away from colon cancer,
Julie’s doctor recommended a colon cancer screening even though
she was younger than the recommended age for such a screening.
It was then that she decided to stop the cycle of overeating and develop
a healthier lifestyle. As a nurse and a mother, she wished to set a positive
example for her family and patients. She asked her family doctor for help
and was introduced to bariatric surgeon Dr. Jonathan Hata who evaluated
her situation thoroughly and suggested surgical weight loss.
“It was an easy decision,” said Julie. “I was ready to
break the cycle of unhealthiness in my family. Plus, the surgery is so
safe now that it’s a no-brainer.”
Weighing in at 260 pounds before the surgery, Julie is now 134 pounds and
feels better than ever. When she was at her heavier weight, her liver
became enlarged and started causing pressure against her abdomen. She
is now pain-free and enjoying an active lifestyle that includes walking
in her neighborhood and hiking with her daughter.
“You won’t believe how good it feels to lose the weight and
regain the ability to do even the smallest things, like tying your shoes
without getting out of breath,” she said. “If you are ready
get your life back, I would encourage you to talk with people who have
had weight loss surgery and see if that is the right decision for you.”
Catawba Valley Medical Center’s
Surgical Weight Management Program offers medical assistance, including bariatric surgery and support, to
provide treatment options aimed at improving health and prolonging life.
The program is a Metabolic & Bariatric Surgery accredited center by
the American College of Surgeons and America Society of Metabolic and
Bariatric Surgery. CVMC also was voted one of America’s Best Hospitals
for Bariatric Surgery.