​

Lap Band Surgery Success Story — Ashley Walker

When Ashley Walker first started bariatric presurgical lifestyle classes in December 2011 at Magee-Womens Hospital of UPMC, she weighed 268 pounds. During the six months of classes she dropped 20 pounds.

After she had lap band weight loss surgery, she dropped close to 50 pounds more. In total, she lost almost 70 pounds in a year.

Ashley's Bariatric Patient Story — Changing Her Lifestyle

Ashley has completely changed her eating and lifestyle habits.

“It has not been easy! Many people may think of this and other surgeries as a ‘cop-out’ to drop weight fast, but it is the complete opposite.”

She says she has gone from a “dormant, overweight 25-year-old” to an active and “somewhat fit” woman.

Lap band surgery has helped her change how she looks at food and exercise.

“If you are still unsure of whether or not this is something you want to do, let me just say that I absolutely suggest it and stand behind the lap band surgery 100 percent. It has been one of the best decisions of my life,” says Ashley.

Winning Her Battle

Bariatric surgery has helped Ashley become someone she never thought she could be, she says, and she strongly feels that she is now the happiest she has ever been.

“I don't even know who that 268-pound person is anymore. I look forward to every day with anticipation.”

Her friends and co-workers even notice the change in her daily attitude and life view.

Ashley says she has not reached her weight loss goal yet, but she has reached other goals she has set for herself, and takes pride in the little things she can do now. For example, she can now comfortably cross her legs when sitting down.

Bariatric Surgery Advice from Ashley

Ashley’s advice to potential bariatric surgery patients:

  • It will not be easy. You must remain motivated and determined to reach your goal.
  • You must follow the diet and incorporate exercise daily.
  • You have to learn to not rely on the lap band to help you lose, but to rely on your lifestyle change, and once you start to see the pounds coming off, you will feel so good about yourself.

 

Note: This patient's treatment and results may not be representative of all similar cases.

 

​

Considering Bariatric Surgery?

Bariatric Surgery at UPMC

UPMC offers bariatric surgery at multiple locations throughout western Pennsylvania, including:

©  UPMC | Affiliated with the University of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences
Supplemental content provided by A.D.A.M. Health Solutions. All rights reserved.

For help in finding a doctor or health service that suits your needs, call the UPMC Referral Service at 412-647-UPMC (8762) or 1-800-533-UPMC (8762). Select option 1.

UPMC is an equal opportunity employer. UPMC policy prohibits discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, age, sex, genetics, sexual orientation, marital status, familial status, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected group status. Further, UPMC will continue to support and promote equal employment opportunity, human dignity, and racial, ethnic, and cultural diversity. This policy applies to admissions, employment, and access to and treatment in UPMC programs and activities. This commitment is made by UPMC in accordance with federal, state, and/or local laws and regulations.

Medical information made available on UPMC.com is not intended to be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. You should not rely entirely on this information for your health care needs. Ask your own doctor or health care provider any specific medical questions that you have. Further, UPMC.com is not a tool to be used in the case of an emergency. If an emergency arises, you should seek appropriate emergency medical services.

For UPMC Mercy Patients: As a Catholic hospital, UPMC Mercy abides by the Ethical and Religious Directives for Catholic Health Care Services, as determined by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. As such, UPMC Mercy neither endorses nor provides medical practices and/or procedures that contradict the moral teachings of the Roman Catholic Church.

© UPMC
Pittsburgh, PA, USA UPMC.com