Lynn Oslosky — Bariatric Surgery Patient Success Story
Lynn Oslosky was petite all through high school and much of her adult life. However, she found it difficult to lose the 75 pounds she gained after giving childbirth and undergoing a hysterectomy in 1999.
Describing herself as “never being a big eater,” she still could not shed the weight.
More concerning, both her blood pressure and blood sugar were creeping up and she has a family history of high blood pressure and diabetes.
A Life-Changing Solution
Lynn finally made the decision to undergo bariatric weight loss surgery.
She attended an information session at Magee-Womens Hospital of UPMC and then made an appointment with Giselle Hamad, MD — a bariatric surgeon — for an evaluation.
Lynn was also given the opportunity to participate in a prep study, one of the many research opportunities available for bariatric surgery patients at Magee. Instead of undergoing the required physician-supervised diet with her primary care physician or through the Presurgical Lifestyle Program, she received one-on-one counseling about diet and exercise.
She remembers getting frustrated because she didn’t lose any weight during the study, despite her efforts to carefully watch her diet.
In March 2009, Lynn underwent gastric bypass surgery and has never looked back.
She consistently lost two pounds a week and is now at, what she describes as, a comfortable weight of 115 pounds.
Winning Her Battle
After surgery, Lynn found her biggest challenge was learning what and how to eat all over again “from scratch.”
She has embraced both a healthy diet and lifestyle, which her family has also adopted. They plan meals in advance and make healthy choices. When going to restaurants, Lynn orders smaller portions.
She continues to contact Dr. Hamad’s staff, if she has any questions, and notes they are quick to respond.
Exercise is also a part of Lynn’s daily routine.
Dr. Hamad recommended that she exercise 30 minutes everyday and Lynn continues with that practice. She and her family walk in the park with the dogs several times a month.
Lynn also makes walking a part of her daily schedule, whether it's on the treadmill before everyone gets up in the morning or around the track while her son is at football practice.
If she doesn't walk, she works out to exercise tapes.
Lynn's life has changed for the better.
Her figure has taken on a new shape and she now:
- wears a size two or four
- enjoys shopping for clothes
- feels healthy and more energetic
Lynn says she has only one regret — that she didn’t undergo the surgery sooner.