Amanda’s Weight Loss Surgery Story

Amanda’s Weight Loss Surgery Story

Amanda wasn’t even 30 years old yet and was already on medications for high blood pressure, cholesterol and anxiety. She also had two young and very active children that she wasn’t able to play with or even walk around the neighborhood without getting severely out of breath.

“My weight was affecting pretty much every aspect of my life — my home life, my work life, parenting my children,” she explained. “I was always out of breath, I was depressed, and I just wanted to lay in bed most of the time.”

Having weight loss surgery at Woman’s Hospital changed everything for Amanda.

Two years following her surgery, Amanda has lost more than 175 pounds. She has more confidence and energy, and can do so many simple things she has never been able to do before.

“The things I am able to do now are things that so many people take for granted,” she said. “I’m able to wrap a regular towel around my body when I get out of the shower, tie my own shoes, paint my own toenails and wear a regular seatbelt.”

She also can ride bikes with her children and do other physical activities that would never have been possible before. She finds herself parking in the back spots in a lot to get additional exercise each day.

Weight loss surgery has been a true learning experience for Amanda. She had tried many other fad diets or pre-portioned meal programs in the past, but never saw any significant changes. With weight loss surgery, however, she learned so many things about her body and how to eat the right foods to fuel herself and remain at a healthy weight.

“Weight loss surgery is not just the easy way out,” she said. “You have to have the right mindset going in and commit to making lifestyle changes. It’s a lot of work, but it’s so worth it.”

She has been an active participant in weight loss surgery support groups at Woman’s Hospital, leaning on the experience of other women who have been where she is and also helping other women who are just starting their weight loss surgery journey.

“I tell everyone who is considering weight loss surgery that I would recommend it 100 percent, and to have it done at Woman’s,” she said. “Everyone is amazing, and I couldn’t have done it without them. Woman’s literally saved my life.”

As a natural red-head, Amanda’s nickname has always been “Big Red” not only because of her weight but also because of her larger-than-life personality.

“People will see me now and say ‘You’re not Big Red anymore!’” she said. “But I tell them, ‘It’s still me. I’ll always be Big Red at heart.’”


Woman’s offers a comprehensive approach to weight loss – from fitness to nutrition to weight loss surgery – to help you reach your healthiest self. Contact Woman’s Weight Loss Surgery Coordinator or call 225-215-7982 for a FREE consultation today. Learn more about weight loss surgery at womans.org/weightloss.