 The Ride of a Lifetime
Tracie Cobb’s Story
Written by: Ashley Fisher
Tracie Cobb, 35, Of Columbus, Ohio never had a weight problem when she
was younger, but at 321 lbs. she knew something had to be done. As a
mother of a 14 year-old, Tracie couldn’t go on trips with her daughter
to amusement parks because she was too over weight. “Diabetes is a
concern for my family and I knew I wasn’t getting any lighter or
younger.” She tried various weight programs and diets and would loose
weight only to gain it back later.
Six months before ever calling Holzer Weight Loss Solutions, Tracie
tried to call some local weight loss centers, but no one in Columbus
would return her call. “A friend gave me Holzer Weight Loss Solutions
(HWLS) phone number and said that the care there was great and
definitely worth the drive.” Tracie decided to call, and over the phone
HWLS informed her that she qualified for Gastric Bypass. (HWLS wasn’t
performing the Lap Band Procedure yet.)
On January 26, 2007 Tracie and her mother made their first visit to HWLS
and met with Dr. Canady. Her surgery was set for July 11th; Tracie was
in line for the Gastric Bypass. Two weeks before her surgery she came in
for an appointment and the Lap Band Procedure was discussed with her and
her mother. “I had my reservations about the Lap Band, I had done my
research, but Dr. Canady came in with a stomach model and walked us
through the procedure, I was sold.”
Tracie’s surgery was around 1pm, she stayed over night at Holzer Medical
Center. She says she felt fine the next morning and was ready to go home
by 9 am.
The motivation for Tracie having weight loss surgery was her daughter.
Tracie wanted to go on trips with her daughter to amusement parks and
actually be able to ride the rides. Her support team was her mother and
husband. Her mother even makes the trips with her to Gallipolis for
adjustments. “My family is wonderful.”
“I eat differently when I go out with friends. I stick to healthier food
or order off the kid's menu. I even keep a measuring cup in my purse for
food, but I am getting better at measuring by sight. I also have a sand
timer to ensure I wait two minutes in between bites.” Tracie said that
she is determined to be disciplined now so I will continue to be
disciplined in years to come.
She says it is important to do what the doctor says, to follow the
rules. “It won’t work unless you do. Remember to get the water and
protein and definitely exercise.” Tracie asked for a treadmill for her
birthday and walks a mile a day. On nice days she will take walks around
her neighborhood or walks to walking tapes.
To date Tracie has lost 104 lbs. after three adjustments to the band and
says her energy level is up. A few months after the surgery she was
shopping for new clothes every two weeks due to the weight loss.
All the hard work is paying off for Tracie, she has a trip planned to
Cedar Point with her daughter soon and has promised she will ride the
rides.
When asked what she would tell someone who was considering having the
Lap Band Procedure done Tracie said, “I am a big pusher for Holzer
Weight Loss Solutions, regardless of the drive. Definitely consider Lap
Band before Gastric By Pass because in the end I feel the weight loss
will equal out.”
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