She Can Now Do More With Her Children
by June Zaragoza, MPH, RD, LD

Yolanda Tucker had gastric bypass surgery one year ago at the age of 29.  Why?  She says, “My life before had its ups and downs. I think I was happy, but I could see how my life would be better. I would lose 10 lbs, but then be back doing the same things. I saw people doing activities with my kids I wasn’t able to do. With chairs at school I thought 'will this hold me?'  That was another reason.”  Finally her doctor said have you ever thought about weight loss surgery?

Now, after losing 140 lbs, she can do a lot more things with her children. “I didn’t care about things. I don’t know if I was depressed. My daily activities are different now. I have more ideas of what to do, bowling, swimming. I can wear a bathing suit and have more confidence in general.  It is easier to talk to people. We do a lot more things now, Shedd Aquarium, Great America. It’s awesome to be able to do more.”  Now she has a lot more confidence as a dancer.  “I am a big dancer.  I have a lot more energy.”  Also she states, “My love life and everything is completely different.”

One of the most meaningful experiences was with her mother. “I saw my Mom in Kentucky. I sent her pictures. She was crying, saying come look at my daughter. That feels great. I saw a videotape from my trip there before, oh wow. You never really notice the difference.”

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