Samantha Gross had always been overweight, but the loss of her mother triggered a huge weight gain. She was 330 pounds at her heaviest.
“I was only 20. I had to move out. It’s difficult when you’re young and going to college to come home and prepare meals for yourself. So, I relied on fast food, and I gained weight,” said Mrs. Gross, 28, of Rocky Point. “I struggled with my body image and couldn’t look in a mirror,” she said.
A family member told her about Mather Hospital’s Center of Excellence in Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery™. Having tried different diets over the years without success, she made an appointment at the Center. “I knew I deserved a better life,” said Samantha.
Samantha met with the team and recalls that the Medical Director of the Center spoke to her and put his hand on her shoulder and said, ‘Don’t worry. We’re going to help you.’ This gave Samantha a lot of confidence that they were going to help her change her life.
Gastric sleeve surgery was recommended to Samantha, which helped her lose 120 pounds. She credits nutritionist Barbara Broggelwirth, MS, RDN, CDN with helping her get there. “I took advantage of the nutrition counseling they offer. Barbara helped me create a plan that I was able to work into my life. It’s really a lifestyle change, not a diet. I follow the Mediterranean Diet, and I exercise regularly. I plan to lose another 15-20 pounds. Barbara became a second mother to me.”
Samantha also had plastic surgery to remove excess skin. “The surgery changed everything,” said Samantha. “I finally feel confident and in control of my life.”
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