Bariatric Surgery with a Low BMI

In this episode of the Pound of Cure Weight Loss Podcast, we sit down with BethAnn, whose journey through bariatric surgery has completely transformed her life. From struggling with weight her entire life, trying countless diets, and facing health challenges, to finally achieving long-term success after surgery, BethAnn’s story is one of determination, resilience, and self-care.

BethAnn didn’t just stop at weight loss—she took additional steps to feel comfortable in her new body, including skin removal surgery. She also navigated the self-pay bariatric surgery route, making informed decisions to get the best results for her personal situation.

Let’s dive into her incredible journey and learn how bariatric surgery can change not just your body, but your entire outlook on life. Whether you’re exploring bariatric surgery for yourself, curious about skin removal after weight loss, or considering self-pay options, BethAnn’s story is packed with insights that may guide you on your own path.

Bariatric Surgery Success Story: BethAnn’s Lifelong Weight Struggles

BethAnn’s story is one that many can relate to. She had been battling her weight since childhood, trying everything from Richard Simmons’ Deal-a-Meal to more extreme options like OptiFast, a liquid-only diet. While she did experience short-term weight loss success with these diets—losing as much as 150 pounds—BethAnn found herself regaining the weight over and over.

By the time she reached her late 40s, BethAnn had resigned herself to living with the constant weight struggle. After undergoing a hysterectomy, she noticed her weight began to redistribute to her midsection, leading to additional health concerns like high blood pressure and rising cholesterol. She knew she needed a long-term solution.

“I’d done this seven times—lost the weight, gained it back,” BethAnn explains. “The real battle for me was not losing the weight, but keeping it off.”

That’s when she began to seriously consider bariatric surgery. Initially, like many, she hesitated, thinking of it as “cheating” or “taking the easy way out.” But as she reframed the narrative, it became clear that bariatric surgery was a tool that could give her a second chance at a healthier life.

After researching extensively and watching Dr. Weiner’s video series, BethAnn decided to move forward with a gastric bypass procedure. This decision would turn out to be the start of her success story.

Choosing Gastric Bypass Over VSG

BethAnn’s success with bariatric surgery didn’t happen overnight, and her choice to go with gastric bypass rather than VSG (Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy) was strategic. For her, avoiding weight regain was the ultimate goal. She was determined to pick the surgery that gave her the best long-term chance of success, and after careful research, she saw that gastric bypass offered better outcomes for maintaining weight loss over the years.

“I was less concerned about losing the weight and more focused on keeping it off,” she says. “I knew that gastric bypass had better stats when it came to avoiding weight regain, and I’d been through enough yo-yo dieting to know that was my biggest challenge.”

At the time of her surgery, BethAnn weighed just under 200 pounds—making her a lower BMI patient for bariatric surgery. Still, her choice of gastric bypass was a decision based on her history of weight regain, not just her starting weight.

Skin Removal After Weight Loss: A Necessary Next Step

After her weight stabilized at around 115-120 pounds, BethAnn faced another challenge that many post-op patients encounter: loose skin. This is a common side effect of significant weight loss, especially after bariatric surgery. Skin doesn’t always “snap back” into place after the weight is gone, and for BethAnn, it was more than just a cosmetic issue.

“It wasn’t like the loose skin was only visible at certain angles—it was obvious and uncomfortable,” she recalls.

BethAnn chose to undergo skin removal surgery, which included a tummy tuck combined with hernia repair. The skin removal surgery wasn’t just about improving her appearance but also about enhancing her comfort and confidence in her new body.

“Even if I couldn’t afford the skin removal surgery, I still would have had the gastric bypass,” she says. “But I’m so much more comfortable with my body now after having the skin removed.”

The first procedure—a tummy tuck—was relatively straightforward and cost around $6,000. BethAnn paid out of pocket but was able to reduce the cost by combining it with a necessary hernia repair. Later, she opted for a more complex thigh lift, which took eight hours of surgery and cost approximately $14,000.

BethAnn is candid about her results, noting that while she doesn’t look like a 20-year-old, she’s thrilled with how much more comfortable and confident she feels in her body.

“I didn’t expect to look like someone who had never struggled with weight, but for 50, I feel fantastic,” she says.

Self-Pay Bariatric Surgery Options: BethAnn’s Journey as a Self-Pay Patient

One of the challenges BethAnn faced in her weight loss journey was insurance. Because her BMI was relatively low, she didn’t meet her insurance company’s criteria for bariatric surgery coverage. For her, self-pay bariatric surgery was the only option.

While many people are deterred by the out-of-pocket costs, BethAnn felt the investment in her health was worth it. “I didn’t qualify under my insurance, but I knew that bariatric surgery was what I needed,” she says. “I didn’t want to wait until my health deteriorated even more to qualify.”

BethAnn chose Dr. Weiner’s clinic for her surgery, even though it meant traveling from Las Vegas to Tucson. She appreciated the thorough consultation and the sense of personalized care that made her feel confident in her decision.

“We had an actual conversation about my history, my struggles with weight regain, and what I was looking for in a surgery,” she recalls. “It wasn’t just a numbers game—it was about choosing the best option for me, and that’s why I chose gastric bypass.”

For those considering self-pay bariatric surgery, BethAnn encourages them to think of it as an investment in their future. “It’s not cheap, but it’s your health. You can’t put a price on how much better you’ll feel.”

Life After Bariatric Surgery: Maintaining Weight Loss with the Pound of Cure Program

Now, two and a half years post-op, BethAnn has maintained her weight loss and is thriving. A key factor in her long-term success has been following the Pound of Cure eating plan, which emphasizes whole foods. By sticking to whole, unprocessed foods, she finds that her “food noise”—the constant cravings and food drama she once experienced—is far less intrusive.

“I don’t measure or count calories,” BethAnn says. “I just focus on eating real food. If it’s something my grandmother would have had in her kitchen, I eat it.”

Her meals focus on protein, fiber, and healthy fats, which keeps her satiated and makes eating less of a mental burden. “When I stick to this plan, I don’t have to think about food as much, and I enjoy everything I eat. Whole foods just taste better when I’m not constantly eating processed stuff,” she explains.

Moving for Joy, Not Weight Loss

BethAnn’s relationship with exercise has also changed. Where she once viewed exercise as a means to lose weight or look a certain way, she now focuses on movement that enhances her quality of life. Strength training has become a priority, and she loves how much stronger she feels.

“I’m not working out to lose weight anymore,” she says. “I’m working out so I can pick up my niece, walk around the zoo, and just enjoy life. It’s about being active and feeling good in my body, not about looking a certain way.”

BethAnn’s journey is a testament to the power of bariatric surgery, skin removal, and lifestyle changes in transforming not just her appearance but her entire life. For her, these changes have brought freedom—not just from the physical weight, but from the mental and emotional burdens that come with a lifelong struggle with obesity.

BethAnn’s story is a powerful example of how bariatric surgery and skin removal can provide more than just physical changes—they offer a chance for long-term success and an improved quality of life. If you’re considering bariatric surgery and wondering about self-pay options, skin removal, or long-term maintenance, her journey offers both inspiration and practical insights.