“April 15, 2008 was the first day of the rest of my life.” Erin struggled with weight since the 6th grade. “By the time I got to sixth grade, I weighed 202 pounds. By the time I got to high school, I was about 300 pounds. And, by the time I was 29, I had high blood pressure and aches and pains, along with terrible arthritis. One day, I went to the doctor for a pain in my leg, and he told me my stomach was pressing on a nerve in my leg. That was the turning point that led me to explore gastric bypass surgery.”

Prior to surgery, Erin weighed more than 400 pounds. Today, she has lost more than 252 pounds. “I have a life now and I no longer just exist. Next week, I’m going roller skating. I don’t limit myself. Before, I used to worry I would fall and get hurt. Now, I can sit down on the floor and get myself up – something I couldn’t do for years. “

“This is definitely a life-changing surgery, but you need to follow the rules. It was hard to give up pop, but it’s not important to me anymore. Why would I go through all this to go back to 449 pounds? I refuse to go back there. Today, I look at food as fuel. I feel like the sky’s the limit and my future holds whatever I want it to be.”

“From the physicians to the nurses to the therapists, Hurley Bariatric Center was there for me, providing support every step of the way. When I go in to get weighed, the staff is there cheering me on and giving me hugs when I need them most. The support groups are amazing, and they keep me accountable. It’s a true family, with people that understand what you’re going through, and know what it’s like.”

Today, Erin is off all her medications. “If you would have asked me five years ago if this would happen, I would have said you were crazy. But, I did it, so I know it can be done.”