Weight Loss Leads To Dream Trip

A two-week adventure exploring snow-capped glaciers in Antarctica and hiking the mountains of Argentina would have been nearly impossible for Mary Beth Tucker, 44, of Conyers, to consider just one year ago.

But after losing more than 50 pounds with LAP-BAND® surgery at Piedmont early this year, Tucker is ready for an international excursion in January.

“I would have never done this before,” said Tucker, who weighed 230 pounds and has struggled with her weight for years. “I don’t think I physically could have done it. My weight loss has given me a new lease on life.”

Tucker, a nurse at Piedmont Hospital, credits the surgery with changing her life – literally.

Last year, Tucker was diagnosed with a Pseudotumor Cerebri, a spinal disease that causes severe headaches and can lead to blindness. The disease is believed to disproportionately impact obese women.

“This was my wakeup call,” said Tucker, who had migraine headaches so bad that she could barely get out of bed.

One year later, the disease is now in remission, Tucker said, and she no longer takes medications for diabetes and high-blood pressure. Today, Tucker exercises every day and plays with her two children, things she had a hard time doing before.

“My kids are so encouraging,” she said. “They are great kids. Every week, they tell me how wonderful I look.”

Register to attend one of our weight-loss seminars for more information about bariatric surgery.