Crystal's Bariatrics Story

How Crystal Conquered the Yo-Yo Diet

April 26, 2019

Like most people who have weight problems, Crystal Chapman yo-yo dieted for most of her life. Read in Crystal’s own words how she made the life-changing decision to have bariatric surgery at Shelby Baptist Medical Center, and how she is doing today:

“I've had weight fluctuations up and down for many years. However, when I turned 40 years old, the weight only went in one direction: up. And my weight wasn't the only thing going up. My blood pressure and my diabetes were getting worse as well, not to mention the constant knee and back pain. These things kept me from being active with my 13-year-old-daughter, and I was pretty tired of it.

So in July of 2017, I met with Dr. Rex Sherer with the Cahaba Valley Surgical Center (who is affiliated with Shelby Baptist Medical Center) and told him I wanted to have the gastric sleeve surgery. He felt like it would be effective for me. I had the surgery in the morning and did so well in recovery that I was able to go home the same day! And so my road to better health was kick started off.

It hasn't always been easy for me. The mental and emotional issues that contributed to my obesity didn't just disappear. The surgery isn't magic; it's just a strong tool to help you work your way into better health. I had to learn to deal with stress in a way that didn't involve food. I became active in the gym and started hiking with my best friend on a regular basis.

My weight loss was more than I anticipated, because of the work I put into it, and I could not be happier! My chronic pain is completely gone. My blood pressure is normal, as is my blood sugar. If anyone is on the fence about having this surgery, please believe me when I tell you that you won't regret it. I'm grateful to Dr. Sherer and Cahaba Valley Surgical Group at Shelby Baptist every single day for helping me get my health and my life back."

This testimonial reflects the experience and outcome of this patient. Actual results will vary.