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A healthy weight is the weight your body naturally settles into when you consistently eat a nutritious diet, are physically active, and balance the calories you eat with the physical activity you do.
But weight is only one measure of your health. People who are thin, but don't exercise or eat nutritious foods aren't necessarily healthy just because they are thin. A person who is overweight according to body mass index (BMI) charts may be healthy if he or she eats a variety of healthy foods and exercises regularly.
How much you eat is not the only determinant of your weight. Your age, metabolism, genetics, and physical activity level also play an important role in your weight, health, and risk for disease. So it's important that you avoid comparing yourself to others and that you determine the lifestyle changes you need to make to maintain a healthy weight.
Patient Success Stories - Meet Teri Jo
What was the biggest challenge or concern that led you to decide to have weight loss surgery?
I had been on many diets throughout my life and had lost weight several times, only to regain it all back again plus more each time. I got to the point where I had sleep apnea that required a Bi-PAP machine, ever-worsening hypertension requiring more and more medication, depression, and aching joints and muscles (from a connective tissue disorder like lupus) that diminished my capacity to accomplish what I wanted to do.
What did you weigh prior to having weight loss surgery?291
What type of weight loss surgery did you have?Roux-en-Y
What was the date of your surgery?October 22, 2007
What do you weigh now?140
What is your age?47
How has weight loss surgery changed your life?
Since having weight-loss surgery, I have reduced the number of medications I take from seven to two. I have more energy to do my job and to spend time with my husband. I still have the connective tissue disorder, but now it’s much more manageable. I don’t have the pain that I had before. It’s the simple things that I notice most, like being able to reach and tie my shoes comfortably or being able to cross my legs.
My niece hugged me and with delight in her eyes said, “I can reach my arms the whole way around you now!” But most of all, weight-loss surgery changed my life by giving me confidence that I’ve lacked for some time. I am no longer shy about having my photo taken. I’m still quiet, but I speak out more in social situations and I am learning more about myself. The surgery has been a great tool for me to accomplish what I could not do on my own. It’s not an easy road, but I am so grateful that I did it.
