From Desperation to Determination: How Elaine Smith Transformed Her Life and Rekindled Hope

“He was afraid I wouldn’t make it to the end of the year,” Elaine Smith says of her husband Tim, as she recounts a heart-to-heart conversation they had in 2022. That was her turning point.

“He had his mind on retirement, looking forward to traveling, going on adventures, and golfing together. And he was terrified I wouldn’t be there for it.”

By the time this conversation occurred, Elaine had already spent decades trying to maintain a healthy weight. She tried every diet program and exercise regimen she came across. She saw temporary improvement at times, but the weight always came back – often worse than before – and each time with crushing disappointment. Elaine was also suffering from high blood pressure, high cholesterol, pre-diabetes, Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), dry eye, and significant joint pain due to her weight. Equally upsetting was the loss of confidence and sense of isolation she felt.

“My family and friends have always encouraged and supported me, but before surgery, I stayed in the safety of my home as much as possible. It was physically challenging for me to go out in public, not to mention embarrassing,” she explains. “There were times when I had difficulty just getting out of a chair.”

When Tim came to Elaine, so genuinely concerned for her health and their future, she knew she had to take action to save her own life.

“I scheduled a virtual consultation with Dr. Timothee Friesen shortly afterward and the wheels were set in motion,” she says.

Like all patients of GBMC’s Comprehensive Obesity Management Program (COMP), Elaine took part in six months of pre-surgical classes, during which she received nutritional and emotional support from the team of clinicians. Some of the support was in a group setting, and some was one-on-one with a dietitian. She learned what to expect leading up to, during, and following surgery. “I followed that patient binder to the letter!”

On June 20, 2023, Elaine had the surgery she worked so hard for, Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. She and her team at COMP couldn’t be happier with the results. Since the procedure, Elaine’s blood pressure, cholesterol, GERD, and knee pain have improved. Her blood sugar levels are now within normal range, her dry eye symptoms have disappeared, and she has shed an impressive 117 pounds.

But she is quick to point out that it isn’t all about the numbers on the scale. More exciting to her are the real-life victories like fitting comfortably in her seat on a plane; she recently even sat in an emergency exit row because she felt able to be of assistance if needed. A year ago, she couldn’t walk on the beach with Tim while on vacation in South Carolina. They went back six months after her surgery and walked 3.25 miles on the same beach. She is now eager to dress up, go out, and reconnect with people.

“I am so proud of myself for this accomplishment,” Elaine shares. “Weight loss surgery is not easy by any means. But it was absolutely worth it to be where I am now, healthy, walking tall and looking forward to the future.”

Are you ready to take the next step in your own weight loss journey? GBMC’s COMP team is here and ready to help! Visit www.gbmc.org/weightloss to learn more and get started by making an appointment for a video consultation with a member of the team.