Building Friendships and a Healthier Lifestyle

Cindy Golden and Melissa Torr became fast friends during their care at AdventHealth. They quickly leaned on each other for support, comfort and strength during their weight-loss journey. They both underwent bariatric surgery with Naga Thatimatla, MD, FASMBS, FACS, at AdventHealth Dade City. Keep reading as they share how their journey to better health has led to lasting support and friendship.

Unexpected Friendship

“Melissa and I were receiving care at AdventHealth on the same day, and at that time, we were only separated by curtains,” shares Cindy. “For some reason, I was alone, and, on her side, it sounded like they were having a party.”

“Cindy knocked on the curtain and asked if she could be a member of the cool kid’s club,” jokes Melissa. “Instantly, I fell in love with her; we exchanged numbers and got together soon after our procedures.”

Looking for Lasting Change

After years of trying various weight-loss tactics with no success, both Melissa and Cindy were looking for change and sought help from Dr. Thatimatla.

“I had been overweight my entire life and had tried every diet ever invented,” shares Melissa. “I could barely walk from the car into my house without losing my breath, and I wanted to live long enough to be a grandmother.”

“I believe I tried every diet on the market, in every magazine — anything anyone talked about, I tried,” shares Cindy. “I would lose weight and then gain it right back; it was an ongoing rollercoaster.”

Working Toward Better Health

Deciding to jumpstart their health with bariatric surgery was just the first step in a full lifestyle change for Melissa and Cindy. They’ve continued to build healthy habits, encouraging one another in their diet and exercise routines and motivating one another never to stop striving for their best health. “Some people think that having this surgery is taking the easy way out, but that could not be more wrong,” says Cindy. “It’s a commitment to change your entire life. You have to love yourself enough to take the necessary steps.”

How Bariatric Surgery Changed Their Lives

Melissa and Cindy are dedicated to creating a lasting change and continually striving for better health. “My health journey will never be over,” shares Melissa. “I am only four and a half years out [from my procedure] and I am committed to a lifetime of health and wellness. While I am still not loving exercise, now, I can keep up with the best of them. A few months back, I did a Zumba class, and I moved the entire hour!”

Cindy is also excited to live her fullest life. “My life has completely changed. I can get on the floor and play with my nieces and nephews; no more wheelchairs in the airport because my legs hurt so bad and I couldn’t walk fast enough to make my connecting flights — and no more seatbelt extenders,” she exclaims. “Traveling now is fun as opposed to being anxiety-ridden and feeling embarrassed. I love buying clothes that actually have zippers and buttons, and not everything has an elastic waist anymore. My cholesterol levels and asthma are so much better. I am a different person.”

Supporting Each Other Along the Journey

Cindy and Melissa are so thankful for the supportive friendship they’ve built through their shared experience. “It’s essential to have a core group of friends and family when going through such a life-changing experience,” explains Cindy.

“Support is the key to success on this journey. Every day we do not gain weight is a win,” says Melissa. “When we do gain a pound or two, we work together to help each other find forgiveness. We have helped each other at our worst times and at our best times.”

Having a support system is an important factor in a person’s journey toward lasting weight loss — and sometimes, the most supportive people may be the ones you haven’t even met yet. To more fully support those who’ve had or are considering bariatric surgery, we offer virtual support groups, facilitated by our bariatric coordinators and guest speakers.

“This is a daily, lifelong journey. I am so fortunate to have not only achieved my weight-loss goals but to have met Melissa and truly feel like I’ve become a part of her family,” Cindy shares.

Advice for People Considering Bariatric Surgery

Bariatric surgery has helped Cindy and Melissa transform their lives and build healthy habits, and they encourage others to do the same. “Run as fast as you can and make this commitment to yourself,” Melissa says. “Always believe in yourself and, most importantly, love yourself. Be your own very best cheerleader. Take all the little wins and watch how they become big wins.”

Cindy is grateful for how her new lifestyle allows her to live a life she loves. “I highly recommend Dr. Thatimatla to friends,” says Cindy. “I should’ve done this so much earlier in my life; I would’ve saved myself years of depression and I would have been a much better friend, sister and aunt.”

At AdventHealth Bariatric and Metabolic Institute, our compassionate experts prioritize your needs and are by your side each step of the way, supporting you as you strive for better health. “The AdventHealth staff have been wonderful,” Cindy says. “They really seem to care about your success. When you step on that scale, they clap and do the happy dance with you. They are truly real cheerleaders for their patients.”

“The clinical team is amazing,” adds Melissa. “I love to visit with them, and when I do see them, they are proud of me and my journey. They support me and recognize my accomplishments.”

Helping You Every Step of the Way

A lasting change begins with a single step. If you’re looking to transform your life, our specialists are here to help you with your weight-loss journey. Schedule your consultation today and find the support you need to live your healthiest, happiest life.