- Abby Smith, a teacher, struggled with her weight and felt like a “bad teacher” because it hindered her ability to stay active with her students.
- She was diagnosed with fatty liver disease, which had the potential to develop into cirrhosis.
- Smith underwent gastric sleeve surgery and has successfully lost 87 pounds in less than a year.
This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Abby Smith. It has been edited for length and clarity.
I always tried to hide my weight behind baggy outfits — usually black clothes. Once, a parent of one of my kindergarten students commented, “You always look like you’re dressed for a funeral.”
Initially, I laughed it off, but the comment hurt me. Another time, a child in my class pointed to my stomach and said, “You can’t climb a tree because you have too much right here.” It made me realize how honest kids can be. At that time, I weighed 256 pounds, and I knew I was dangerously overweight at 5-foot-4.
I gained between 40 and 50 pounds during my second pregnancy
I faced many health issues, including high blood pressure.
My weight problems began in college when I stopped playing the sports I enjoyed, such as basketball and soccer. I started eating unhealthily, relying on college food and fast food from places like McDonald’s. I continued to gain weight every year.
I attempted various diets before my wedding, but I didn’t see much success. During my second pregnancy, I gained 40 to 50 pounds that didn’t come off afterwards.
Courtesy of Abby Smith
I tried various diets, including paleo and Beachbody, but each time I would lose fewer than 10 pounds. I would express my frustration to my husband, Joshua, saying, “They’re not working.”
My weight was taking a toll on me mentally and physically. I struggled to keep up with my students during a field trip, and it made me feel like a bad teacher. The added stress led me to emotional eating and further weight gain. I was constantly tired, which affected my relationships with my husband and children.
Things took a turn when my older daughter started playing soccer, and I couldn’t join her without feeling winded. Additionally, I received a diagnosis of fatty liver disease, with the doctor warning it could progress to cirrhosis. That’s when I knew something had to change.
I underwent gastric surgery in November and have been losing an average of 3 pounds per week
Last summer, my husband and I researched bariatric surgery and decided it was a viable option. I consulted with Dr. Jason Balette, a bariatric surgeon at Memorial Hermann in Houston. He emphasized the importance of being 100% committed to the surgery and asked me to demonstrate that I could maintain weight loss before proceeding.
In November, I underwent gastric sleeve surgery, which lasted approximately three hours. My health insurance covered the cost due to my body mass index being over 40.
Courtesy of Abby Smith
Following the surgery, I adhered to the post-operative guidelines, which included liquid, puree, and soft-food stages. Eventually, I was able to consume small portions of regular food, such as half a cup of chicken. The weight began to come off rapidly, at a rate of approximately 2 to 3 pounds per week. I am currently at 169 pounds, having lost a total of 87 pounds. My goal is to lose 100 pounds, and I now have a healthier perspective on portion sizes and eating habits
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