When Lydia Zavala and her husband started a family, they knew they wanted lots of kids. The couple went on to have six children in 13 years. As their family grew, so did Lydia’s weight.
“Each time I got pregnant, I was gaining,” the 33-year-old Adams County resident said. “I would exercise here and there, but once I didn’t see a result, I would get discouraged and stop. Then I got stuck. Once I hit the 300-pound mark, I knew I had to do something.”
Her cholesterol and her blood pressure both were high. Her diabetes was worsening. She was tired all the time. Her back hurt. And not only does she have six children at home, she also works full time at a local snack food company. Something had to change.
Zavala went to see her family physician, Dr. Shane Yarrington at WellSpan Family Medicine – Aspers, who referred her to WellSpan bariatric surgeon Dr. Margaret Ahrens in Chambersburg.
So began Zavala’s weight loss journey, which included six months of online classes to prepare her for bariatric surgery. With the healthy habits she learned during this time, Zavala lost about 25 pounds before even undergoing gastric bypass surgery in November 2023 at WellSpan Chambersburg Hospital.
Since she started her journey, Zavala has lost more than 100 pounds and now weighs under 200 pounds.
Her health has improved. Her cholesterol and blood pressure readings went down. She no longer needs to take diabetes medication.
“We know that bariatric surgery can provide a healthier future,” Ahrens said. “We want to see our patients succeed. That’s why we offer personalized care tailored to their needs and support them every step of the way.”
Ahrens said she talks to patients about the different types of bariatric surgeries that she offers and then she and the patient decide, together, which is best for them.
“I want the patient not only to understand the surgery but be excited for the upcoming changes in their life,” Dr. Ahrens noted. “In addition to working with a surgeon, they will see a dietitian and work through educational materials to help them make lifestyle changes that are important to supporting weight loss after a bariatric surgery. We want to see our patients succeed, and we celebrate when they adopt the changes.”
Like other bariatric surgery patients, Zavala stressed that you have to be ready for the surgery. In fact, she initially explored the idea before she had her first child, starting the classes but eventually dropping out.
“I didn’t think I was ready,” she said. “I was immature.”
“You definitely have to be mentally prepared to go ahead with this,” she noted. “You have to do a lot of exercise and preparation, or you can gain the weight back. You have to put of lot of effort to not wanting to go back to the old habits.”
For example, one of Zavala’s old habits was eating her children’s leftovers after meals. She avoids that now. She and her husband eat healthy foods and even now make juice out of vegetables, which her two smallest children like to drink too. They want their whole family to be healthy.
Zavala feels more confident about her appearance, too, and enjoys wearing clothes like dresses she previously avoided.
“I am starting to learn how to dress myself better. I feel good,” she said. “I have more energy. I am so glad I had the surgery.” Those interested may learn more about WellSpan’s bariatric surgery services at www.WellSpan.org.
