Young newlyweds seemingly want to do everything together. But Sandra and Matt H. of North Vernon brought new meaning to this idea by having bariatric surgery a month apart shortly after they were married.
Matt, a 26-year-old machine operator for Cummins, and Sandy, 25, a supported living assistant, had both watched their weight balloon as they progressed from childhood into adult life. Sandra first noticed a problem around age 10, though playing sports and other activities kept it from becoming a serious problem.
But after her father died when she was 20, she found herself lacking the energy to keep moving all the time. Her weight eventually swelled up to 321 pounds.
Similarly, Matt had seen his weight spiral out of control, due to a lack of exercise and an overreliance on fast food and soda. He eventually tipped the scales at 360 pounds.
Despite each struggling with their weight, it didn’t stop them from falling in love. They met in 2009, got engaged the next year and married in September 2011. Still, even as they found happiness in their relationship with each other, the desire to lose weight — permanently — was always there.
Even before they got married, they had explored alternatives at the Weight Loss Institute of Columbus Regional Health. Sandra admits she was a bit worried at first, having never undergone any type of surgery other than removal of her tonsils. But the doctors and staff at the Weight Loss Institute helped put her mind at ease. She underwent a successful gastric sleeve procedure last February.
Matt had the same procedure a month later. His post-op experience was a little more challenging, but with the support of his wife and the Weight Loss Institute staff he persevered.
“At first it was a little discouraging, but now I’m glad I had it done,” he said. “They say what doesn’t kill you only makes you stronger, and I think I’m much stronger.”
Going through the experience at the same time helped deepen their bond. They shifted their dining habits toward healthier options like fruits and vegetables. Since they were eating the same meals and measuring out their food at the same time, it made the transition period much easier, they said.
The results speak for themselves. A year later, Sandra is down to 199 pounds and Matt is at 220. She would like to lose another 25 pounds, while Matt is discussing his ideal weight with his doctors to determine the best goal.
Even though they’re just in their mid-20s, Matt and Sandra say they didn’t want to take the risk of dying young and leaving their partner alone. Undergoing bariatric surgery at the same time has helped strengthen their marriage, they believe. And they’re enjoying the added perks of a healthier future.
“I feel a thousand times better,” Sandra said. “I have more energy, I have higher self-esteem. It makes you feel really good about yourself.”