Overweight since her teens, Carol Jackson lost 35 pounds in her late teens but put it all back on and then some when she had her son. She said it was because of a sweet tooth and a large portion size. "I could eat a pint of ice cream and not even think about it, " the married mother of four added.
She knew she had to do something, but the death of her best friend from complications(并发症) related to bariatric surgery(减肥手术) caused her to stay away from the help she needed. "It took me five years to realize I can't live life like this, " Jackson said, finally deciding to have bariatric bypass surgery in 2012. "My kids love the new me, " Jackson said. "And, my youngest child, who is 8 and a little overweight, has been encouraged by me. We walk the track when it is warm as a family outing. " She adds, "I knew I had to do something about my health because I had to be around for them and watch them grow and experience life. "
After a lifetime of junk food, sweets and out-of-control portions, Jackson had to learn a new way of eating. Now, she starts the day with a breakfast of hard-boiled eggs for the protein. Lunch is usually a salad and dinner is a protein shake(蛋白质奶昔). She walks two to three miles at least a few times a week, does Zumba twice a week and rides her bike for a half-hour three times a week.
"I wish I'd been more concerned about my weight when I was younger. I wish it hadn't gotten to this point. But, I'd do the surgery again in a heartbeat. My life is so much better now, " Jackson said.
