Julie's Story

Julie Cook Receives a Weight Loss Wake Up Call

After being overweight for most of her life, Julie Cook, age 46, received a wake-up call following a colonoscopy last year that revealed five precancerous polyps. Considering that her mom had recently passed away from colon cancer, Julie’s doctor recommended a colon cancer screening even though she was younger than the recommended age for such a screening.

It was then that she decided to stop the cycle of overeating and develop a healthier lifestyle. As a nurse and a mother, she wished to set a positive example for her family and patients. She asked her family doctor for help and was introduced to bariatric surgeon Dr. Jonathan Hata who evaluated her situation thoroughly and suggested surgical weight loss.

“It was an easy decision,” said Julie. “I was ready to break the cycle of unhealthiness in my family. Plus, the surgery is so safe now that it’s a no-brainer.”

Weighing in at 260 pounds before the surgery, Julie is now 134 pounds and feels better than ever. When she was at her heavier weight, her liver became enlarged and started causing pressure against her abdomen. She is now pain-free and enjoying an active lifestyle that includes walking in her neighborhood and hiking with her daughter.

“You won’t believe how good it feels to lose the weight and regain the ability to do even the smallest things, like tying your shoes without getting out of breath,” she said. “If you are ready get your life back, I would encourage you to talk with people who have had weight loss surgery and see if that is the right decision for you.”

Catawba Valley Medical Center’s Surgical Weight Management Program offers medical assistance, including bariatric surgery and support, to provide treatment options aimed at improving health and prolonging life. The program is a Metabolic & Bariatric Surgery accredited center by the American College of Surgeons and America Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery. CVMC also was voted one of America’s Best Hospitals for Bariatric Surgery.

Sign up here to attend a FREE seminar and have your questions answered by our weight loss experts. You can also visit Catawba Valley Medical Center’s Surgical Weight Management Program online or call 828.326.2082 for more information.