Bariatric Surgery Helped Zina Reclaim Her Health and Confidence

Zina W. struggled with weight gain on and off for most of her life. It took a toll on her health. High blood pressure, diabetes, acid reflux, and joint pain were just some of the problems that piled up. 

“I was in agonizing pain every step I took,” says Zina, 62. “I could barely lift my leg to get in a car.”

And then there's the teasing Zina says she endured since her childhood. 

"When a person is really heavy, they go through a lot of stuff," she says. "People don't understand how it messes with your self-esteem when people say really cruel things and treat you in a cruel way."

Tired of “lugging all that stuff around,” Zina says, she decided to pursue bariatric (weight-loss) surgery. She’d tried fad diets that “did nothing,” she says. Weight-loss injections helped her lose weight, but didn’t produce the results she’d hoped for, Zina says. 

“I made a decision — in order to live longer and move around more freely without so much pain — to get weight-loss surgery,” she says. “And it was the best decision I've ever made.” 

Another big reason Zina chose to make a change was her son. She wants to be there for him as he pursues his dream of playing professional football. And one day, she wants to be a healthy, energetic grandmother to the grandkids she hopes to have. 

Inspired by her desire to be there for herself and her loved ones, Zina began to research weight-loss surgery. That led her to Temple Health’s Bariatric Program.

Empowered by her Temple team

Zina met with bariatric surgeon Rohit Soans, MD. From the start, she says Dr. Soans helped her feel at ease and build confidence in what she could accomplish.  

"He saw something in me that I probably didn't see in myself," Zina says. "He kept telling me, 'We can do this here. This is not going to be a problem for you.' It just gave me more inspiration."

Temple’s multidisciplinary team guided her journey and helped Zina prepare for surgery. 

"They explained it to me step by step," she says. 

The process included a psychological evaluation to make sure Zina was mentally prepared for her weight-loss journey.  A nutritionist helped her understand the changes in eating habits she would need to make. 

In June 2023, Zina had gastric bypass surgery. She went home the next day. 

"I couldn't have asked for a better surgeon," Zina says. 

'My life is totally different'

Since starting the bariatric surgery program, Zina has gone from 267 pounds to 195 pounds. She's almost to her goal weight. 

"I had to buy a whole new wardrobe," she says. "I love putting clothes on now, because I look different."

Even better, she feels great and is improving her health. She's off her blood pressure and diabetes medicines, and getting around is no longer the struggle it used to be.  "My life is totally different," Zina says. "I go out every day. I'm involved in more things now because I can move around better. My self-esteem is way better than it used to be."

These days, Zina takes the stairs to her apartment instead of using the elevator. She volunteers with the Red Cross, tutors children at an elementary school, and works out three days a week with her son.

"He's my personal trainer," she says. 

And Zina loves to catch a sunrise. 

"I love to get up every day and do something positive," she says.

It's been a remarkable turnaround for Zina. But she'll be the first to tell you bariatric surgery isn't a quick fix. She has developed healthy habits to go with her surgery. 

"I really watch what I eat," Zina says. In the past, she often turned to food to escape boredom or manage emotions. 

"Today, if I'm bored, I find something else to do besides putting something in my mouth,” Zina says. “I'll get up and just exercise in the front room, or I'll pick up a book. You have to change your mindset."

Zina is grateful for her decision to have weight-loss surgery.

"It changed my life," she says. 

And she's thankful for her Temple team, not only for their expertise but also for their support.

"They helped me with this journey that I'm on to become the person that's been inside of me the whole time," Zina says.

Helpful Resources

Looking for more information?

• Lesser-Known Benefits of Bariatric Surgery Besides Losing Weight
• Bariatric Surgery Has Helped Zoraida’s Dreams Come True
• Patient Support for Bariatric Surgery