Looking at Jill Mayfield today, you see an active, healthy and happy 47-year-old mother of two. It’s hard to believe that just 18 months ago, this fit and trim lady had a difficult time fitting into an airline seat and fastening the seatbelt.
“We fly a lot,” said Mayfield. “Before I had surgery in April, I remember barely being able to get my seatbelt fastened. We flew again in October after surgery, and I was amazed at how much weight I had lost. I didn’t have anything to measure with, but it was a big difference.”
The airline seatbelt isn’t the only difference for Mayfield since surgery. She says that before surgery she was morbidly obese, had no energy and led a very minimal lifestyle. “I couldn’t keep up with my girls, work, my husband, or life in general. I just couldn’t do it.”
At age 47, she decided there had to be more to life. “I had a cruddy life and decided I wanted more. I wanted to be there for my girls when they got married; be able to play with grandkids on the floor; and spend adequate and quality time with my husband.”
Health was another factor that tipped the scales in favor of weight loss surgery. “About a year and a half before surgery, I was diagnosed with intracranial hypertension, which caused excruciating headaches. My neurologist and ophthalmologist told me to get the weight off – fast.” Her physicians guided her to Foothills.
After researching her options and meeting with us, Mayfield selected gastric bypass surgery as the best option for her personality and lifestyle. “It was something that would hold me accountable,” she says. “I couldn’t cheat.”
Today, Mayfield couldn’t be happier with the results. She has lost more than 120 pounds, her headaches have vanished, and she is able to lead a life she never dreamed possible.
“Life for me is very active, and I’m not afraid to do anything. Everything is new and exciting for me now.”
If you are overweight and would like to get more out of life, sign up for a free seminar to learn about surgical weight loss options and the support systems available to you at Foothills Weight Loss Specialists.