02/09/2021
Chrissy Hoyt, 34, of Cape Neddick, Maine, is forever grateful to the team at Wentworth-Douglass Hospital’s Center for Weight Management & Bariatric Surgery and The Works Weight Management Program. In early spring of 2019, Chrissy knew it was time to make a change. After navigating multiple health conditions without a concrete diagnosis, Chrissy was at her heaviest weight of 411 pounds.
Chrissy began considering weight loss surgery, finding her way to the Center for Weight Management & Bariatric Surgery. As she started her weight loss journey , the bariatric surgery team referred Chrissy to the Works Weight Management Program to help prepare her for surgery. The Works Weight Management Program is offered by The Works Family Health and Fitness Center, a department of Wentworth-Douglass Hospital, and takes a holistic approach to helping individuals with a BMI of 30 or more develop behaviors for lifelong weight management and improved wellness.
Participants work with registered dietitians and health coaches who provide personalized instruction in fitness and nutrition. Chrissy’s health coach, Jess, helped her modify exercises until she became stronger. At the time, it was challenging for Chrissy to put on socks and shoes, and because of breathing issues, knee and back pain, and gynecologic issues, Chrissy she did not feel physically or mentally healthy. Jess saw Chrissy’s determination and helped her lose 60 pounds before her bariatric surgery.
Before starting the program, Chrissy would eat once a day, twice a day, or sometimes not at all. She simply didn’t feel hungry and was occasionally afraid to eat because she was afraid of gaining more weight. Working with Jess and Lead Bariatric Dietitian, Emily Thompson, RD, CSOWM, LD, Chrissy gradually increased the frequency of her meals and snacks to ensure she was receiving appropriate nutrition to fuel her workouts and set her up for success after her surgery.
On November 29, 2019, Chrissy underwent gastric sleeve surgery. The Wentworth-Douglass Hospital Center for Weight Management & Bariatric Surgery is accredited by the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery and is a Blue Cross Blue Shield Center of Distinction.
Chrissy says, “My mental health along with physical health has completely done a 360! I am living my best life thanks to Jess and this program. I wouldn’t change it for the world! Just keep in mind, you will feel like you can’t do it you will be hard on yourself when you can’t. But don’t give up! You are good enough! You got this!"
Although she has relocated to Columbus, Ohio, Chrissy still meets with Jess virtually through Zoom every month. Now at 198 pounds (a total of 213 pounds lost), these regular meetings with Jess help with accountability and continued motivation to maintain her healthy habits.
If you'd like to learn more about weight management or bariatric surgery, call us at our toll free number 833-WD-NEW-ME, or click here to contact us.