All in the Family: A Mom's Weight-Loss Journey, Inspired by her Son
9:05 AMWeight loss has been an exhaustive 30-year journey for Le Smothers, who has now found success and a new zest for life, thanks to the COMP program and her inspiring family. We asked her a few questions about her weight loss journey.
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| Le Smothers, before and after! |
A: No; I did my first 5K on the 4th of July last year at Charm City Run. It was more like a trial to see what I could do. This one feels more like my first 5K though because of all of the effort I've put into training - and it's a wonderful cause, benefiting GBMC's NICU.
Q: What made you want to sign up?
A: My son Xavier Smothers-White inspired me and asked if I would join him for GBMC's annual Fathers Day 5K. (Read Xavier's story here!)
Q: How has the training been going?
A: It's been excellent, but also challenging. It has helped me learn more about myself and my ability to face challenges. The motivation and the camaraderie of all the participants has helped me stay focused, and I have a purpose in maintaining my health and lifestyle. I want to see my grandchildren grow and mature, so I've never wanted to give up.
Q: When did you have weight loss surgery? What was your starting weight, current weight and goal weight?
A: I had the weight-loss surgery on 9/11/15. My starting weight before I entered the program was 239 pounds. At my first consultation with Dr. Dovec, I weighed in at 226 pounds. My current weight is between 146-149 pounds and my goal is between 139-140 pounds.
Q: What did your exercise routine look like before weight loss surgery?
A: Over the past 30 years, I have tried many forms of exercise, from Karate and Tae Kwon Do to dancing ballet, tap, jazz and lyrical. I've had various tennis club and gym memberships and also tried exercising on my own. When I was in high school, the most exercise I got was from the marching band.
Q: What is your favorite part about being part of the COMP community?
A: The friends I've made, the encouragement from my son Xavier and his wife Alicia and the support of the entire Bariatric COMP team as well as Dr. Dovec, Dr. Bello and Dr. Friesen.
Q: What else would you like to add about your journey?
A: It has taken me the better part of my adult life to come to grips with obesity and the health problems I incurred as a result of being overweight. The health complications, including two total knee replacements, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, having my thyroid removed and the possibility of future health risks made me see that I had to choose whether to live or die. I chose life, and on this journey I've learned to respect life and myself. After exhausting all other avenues, it took courage to undergo weight-loss surgery. I am focused on living, maintaining my health and watching my children grow.
Want to join Le at the 5K on June 19? Sign up here!
Q: What is your favorite part about being part of the COMP community?
A: The friends I've made, the encouragement from my son Xavier and his wife Alicia and the support of the entire Bariatric COMP team as well as Dr. Dovec, Dr. Bello and Dr. Friesen.
Q: What else would you like to add about your journey?
A: It has taken me the better part of my adult life to come to grips with obesity and the health problems I incurred as a result of being overweight. The health complications, including two total knee replacements, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, having my thyroid removed and the possibility of future health risks made me see that I had to choose whether to live or die. I chose life, and on this journey I've learned to respect life and myself. After exhausting all other avenues, it took courage to undergo weight-loss surgery. I am focused on living, maintaining my health and watching my children grow.
Want to join Le at the 5K on June 19? Sign up here!
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