12/17/2025
After years of struggling with weight and health challenges, Karen knew it was time for a change. Her journey toward better health began at Mercy Health – Lorain Weight Management Solutions, where she found not only expert care but a team who became like family.
Karen’s health journey started when she was just 18 years old. Following a serious illness that required brain surgery, she faced an uphill battle with her weight for years. “I had tried everything — diets, pills, shakes, fasting, working out,” she recalls. “Nothing worked. If it did, it was only temporary.”
It wasn’t until her doctor referred her to Dr. Landers and the bariatric care team at Mercy Health that Karen felt true hope. “When I met Dr. Landers, the first thing he said was that I had some work to do on myself before surgery,” Karen shares. “That meant changing my habits and my mindset. But once I started, it felt like a whole new world opened up.”
Bariatric surgery gave Karen the tool she needed to transform her life, but she’s quick to emphasize that it wasn’t a shortcut. “It’s not going to do the work for you,” she says. “It helps you do the work. You still have to give 100 percent.”
Through her weight loss journey, Karen learned to listen to her body and prioritize nutrition. “You can only eat small portions, and you have to focus on protein and fueling your body with what it really needs,” she explains. “It changes how you look at food, and you realize what’s truly important to keep your body strong.”
That strength translated into a new lifestyle. “I’ve taken up hiking. I hike every day, and I have a full home gym now,” she says. “It’s very hard to keep me inside. I’m more active than I’ve ever been.”
The physical transformation was significant, but Karen says the emotional side was just as challenging. “Giving up sweets was tough,” she confesses. “You go through a roller coaster of emotions. Sometimes you even get mad seeing other people eat things you can’t.”
Her care team at Mercy Health was there for her every step of the way. “They’re amazing,” Karen says. “They genuinely care. When I came in, they’d ask not just how I was doing physically, but how I was feeling mentally. If I was struggling, they’d check in and remind me they were always there for me.”
That support made all the difference. “They became like family. They know my husband and ask about him if he’s not with me. They celebrate every milestone with me — every pound lost; every goal reached. They’re my biggest cheerleaders.”
Two years after surgery, Karen has lost more weight than she ever expected and gained a new sense of self-confidence. “I feel amazing,” she shares. “Better than I ever thought I could.”
Still, she’s honest about some of the challenges that come after significant weight loss. “You’re not really prepared for how your body changes,” she explains. “There’s loose skin, and that takes time to adjust to, both physically and emotionally. You have to figure out how to live in your new body.”
Even with those hurdles, Karen has no regrets. “Getting approved for the surgery was a huge high,” she says. “At first, not being able to eat much was tough, but once I started seeing results, everything just felt better. My energy came back. I wanted to move, to live. It’s just amazing.”
For those considering bariatric surgery, Karen offers heartfelt advice:
“It’s not a fix, but it’s a tool. Be ready to do the work — it’s worth it. The care team at Mercy Health will be there for you every step of the way.”
Today, Karen continues to check in with her care team and stay active in her new, healthier lifestyle. Her journey serves as a reminder that with the right support, determination, and care, lasting change is possible.
