A woman who ate over 3,000 calories a day was told she would die if she refused to shed the fat.
Mum-of-two Andrea Ybarra, 37, from San Antonio, Texas, US started her weight loss journey in 2020, weighing nearly 19 stone at the time.
Andrea was consuming over 3,000 calories a day at her peak and was told by specialist doctors that her weight was triggering her autoimmune flares which was significantly damaging her liver.
She was told she may not live to her 50th birthday and would one day need a liver transplant.
Andrea underwent gastric sleeve surgery through the Bariatric Medical Institute of Texas on April 13, 2021 - removing 15% of her stomach.
Since 2020, Andrea has gone from a dress size 20 or 3XL to a US size 8, a UK size 12.
She has also cut her intake of calories down to 1,200 and reduced her weight to 160 pounds.
“Every morning, just getting out of bed was difficult,” said Andrea.
“I stopped going around family and I didn’t do as much activities with my children as I should have.
“When I was told I may need a liver transplant one day or may not live to see my 50th birthday, it felt like I was given a deadline and the clock was ticking.
“I kept thinking about how every day that passed without changing anything was a choice and that I had to take control and at least try to do something about it.
“The thought of not being around for my children was more than I could bare and I just knew I had to act quickly if I wanted a real chance at getting healthy again.”
Andrea’s autoimmune disease was diagnosed in 2015. Following a transjugular liver biopsy, it was confirmed she had stage two liver cirrhosis due to autoimmune hepatitis.
Despite still having her autoimmune disease, Andrea is now able to manage it properly, adding years back onto her life.
“Unlike regular hepatitis, this was a condition I was born with and probably had been triggered for years due to my excessive weight and poor diet,” she said.
“After six months of nutrition visits and starting a keto diet, I was finally scheduled for surgery on April 13, 2021.
“Going into surgery, I felt calm and ready...right up until it was time to get taken into the OR. A wave of sadness came over me and I began to cry. I felt like I was giving up a part of me.
“I woke up feeling like I couldn’t believe how fast it went. It felt like I closed my eyes to take a nap for five minutes and then they were done. Although I had some pain in my shoulder, soreness in my stomach, and it was difficult to get around, I still felt pretty good overall.”
Following her surgery, Andrea has been vigilant about what she eats and how much exercise she does.
“I still enjoy treats and “comfort foods” from time to time but I make sure to keep it to a minimum for the sake of my health and well-being since my body does not respond well to carbs and sugar due to my autoimmune condition,” said Andrea.
“Since having surgery and completely changing my eating habits, I no longer have liver cirrhosis.
“I’ve lost a whole human worth of weight and I feel incredible.”
Andrea’s family, including her children, 14 and 16, are overjoyed she was able to face her demons. Andrea explained the effect of her surgery on her own mother’s happiness.
“My mom was worried I was taking drastic measures with choosing to having weight loss surgery at first but now that she sees the results I’ve been able to accomplish, she’s absolutely thrilled that I’m healthier and happier,” said Andrea.
“Getting the gastric sleeve was my chance at a new and longer life and I have zero regrets.
“People will always have something to say so you might as well live your best life and let them watch from the side-lines.”
