How Gastric Bypass Surgery Transformed One Woman’s Life

See Angela’s Top 3 Takeaways

As I bring my hands to my heart center, I take a long, deep breath and look at everyone who chose to join my class. I exhale and bow my head forward as a gesture of gratitude for each person in attendance.

It’s the summer of 2010. I’m teaching one of my first yoga classes — sharing space, breath, and energy with the wonderful people in the room — when it suddenly hits me how much yoga hasn’t just changed my body; it’s changed my life. Through yoga, I’ve built muscle, yes, but I’ve also forged a stronger connection with myself, the people I love, and a wider community.

It has taken a lot to get here.

A Desire for Control

When my career in human resources began, it accelerated quickly. By 2002, I was traveling a lot, often sharing devastating news that changed people’s lives. Holding on to information, such as who was getting let go or who wouldn’t receive a bonus, was often mentally and emotionally taxing. It was also something I couldn’t control.

What I believed I could control in my life was food. I loved having unequivocal authority over what I ate, when I ate, and how much I ate. I spent many hours brainstorming the most satisfying or indulgent meal that would give me comfort, satiation, and satisfaction.

I also had my eating buddies. These were people I met up with to gorge on food at restaurants or in my home. We would order a smorgasbord of nine or 10 things and devour it all, even if it took us three hours. Even if we were already full.

It was an odd contradiction. At the time, I thought I had control over food, but it’s now clear that food had control over me.

I thought I had control over food, but it’s now clear that food had control over me.

After one of these sessions, in 2003, one of my eating buddies mentioned that she was considering gastric bypass surgery. She decided not to attend the presurgery consultation and asked me to fill in and report back. She eventually determined she wasn’t interested, but I certainly was.

Around that time, I’d noticed that my lifestyle choices were affecting my toddler son and 8-year-old daughter. It wasn’t just that they were learning from my bad habits; my daughter was also “working” for me, grabbing bottles, toys, or diapers so I wouldn’t have to move from my favorite spot on the couch.

I thought about how I’d like to take them to the beach and be more involved in their fun, rather than relax in one spot. I wanted us to live life to the fullest — jump in the ocean, play catch, and things like that. If I wanted to participate with my kids, I had to lead a healthier life.

The surgery would help me create a better relationship with food and encourage more movement and activity. In addition to weight loss, gastric bypass surgery has been associated with reduced food cravings and food noise — intrusive thoughts about food. I was confident this would all help me kick-start a healthier lifestyle.

No Sweat … Yet!

I had surgery on April 7, 2004. Gastric bypass surgery is generally safe, but it’s a major procedure. It takes weeks to months before you can reintroduce certain foods and fully engage in higher levels of activity.

After the procedure, my stomach could only hold a small amount of anything. I started with liquids, slowly working up to small portions of healthy food. As I introduced foods back into my diet, I documented how things made me feel: Protein shakes made with water or warmed into a soup, finely ground beef, and raw tomatoes were great. Chicken, anything creamy, and cooked tomatoes (at first), were not.

I was rigorous about making sure I had enough water, protein, and other nutrients in my diet, and I didn’t experience too many cravings — though I longed for Fritos from time to time. But after my surgery, I enjoyed treats only on special occasions and in moderation.

I had a tremendous amount of support from my family, friends, and coworkers who kept me on track and accountable. I would get my Fritos, but I limited myself to eight per day if I had them, and then the little bag was stapled shut and returned to my colleague’s locked desk drawer.

Over time, I found that the food noise had quieted, and I was feeling more present in my life. I had more energy each day. So, the next change was embracing movement. I was ready to get active, but I didn’t want to sweat, and I didn’t want to exercise outside. It sounds a bit dramatic, but who wants to get all sticky and stinky and wash their hair twice a day?

When I saw an ad for a free yoga class, it seemed perfect. At the class, I was certain I looked like a jerky marionette puppet, trying to follow along as the teacher guided us from one beautiful shape to another. Afterward, she smiled at me and said, “You did really well, but you might want to try our beginners’ class.”

I did just that, and I noticed that I felt more relaxed, connected, and peaceful after practicing yoga. I also didn’t sweat — yet.

Then, just like my career, my passion for yoga took off. I practiced nearly every day. I had found a space that welcomed me in all facets and forms, and I was stronger and more present — not just in the studio but in my relationships as well. I even started embracing the sweat when it came because I believed it meant I was doing something right.

While my husband was at the gym, my son would often join me in class, sleeping with an eye mask until it was time for the “fun” poses, like standing on your head. My daughter took belly dance classes offered at the studio. The family dynamic that I’d dreamed of was coming to fruition.

Changing Poses

In early 2010, I left my job to take a six-month yoga teacher training course. I intended to return to work after completing the course, but before I graduated, I was offered a teaching opportunity at the first studio I practiced in. I committed to my passion and was teaching my own classes by July. My lifestyle had changed; working a high-pressure corporate job no longer aligned with the healing I wanted to bring to the world.

That August, I went to a yoga audition at Life Time. I was one of the least experienced people there, but I laid it all on the line. My story and teaching skills resonated with the group — and that’s where the next chapter began.

So many amazing things have happened since I was hired at Life Time. In addition to doing work I love, I’ve become codirector of Life Time’s BIPOC Network and part of the Inclusion Core Council. It means a lot to know that I’m helping ensure the company and its programming are as inclusive as possible. Outside of Life Time, I’ve taught yoga at facilities across the country, led classes for iconic brands, like Under Armour, and given lectures at universities and yoga companies.

Today, I’m 51, feeling better than ever, and enjoying my years of glitter. Without food noise occupying most of my brain space, I’ve been able to participate more fully in my life and relationships. I’ve embraced my new nickname, GrAngela, as I focus on being an amazing grandma. And the best part is that the important things remain constant, like my quirkiness, belly laughs, and love for my family.

My yoga and gastric bypass surgery journey has taken my life in a beautiful direction that allows me to share my love of movement and my story. Moving forward, I expect to continue creating spaces where people from all walks of life feel welcome, seen, and empowered. Spaces where they know they’ll receive support, advocacy, and healing.

And these days, when I go to the beach with my family, you’d better believe I’m playing with the kids and getting in the water!

Angela’s Top 3 Takeaways

1. Keep up with your screenings. People can be healthy at every size, but it’s important to keep on top of your health. Before surgery, I had never really explored my challenges with weight, and I’m grateful there were no bigger health issues going on — like diabetes or heart failure.
2. Create your own lifestyle. You get to decide what your healthy lifestyle looks like. Explore what type of movement brings you joy and don’t worry about what anyone else is doing. Put achievable boundaries around treats. Maybe you only indulge in cake when it’s an actual birthday, or you limit drinking to special occasions.
3. Get ready for forever. Living in a new, healthier way has no end point. You will face challenges along the way, be it with eating, your mindset, or your motivation, but the key is that you wake up the next day and try to be better.