Jacksonville woman loses more than 180 pounds with bariatric surgery

Growing up overweight, Paula often felt like she didn’t fit in—physically or emotionally in Jacksonville, Florida. The teasing she endured from friends and even family left lasting scars. It wasn’t just the words that hurt; it was the sense of isolation. Paula became a wallflower, blending into the background to avoid drawing attention to herself. She lacked confidence and the support she needed to thrive.

One pivotal moment in Paula’s early life came when she joined the Girl Scouts in third grade. While her peers eagerly wore their uniforms, Paula faced a different reality. Unable to fit into the standard sizes, her mother lovingly deconstructed a women’s uniform and sewed it back together to fit her. While her mother’s support was heartwarming, the experience reinforced Paula’s feelings of being “different.”

As the years went on, Paula’s struggles with her weight and self-confidence continued. At 320 pounds, she battled depression and felt trapped in a cycle she couldn’t break. She wanted to feel better, both physically and emotionally, but the path forward seemed hard. It wasn’t until she became an adult, surrounded by the responsibilities of caring for her children and grandchildren, that Paula made the life-changing decision to put herself first.

Paula sought help at the Ascension St. Vincent Comprehensive Wellness Center, a place dedicated to providing compassionate, multidisciplinary care for weight loss. After careful consideration and guidance from the center’s team, she decided to undergo bariatric surgery. This was not an easy decision, but Paula knew it was the right one. She was ready to reclaim her health and her life.

The journey wasn’t just about the surgery—it was about the comprehensive support system that Ascension St. Vincent’s provided. Paula was surrounded by a team of experts, including dietitians, therapists, and medical professionals, who guided her through every step of her transformation. For the first time in her life, Paula felt truly supported. She wasn’t alone anymore.

The results were life-changing. With her health improving and the weight coming off, Paula’s confidence began to grow. She found herself enjoying activities more, like shopping and spending quality time with her husband, children, and grandchildren. The wallflower who once tried to fade into the background is now a vibrant, confident woman who embraces life with open arms.

Paula’s transformation didn’t stop there. She started a social media channel to document her weight-loss journey, sharing the highs and lows with others who might be facing similar struggles. Her honesty and resilience quickly made her an inspiration to many. Paula’s story became a beacon of hope for those who felt lost in their own battles with weight and self-esteem.

Today, at 61 years old, Paula is down to 135 pounds, and is more than just a success story—she’s a role model. By choosing to prioritize her health and happiness, she has shown others that it’s never too late to transform your life. Her journey is a testament to the power of self-love, determination, and the importance of a strong support system. With a beautiful smile from ear to ear, Paula exclaimed, “I choose me!”Her motto is proof that anyone can rise above their challenges and thrive.

Learn more about the Ascension St. Vincent’s weight loss program or to attend a free weight-loss seminar.