“It actually started with my husband,” says Cynthia Slitzker of what initiated the journey through the Bailey Bariatrics program. “I started to put the brakes on, because I didn’t know much about it.”
In the spring of 2013, Joe Slitzker was only 29, but on seven different medications. He had made the decision to pursue bariatric surgery at Bailey Medical Center and told his wife, Cynthia. “This was the correct path for him,” she says.
However, Cynthia didn’t necessarily jump right on board herself, even though she knew her added weight did not help her muscular dystrophy.
“In March, I was teaching and I stood up from my chair and my knee would not bend at all,” Cynthia recalls of the moment that started to change her mind. “I was in excruciating pain. I needed to do something about my weight to help my muscles.”
Cynthia, watching her husband start the program at Bailey Bariatrics, knew she was all in now. The key to their success, she believed, would be accountability and support. In May, they both had bariatric surgery.
“It’s been easy to help each other,” shares Cynthia.
Yes, there are obstacles, plateaus and everyday hurdles, but Cynthia says having her husband by her side through this journey makes all worth it. “I would do it over again in a heartbeat,” she adds.
Healthier, the parents to a 2-year-old and 6-year-old enjoy being active with their children. “I can get on the floor and play and I can get back up again,” says Cynthia of one of the biggest milestones for her. Meanwhile, Joe is doing his first “couch to 5k” and Cynthia makes sure he gets up three mornings a week to train. She also makes sure they are accountable to each other regarding nutrition. “I’m on him all the time,” she laughs.
Joe and Cythnia know support from each other, as well as family and friends, is one of the greatest tools for success with any weight loss journey. Cynthia has encouraged her friends to take the steps to a healthier life and even referred a friend to the program this year. “I’m so happy for her, because she is going to feel so much better,” she says.