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“I couldn’t keep up with my kids before. Now my kids are telling me to slow down ... "

As a mother of three teenage daughters, Shasta Carmack yearned for the time when she would be more active participant in their activities. 

The Sperry resident was diagnosed with reduced ejection fraction, also referred to as systolic heart failure, and had to be put on a beta blocker and blood pressure medications. Carmack’s condition contributed to her being limited when it came to physical activity.

“My kids are active in sports, and I couldn’t play catch with them or go to the zoo with them,” Carmack said. “I wanted to do that again.”

Carmack’s cardiologist gauged her interest in possible weight-loss surgery. Hesitant at first, she decided to join the Bailey Bariatrics program in September 2020.

“I felt like I was headed toward major heart issues,” Carmack said. “I was worried if I didn’t do something, then I wouldn’t be around to see them graduate and I wouldn’t be around for grandkids someday.”

Weighing 340 pounds at one point, Carmack lost 45 pounds through the metabolic management program. In January 2021, she had gastric bypass surgery. Since that time, Carmack dropped to 149 pounds.

Now, Carmack said she feels there are no limits to what she can do. She is more active with her daughters’ sports and FFA activities and rides on the back of her husband’s Harley Davidson with no concerns.

“I couldn’t keep up with my kids before,” Carmack said. “Now my kids are telling me to slow down. They can’t keep up with me.”

A substitute teacher, Carmack’s transformation has not been lost on those around her. She said she is occasionally mistaken for one of her daughters at school.

“Sometimes when that happens, it makes you feel kind of good,” she said. “I’m not going to lie.”

Carmack praised the Bailey Bariatrics staff and said her transformation would not have happened without them.

“The staff over at Bailey was really helpful and knowledgeable,” she said. “I had tons of questions and they calmed my fears and talked through everything with me. The nurses were really good to talk to. The process was smooth.”

Carmack said she is proud to be a walking testimony for the success of the Bailey Bariatrics program and had only one regret.

“When people ask me if I would do it again? A million percent, ‘Yes,’” she said. “The biggest regret I have is putting it off.”

To learn more about Bailey Bariatrics’ free seminars, click here, or call 918-376-8410 to speak with a staff member about the metabolic management program or weight-loss surgery.