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Less than two years ago, Gabrielle Niemiec of Philadelphia weighed 312 pounds. Now this mother of two is a toned 109 and will appear on 'Maury' (WPHL-TV, the WB) at noon today to share her story. Povich is featuring several guests who have lost more than 1,000 pounds combined. "I was a chubby six year-old, I became a plump teenager, and ballooned into a very large, obese adult," Gabrielle says, recalling that she grew up in an Italian family that celebrated every occasion with lots of food.
So how did she lose the weight? She had gastric bypass surgery in July 2002, and now eats a healthy variety of mostly low-fat foods six to eight times a day, small portions. She also exercises at home at least three times a week, using weights, a stairstepper and an exercise bike. She works hard to keep in shape. "Even with the surgery, I still have to work at it," she said.
She is very happy in her own skin these days, and said she especially loves being able to shop for size 2 clothes. "They don't make hip and fashionable in large sizes," she said.
She recalls that when she was heavy, all she wanted to do was stay in the house and cry. On the show, Povich asks Gabrielle about being teased when she was growing up. "They used to call me 'Blubber Butt,' 'Three Chin Girl,' 'Fatty' and 'Pudgy,'" she says. She decided it was time to make a change when she had to watch her sons, now ages 9 and 11, get teased because of her weight problem. "We used to be embarrassed because she was fat but now she is hot!" son Joey says. His brother Erik describes his mom now as "one sexy mama." They and Gabrielle's husband, Joe, will also appear on today's show.
Gastric bypass surgery is gaining in popularity, but remains controversial, and certainly isn't the right course for everyone battling a weight problem. Does anyone have stories or information to share about this?
I have to admit, I find these stories fascinating. But I am worried this surgery is becoming way too popular -- isn't it the fastest-growing surgery now?
Gastric bypass surgery seems like a drastic measure but it also seems to work for some people. One thing it makes me think about is portion control. I have a jaw problem that makes eating painful. It has not only limited what I eat but how much. There's nothing like pain to ruin your appetite.
I have lost weight and also come to realize how large my idea of a normal portion is. Also, eating more slowly by necessity, I get that filled-up feeling while there's still food on my plate. Normally, I'd be reaching for seconds and then realize too late I was already stuffed.
I have a good friend Martha who tried everything to control her weight and preserve her health. At about the age of 60, she had the gastric bypass. She is very happy and looks like a new woman.
She told me something interesting. If you don’t moderate your eating, you can gain all the weight you lose the first year back. I don’t quite understand the science of it but the surgery isn’t just a one-time event. You spend the rest of your life eating differently. She’s thrilled.
My aunt Charlotte had this surgery after battling a weight problem her entire life. She looks wonderful now and feels better than ever. But the surgery can be risky. For detailed information, check out http://www.niddk.nih.gov/health/nutrit/pubs/gastric/gastricsurgery.htm
Posted by: Theresa on November 19, 2003 10:09 AMWell, my concerns about the seemingly overwhelming popularity of gastric bypass aside, I gotta say -- Gabrielle, you look awesome! Congrats.
My husband lost a lot of weight too -- a total of about 65 pounds -- though he did it with a trainer and a very structured workout and diet regimen. No matter how you do it, losing that much is a major commitment.
And it has a big impact on your entire life -- my hubby, for example, had to explain the big loss to our life insurance company (!) and now is wondering if he will have to get a tummy tuck to deal with the extra skin (gross, but I am telling you, this stuff is what you end up thinking about). On the other hand, he is feeling so much better, has squashed some rising health concerns (asthma, high blood pressure) and he looks fantastic.
I think it's fantastic when people like my hubby and Gabrielle make the commitment to such a major life change. CONGRATS!
Posted by: Wendy on November 19, 2003 10:22 AMI knew Gabrielle before the GB and she looks so good now,she was always a pretty woman,but now she's drop dead gorgeous and I am so proud of her.
I wish her so much continued success in the future.
Wendy, your husband lost 65 pounds! Holy Maloney. I believe that last time I checked in with my friend, Martha, she had lost more than 100. I myself lost 50 but then put 20 back on after galbladder surgery so I don't have to worry about floppy skin! I do imagine that's a problem with these huge weight losses. Maybe someone who's been there can chime in.
I do remember reading an essay about a woman who fell in love with a very fit guy. She had fought a weight issue all her life so she was worried about whether they could last a lifetime together. Then she noticed one day these silvery lines on his hips. It turns out he was once very heavy and had also worked very hard to get in shape. I can't remember if it he had the gastric bypass. In any case, the essayist said she came to love those stretch marks because it was a testimony to her new love's victory over a personal obstacle and she knew from whence sprang his empathy for others who are different.
I, like everyone else, can't wait to hear about Gabrielle at noon.
Thats my Aunt Gabrielle and she looks way better than before shes still a great aunt just like she always was to me.
I would like to comment to Gabrielle that she is an inspiration to all women she looks fabulous, she should be featured in any and all motivational stories to women trying to get in shape and if they are interested in the gastric bypass surgurey her story on Maury was tremendous and eye opening experience for obese people.
Thank You Daily News for featuring her in the locker room stories my wife looks at this page daily.
Posted by: ljn on November 19, 2003 10:31 PMi have known Gabrielle for 21 years of my life and as far as i can remember she was always big and when she had the surgery the pounds just started coming off.. She looked good then but now she lost a whole person and and gained a new self image.. I hope you keep up the good work and dont let no one tell you different.
Posted by: Crystal on November 20, 2003 01:40 PMGastric bypass surgery has to be a last resort for people. While it is effective in taking off the weight it should also be known that it is a very dangerous surgery. Additionally, for the surgery to be successful it does require that people still make significant lifestyle changes which include a healthy nutrition plan and an a strict adherance to exercise.
I had gastric bypass in 2002 and almost died from it. I was in the hospital for 3 months my heart stopped twice. I have lost 150 lbs but during the surgery the surgeon did something to my back and now my right leg is numb and they say I have a dropped foot. would I do it again hell no. Please anyone contemplating having it done double check and then check again. I researched it for two years prior and it seemed like the right thing for me. anyone else that had problems please write to me.
Posted by: Patty Witzel on January 31, 2004 01:13 AMWhat happens to the excess skin after losing so much weight? I am 50 lbs over weight, I will not be needing the surgery, yet I now have a pouch that hangs, and I can not imagine what it will look like AFTER I loose 50 lbs? Can it be toned up?
Posted by: kristine smith on February 19, 2004 07:09 PMKristine, Heather answered a similar question in our "Ask the Trainer" corner. Here's what she said:
Losing "the apron" that you referred too as well as redefining the rest of your body will take lots of hard work both in the gym and with regard to your diet. It is imperative that you combine a low-fat diet with a cardiovascular and strength training regimen. You may want to consult a nutritionist to help you revamp your diet based on your current weight and activity level. Additionally, a personal trainer can tailor a program that will meet your current fitness status and assist you with creating a program that will meet both your strength training and cardiovascular training needs. Remember that you can not "spot reduce" an area, therefore a total body workout is necessary for you to see change.
Bodyfat can be lost in any area of the body regardless of the type of child birth that you have had. However, if you had significant weight gain and now have worked your way down to achieving minimal bodyfat, you may have excess skin from this process. Surgical removal of the skin then becomes your option for obtaining a pouch-free abdominal area.
Remember, with hard work and discipline you can achieve body fat loss. If you have any other specific questions don't hesitate to contact me. Best wishes-- You can do it!
I'm 18 years of age, just graduated from high school in June.2003 and I'm more than 100 lbs. overweight... I'm really considering this surgery my mother got it done about a year ago and has lost more than 150 lbs. I'm a very healthy person I've never been in the hospital overnight for anything... I don't have high blood pressure,cholesterol or anthing like that. I just want some opinions and advice from those who may have had this surgery. THNX :)
Posted by: Anne on April 20, 2004 01:03 PM