In honor of Mother's Day, I'm celebrating 5 women with unique stories on how they defeated obesity and went on to lead lives they love. After failed attempts at diet and exercise, bariatric surgery can sometimes offset the effects of obesity and help people take back their lives. Discover how five ordinary women used different surgeries to overcome their health challenges. Come join the celebration and add your success story in the comments!

Sandi's Decade-Long 250-Pound Weight Loss

Sandi says, "I expected no miracle from my obesity surgery, just the relief of my constant physical hunger. I did the rest of the work in changing my lifestyle habits." Indeed, Sandi is a WINNER. Learn how Sandi achieved permanent weight loss through changes in body, mind, and spirit after her Lap-Band. READ MORE.

Fabiola Lost Weight by Never Losing Faith

Fabiola Apollon is familiar with the setbacks and success of weight loss. She was not a first time winner, nor a second or third, for that matter. However, she is a woman of great spirit, and her determination finally won the battle with a gastric sleeve revision, spirituality, and dedication. Since the gastric sleeve surgery, Fabiola’s dress size has dropped to a size 8/10, from the size 22 that she used to wear. READ MORE.

Jen Found True Love after Weight Loss

Before Jen could love another person she first had to find the love within that she had for herself. Jen did not engage in dating when she was morbidly obese. Since being "sleeved" Jen’s life has changed dramatically! Finding self acceptance after weight loss can be one of the most empowering benefits of bariatric surgery. And, Jen married the man of her dreams on October 17, 2015. READ NOW.

Mikimi Got Plastic Surgery Paid by Insurance

Mikimi’s journey through body contouring after massive weight loss is one of triumph over challenges: From battling *** insurance approval for plastic surgery after gastric bypass, to enduring wound healing issues, to again fighting for *** insurance coverage for plastic surgery revisions — and winning! READ NOW.

Jassira Beat Obesity Infertility to Become a Mom

Jassira Espaillat-Batista had been together with her husband, Juan, for 6-years without using birth control. At 340 pounds and unable to ovulate, obesity infertility made it impossible for her to conceive a baby naturally. The duodenal switch helped her to realize her dreams of motherhood. But it was a difficult journey that almost cost her life. Today she is mom to two beautiful boys! READ NOW.

Thanks so much for this great article! What a way to honor these women on Mother’s Day. I love the way you gave us beautiful examples of women at different places in their lives and who had different choices of weight loss surgery type and also an example of plastic surgery. Jassira’s story in particular shows what women can go through in order to become mothers. I don’t think that motherhood is always appreciated as much as it deserves.

Congratulations to each of these strong women and the many others like them.

This is a great way to Celebrate these and other women who have worked so hard and shown so much dedication not only to themselves and their health, but also to their families.

Thank you, Alex. I love patient success stories. It is so inspiring to see ordinary people doing extraordinary things! It is also worth noting that between these success stories, all of the different weight loss surgeries are covered. Sandi is a wonderful example of massive weight loss with the Lap-Band. Jassira was successful with the duodenal switch. Jen and Fabiola had gastric sleeve. Mikimi had the gastric bypass. And I tip my hat to each and every one of them, all living life fully now, and so very happy!!!