Every new photo taken reminds Bonnie Bellinger of just how far she has come in her weight loss journey.
“When I compare a new picture to one from just a year ago, I am shocked by the changes,” she said.
The changes resulted from participating in the Sarah Bush Lincoln Bariatric Program, and her confidence and quality of life are at an all-time high.
“I went to get new pants in November because we did family photos, and I walked in with a size 20 and walked out with a size 14,” Bonnie said. “I got to my car and just bawled. They were tears of joy, of course, but I never thought I would be back to that size.”
Bonnie began the bariatric program in February of 2025, and though it was a tough reality to accept, she knew it was the right choice. At that point, she said she was the heaviest she had been, and she knew she had to do something. “I have a 16-year-old-son, and I want to see him graduate, get married and hit all those lifetime milestones,” Bonnie said.
During the six months leading up to the surgery, she received the guidance she needed to ensure a successful outcome. Participants must show a commitment to changing their eating and exercise habits to qualify for surgery, and Bonnie was determined.
“The dietary changes were definitely difficult at first. I had to get over my sweet tooth, and I was always a very emotional eater, which was also hard to shake,” Bonnie said. “I had to tell myself and my family that we weren’t going to stop for fast food—that we would make something healthy at home.”
Sarah Bush Lincoln Surgeon Julie Kim, DO, performed a gastric sleeve on Bonnie last year, and she is grateful for Dr. Kim’s help during that time. “Throughout the whole process, Dr. Kim was fantastic. She was very nice, and she kept me well informed,” Bonnie said.
Bonnie has lost more than 80 pounds, and she is on her way to achieving her goal by losing 50 more. Bonnie is mindful of what she eats, meal preps weekly and exercises consistently.
“I just felt so defeated before the program and surgery. Now I feel amazing. Even walking up the stairs at my house is easier, and I’m not huffing and puffing at the top of them anymore.”