ALLURE MEDICAL - all•u Magazine all·u Magazine Summer 2018 | Page 27

Down 37 pounds in 5 months! BEFORE In Shawna’s case, after five months, she has lost a total of 37 pounds—her goal was to lose 30-35. So far, the process has been pretty effortless. “I just took the trip of a lifetime to the Amazon,” she says, “I ate different foods, I was in a different environment … and the balloon didn’t hold me back at all! I was amazed.” Since she had the Orbera procedure, she’s been cooking up a storm at home, switching from a steady diet of pasta, pizza and lasagna to one focused on fresh produce, organic lean meats and almond milk. Now, she says, she loves to cook healthy meals for herself and her family. It’s not just the weight loss that Shawna is thrilled about (although it’s the most obvious benefit she’s experienced). She’s also sleeping better, has clearer skin and is feeling more energized and toned. The newfound pep in her step makes it much easier to get daily exercise, too. “I go for long walks on the country roads,” she says, “and I use the elliptical three or four times a week. I even enjoy gardening now!” And when she’s at her sales coordinator job, she has better focus and can get through her day more efficiently. Not surprisingly, her coworkers can’t help but notice her svelte look, which makes Shawna happy. She loves to share her story of how she’s managed to finally lose weight. “I’m hoping I can impact others in a positive way,” she says with a smile. “I feel like I’m able to push people to achieve their own goals. I want everyone to feel better, physically and emotionally.” Along with taking up space in the stomach, the Orbera balloon AFTER changes the way your body makes the hormones that cause hunger, meaning you won’t feel as hungry as often. For Shawna, that meant her decreased appetite led her to eating less without feeling deprived, something she had never been able to achieve back when she would skip meals and hope that would do the weight-loss trick. Nowadays, she feels lighter, her clothes have gotten a lot looser and her younger- than-her husband is having trouble keeping up with her. Scan the QR code to find out the 5 tips to keep the weight off after Orbera! Or visit: allu.md/5tips