NBC Augusta's Health Check: Local News
Augusta woman gets new lease on life after losing more than 400 pounds
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Story Updated: May 7, 2009
AUGUSTA, Ga. - Five years ago, MTV told the story of an Augusta woman who weighed nearly 600 pounds. They followed her journey as she went through gastric bypass surgery.
"I really can't believe these were my pants," said Amy Williams.
In 2004, Williams weighed almost 600 pound when she appeared on MTV's True Life, I'm obese.
Today Williams is more than 400 pounds lighter.
Getting where she is now hasn't been easy.
"When I was growing up, I was made fun of on a regular basis. I felt so low about myself, I didn't think I was worthy enough to go to college," said Williams.
Williams even shut herself off from her family.
"We would have something family related and I would make up some excuse like I'm sick, I don't feel well," said Williams.
She became a prisoner in her own home.
"I didn't work, I was homebound so for three years I practically stayed in my house unless I absolutely had to go somewhere," said Williams.
On those occasions she was faced with embarrassment.
"Children especially are very honest - they see somebody that is obviously big. They say oh she's big or what's wrong with her," said Williams.
After years of not being able to do things most people take for granted - like walking and bathing, Williams decided to make a permanent change. She had gastric bypass.
Williams said the surgery gave her a second chance at life.
"The biggest thing that happened after the surgery would be getting the job that I have now because I can help people and see the difference in their life,” said Williams.
Williams now works at Trinity Hospital's Bariatric and Weight Loss Center, helping others who struggle with their weight as she once did.
She also has her own website.
"It's been almost five years and I still have people write me and say oh I want to send you a gift," said Williams.
But it's the gifts she's able to give that really touch her heart.
"Every day I wake up and say who can I help today," said Williams.
Williams recently had cosmetic surgery to remove excess skin after her weight loss.
Also, ten months after her procedure, Williams’ husband went under the knife and had gastric bypass surgery.
He's lost more than 200 pounds.
dee says ...
On Wednesday, Jun 24 at 9:18 PM
Steph there are loans out there for bariatric surgery and some docs who do not charge much. I had to pay for my Lap Band because my insurance wouldn't cover it. I went with Dr. Kirshenbaum in Aurora Coloraod for $9950.00. It was so worth it. I've lost 171lbs in 15 months. I am a new person!
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