(La Grange, Illinois) – For years, Michelle Wajda struggled with her weight, facing an uphill battle of fluctuating pounds and persistent self-doubt. At 42, the Romeoville resident decided it was time to take control of her health—not just for herself, but for her family. After careful consideration, she turned to the expert bariatric team at UChicago Medicine AdventHealth La Grange and, with the guidance of Dr. Jihad Kudsi, underwent gastric sleeve surgery in January 2024.
At her heaviest, Michelle weighed 300 pounds, with her weight on the day of surgery at 272 pounds. Now, just over a year later, she has transformed her life, weighing in at 144 pounds. “Since I was a teenager, I was always on the heavier side,” Michelle shared. “I was never truly comfortable in my own skin and always felt self-conscious. As I got older, losing weight became harder, and I knew I didn’t want to spend the rest of my life in the same frustrating cycle.”
Michelle had considered bariatric surgery for nearly a decade but hesitated, believing she should be able to achieve lasting weight loss through diet and exercise alone. However, turning 40 was a wake-up call. With a strong family history of diabetes—compounded by her experience with gestational diabetes during pregnancy—she knew it was time to act.
Her decision to undergo gastric sleeve surgery was not made lightly. “I spent a lot of time researching different procedures and debating between bypass and the sleeve,” Michelle said. “Ultimately, I wanted a long-term solution that would help me sustain a healthier lifestyle.”
From the moment she started working with Dr. Kudsi and his team, Michelle felt supported. “They were there to answer every question I had, both before and after surgery,” she said. “They were incredibly dependable and kind, and I wouldn’t change a thing about my experience.”
Since her procedure, Michelle has experienced a profound shift in her quality of life. Simple, everyday tasks that once felt daunting are now effortless. “I can get down on the floor to play with my kids and stand back up without struggling,” she said. “I can walk longer distances with my family, and even pulling myself up into my Jeep is easy. The little things that most people take for granted have become a source of joy for me.”
Beyond the physical changes, Michelle’s transformation has been deeply emotional. “My confidence is through the roof,” she shared. “My husband notices it, my family sees it, and I feel it in every part of my life. I’m genuinely happy, and that happiness radiates into everything I do—from my relationships to my job to simply getting dressed in the morning.”
One of the most striking aspects of Michelle’s journey has been the freedom she now experiences. No longer does she have to worry about asking for a seatbelt extender on an airplane or whether she’ll fit on a roller coaster. Shopping, once a frustrating experience limited to plus-size options, is now a thrilling experience with endless choices.
For Michelle, undergoing bariatric surgery was the right decision, and she encourages others who may be considering it to take the leap. “Do it. Do it yesterday. You’ll wish you had done it sooner,” she said. “It truly is a life-changing surgery.”
Michelle’s story is a testament to the transformative power of bariatric surgery, not just in terms of weight loss but in overall health, confidence, and quality of life. “Weight loss goes beyond simple dietary choices and exercise routines,” said Susan Matthew, DNP, FPA-APRN, FNP-BC, director of bariatrics. “For many, weight loss remains a persistent struggle, marked by the frustrations of diets and cycles of weight gain. Deciding to undergo bariatric surgery is a significant step toward a healthier life. Our patients’ journeys begin with a conversation. Together, we dive into health history, explore options, and empower them to make informed decisions that align with their lifestyle.”
As Michelle continues her journey, she embraces each day with newfound energy and optimism. “I feel absolutely amazing in every way,” she said. “I’ve started working out more, building muscle, and I can see and feel the difference. I’m excited for life and the adventures ahead—I feel like I’ve added years back to my life.”
To learn more about UChicago Medicine AdventHealth’s Bariatric Program, call 630-312-5000 or visit www.uchicagomedicineadventhealth.org/bariatrics-and-medical-weight-loss.
