For Rebecca Wiesehahn, losing weight has never been simply about a number on the scale. It has been about reclaiming her health and getting back to the life she had before a devastating medical crisis changed everything.
In 2022, at age 30, Rebecca experienced a catastrophic medical event when a ruptured ovarian abscess led to sepsis. She spent two weeks in the intensive care unit and underwent five surgeries to control the infection in her abdomen. One of those surgeries resulted in a colostomy.
Rebecca had struggled with her weight for years, but the challenges of her medical journey made losing weight even more difficult. After spending several years healing, she was ready to have her colostomy reversed and move forward with her life. But first, she faced another hurdle.
Her colorectal surgeon told her she needed to lose about 75 pounds before the reversal could be performed safely.
Finding a path forward
Rebecca initially tried to lose the weight on her own through dieting. Although she would lose a few pounds, she struggled to maintain the progress.
She later tried a GLP-1 medication but developed gastroparesis, a condition in which the stomach does not move food through the digestive system normally. The condition can have a variety of causes, including nerve damage, and has also been associated with GLP-1 medications. Because of her gastroparesis, GLP-1 medications were no longer an option.
Rebecca knew she needed a different approach.
Her colorectal surgeon referred her to Lexington Health Weight Loss and Wellness, where she found the structure, personalized guidance and accountability she had been missing.
"I wasn't able to maintain healthy habits on my own and needed the structure, guidance and accountability the program provides," Rebecca says. "The weekly check-ins help keep me on track."
Rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach, the program team considered Rebecca's complex medical and surgical history when developing her plan.
That individualized approach became especially important when Rebecca was diagnosed with diabetes after beginning the program.
"To complicate my already complicated health history, I was diagnosed with diabetes after starting the program," she says. "The team provided a personalized plan that accounted for my specific needs and unique surgical history."
Learning habits that last
For Rebecca, the program has been about much more than losing weight. It has helped her understand the factors that can make healthy habits difficult to maintain, including stress and emotional eating.
She especially credits program dietitian Elizabeth Greene with helping her rethink her relationship with food.
"Elizabeth taught me how to make healthy food choices that I can maintain for a lifetime, not just follow a short-term diet," Rebecca says.
That focus on sustainable change is an important part of Rebecca's journey. Instead of looking for a quick fix, she is learning how to build habits she can continue long after the program ends.
Ashley Hutto-Gaskins, the program's licensed clinical social worker, has watched Rebecca make those changes firsthand.
"Rebecca has shown a lot of dedication and resilience throughout her journey," Hutto-Gaskins says. "Even when life gets busy or challenging, she continues to prioritize her health and work toward positive, sustainable habits. It's been wonderful to see her progress and watch her confidence grow along the way."
Keeping her eyes on the goal
Rebecca recently completed the program's 12-week weight loss program, losing 17 pounds. She has since transitioned to the maintenance program and has lost another five pounds.
While 22 pounds is a significant accomplishment, Rebecca has her sights set on a bigger goal: losing the remaining 50 pounds needed for her colostomy reversal.
After everything she has been through, she remains determined.
"I can't say enough good things about the Weight Loss and Wellness program," Rebecca says. "If you're stuck and don't know where to turn, the team will guide you, support you and give you the tools you need for lifelong success."
For Rebecca, every pound lost represents more than progress toward a number. It is another step toward the next chapter of her life — and the possibility of finally having her colostomy reversed.
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