When you visit Tatiana Cherry at home, you’ll notice something different about the way she moves. Zipping up and down the stairs of her fourth-floor apartment, she’s full of energy. “A year ago, I could barely manage those steps,” Tatiana reflects. “I was so tired every time I went up. Now, I can’t remember the last time I’ve felt exhausted.”
At 35, Tatiana has successfully shed an incredible 80 pounds, dropping from 270 pounds to 180 after undergoing weight-loss surgery at the Orlando Health Weight Loss and Bariatric Surgery Institute. This transformation hasn’t just changed her physical appearance—it’s given her the energy and confidence she now brings to her three children and full-time job.
“I used to be really skinny, even as a young adult,” Tatiana recalls. “But the weight piled on when I started having children, and it was really, really hard to lose it.” But the turning point came in March 2024, when Tatiana struggled to fit into an amusement park ride with her child. That was the wake-up call. “I knew I had to do something. Right after that, I reached out to my insurance about weight-loss surgery,” she says. Fortunately, her insurance covered the procedure, and just a month and a half later, she found herself being wheeled into the operating room.
Selecting the Right Weight-Loss Procedure for Lasting Change
For people like Tatiana, who are considering weight-loss surgery, there are various options available. Bariatric surgery encompasses a range of procedures, and finding the right one can be a bit overwhelming. Tatiana worked closely with Dr. Andre Teixeira, a bariatric physician at the Orlando Health Weight Loss and Bariatric Surgery Institute, to find the procedure that best fit her goals.
“Tatiana was clear with me about what she wanted,” Dr. Teixeira explains. “She wanted a procedure that would help her lose a significant amount of weight and keep it off long-term.” After discussing her options, they decided that the SADI duodenal switch would be the best fit for her. This procedure has a strong track record of delivering significant weight loss with the lowest long-term failure rates.
“The duodenal switch procedure is known for its effectiveness,” Dr. Teixeira adds. “It not only reduces the size of the stomach but also alters the intestines in a way that reduces the body’s ability to absorb food.”
Tatiana, being healthy aside from her weight, didn’t have any underlying medical issues like diabetes or high blood pressure, which made her a good candidate for the surgery.
The Surgery: A Smaller Stomach and New Lifestyle
The SADI duodenal switch procedure involved removing about 80% of Tatiana’s stomach, forcing her to eat smaller portions. “Now, she feels full after just a few bites,” Dr. Teixeira says. The surgery also altered her intestines to reduce how much food her body absorbs, aiding in the weight-loss process.
Before undergoing surgery, Tatiana had to follow a strict high-protein liquid diet for a couple of weeks, which helped prepare her body for the procedure. “I was starving,” Tatiana admits. “I wasn’t mentally prepared for it, but it helped me start thinking about my ‘why’—why I needed to take this step.”
Soon after the surgery, Tatiana began her recovery, with her sisters stepping in to help care for her children—ages 6, 11, and 16—until she was able to return to her regular routine. Although Tatiana hasn’t developed a formal exercise routine yet, she has plans to start building more muscle and increasing her physical activity.
A New Diet for a New Life: Protein Over Portions
One of the most significant changes for Tatiana has been her approach to food. Post-surgery, she focuses on eating high-protein meals, consuming at least 100 grams of protein a day, along with necessary nutritional supplements. These supplements help her get the vitamins A, D, K, and E, as well as other minerals, since she no longer absorbs them as efficiently due to the surgery.
Her meals are much smaller now. “I can only eat a few bites of meat before I’m full,” she says. “I’ll steam or bake chicken for myself, while making a larger batch for the kids. I also use meat sauce with cheese and toss the rest into spaghetti for them.”
“It’s bittersweet,” Tatiana laughs. “I love going to places like Chipotle, but I can only take two or three bites instead of stuffing my face. I can’t eat like I used to, but I’m okay with it now.”
While the changes have been significant, Tatiana doesn’t feel deprived. “I’ve learned to have things in moderation,” she admits. “Candy, cake, and chips? Sure, I can have them, but it’s just in small amounts.”
Support and Challenges: Adjusting to a New Life
Although Tatiana hasn’t struggled too much with the lifestyle changes, Dr. Teixeira points out that the hardest part often comes after the surgery—adjusting to new habits, facing psychological challenges, and fine-tuning nutritional intake.
“Surgery is just the beginning,” Dr. Teixeira explains. “We have a whole team of professionals, from surgeons to nutritionists and psychologists, who support patients like Tatiana through every step.”
Tatiana herself admits that there was a time when she was overly focused on the scale. “I kept checking the scale, hoping for immediate results. I thought weight loss should happen right away, but now I know it’s a journey, not an overnight fix.” And she’s happy to report that the journey has been worth every sacrifice.
A Confident New Woman
Today, Tatiana’s life is drastically different. “I’m so different in so many ways,” she says with a smile. “I love shopping for clothes now. My clothes fit so much better, and I actually enjoy looking at myself in the mirror. Before, I would avoid mirrors altogether.”
Her new confidence is also apparent in her ability to enjoy activities with her children. “I can go on amusement park rides with them now,” she says, a proud smile on her face. “I used to feel embarrassed or ashamed, but now, I can fully participate in their lives.”
Has the weight loss been worth it? “Absolutely,” Tatiana says. “The confidence, the energy, the joy I have now—it’s all worth it. I feel like I have my life back.”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. How much weight did Tatiana lose? Tatiana lost 80 pounds, dropping from 270 pounds to 180 after undergoing the SADI duodenal switch weight-loss surgery.
2. What is the SADI duodenal switch procedure? This weight-loss surgery involves removing about 80% of the stomach and rearranging the intestines to decrease the amount of food the body absorbs, aiding in significant weight loss.
3. What changes did Tatiana make to her diet? Tatiana focuses on eating high-protein meals, prioritizing at least 100 grams of protein a day and taking nutritional supplements to make up for vitamins and minerals her body no longer absorbs efficiently.
4. What was the hardest part of the weight-loss journey for Tatiana? The hardest part was adjusting to the lifestyle changes after surgery, including adapting to new eating habits and overcoming psychological challenges.
5. How has Tatiana’s life changed post-weight loss? Tatiana now enjoys more energy, better self-confidence, and a stronger bond with her children, enjoying activities like theme park rides that she couldn’t previously participate in.