Alejandra's Story
Alejandra’s Story
Age: 22 years
Occupation: Nurse
After 9 months with the abiliti® system, Alejandra has lost 27 kg. In this interview, Alejandra describes why she chose the abiliti system, her experience with the system, and how it’s changed her life.
Q: What made you decide on a surgical procedure?
A: After testing a thousand diets, sports, trainers, gyms, I still had not been successful in losing weight.
Q: How long have you been trying diets? Why do you think that diet and exercise alone aren’t enough?
A: I’d been dieting since age 16. Dieting isn’t enough because you give up too easily. You may see, at first, that you’re losing a lot of weight, but then you give up and gain the weight back. You continue dieting for a couple of months, and then throw in the towel because it’s too difficult to maintain.
Q: Had you thought before about a gastric band or gastric bypass surgery?
A: Yes. I was going to undergo a sleeve gastrectomy. I’d already talked to some doctors when this opportunity came up.
Q: How did you learn about the abiliti system?
A: Through one of the surgeons who was going to operate on me. We were working at the same hospital and I was planning to have him operate on me. He told me about the system, and it seemed to be an excellent solution to my problem.
Q: What convinced you to take part in the study?
A: Knowing the doctor, knowing what kind of work he does, the doctor’s reputation and, most of all, how non-invasive the procedure is.
Q: How was this procedure for you?
A: Very good. That same day I was able to get up, they fed me, and I walked around. It went really well for me.
Q: What does the gastric stimulation feel like?
A: That’s hard to answer. It’s like a light pressure in the abdomen, a somewhat swollen sensation. I feel full, as if I’ve eaten a lot, but only after a small amount of food.
Q: Have you changed your eating behavior and habits through the abiliti system? / How were you able to lose weight?
A: Yes. Before, I didn’t know what carbohydrates were. I didn’t know the difference between different types of sugar. Now, I think about it more at mealtimes. You learn to distinguish all types of food. I didn’t do that before. Now I know how many calories there are in a beer or a scoop of ice cream. With the system, I am aware that “X” foods have the energy value you need for the entire day. Now I read the nutrition information on foods. It has also changed how I exercise - fast walking, jogging, which I didn’t use to do.
Q: When did you notice a change?
A: After a month. I went from being unable to wear many of my shirts and pants, to being able to wear them. I began feeling less tired. Before, I was short of breath, for example when I climbed the stairs. Also, I no longer sweat as much as before.
Q: Did people around you notice anything?
A: Yes. People around me say they notice I’m much thinner. They see me as being much more active too.
Q: How much weight would you like to lose?
A: I’d like to achieve my ideal weight of 74 kg. I have to lose 45 kilograms.
Q: How has your life changed since you’ve lost weight?
A: It allows me to do sports I couldn’t do before, like climbing and jogging, which feels like such a luxury. Before, I was too tired, but now I have the energy to be active. I’ve also changed my wardrobe, since I’ve dropped 10 sizes, from 56 to 48. Now I can shop in normal stores!
Q: Would you recommend the abiliti system to other people who want to lose weight?
A: Yes, I’d recommend it. Of course, they have to realize it’s not a miracle system; you have to do your part. Without the abiliti system, I wouldn’t have been able to lose the weight.
