Jamea Crum's Story

As an operating room nurse, Jamea Crum (pictured) had seen first-hand the results of obesity on the human body. Yet for years, she lived with her problem before finally coming to grips with her weight.

“One morning, I got up and went to the bathroom mirror, and literally didn’t recognize myself,” she says. “My BMI was 53, and I just couldn’t lose the weight. I knew I needed help to overcome the burden I carried.”

She found help through St. John’s Bariatric Surgery Program.

Today, more than year after her LAP-Band® procedure, Jamea has lost about 200 pounds − and has kept it off. 

“I don’t have any of the old health issues. My sleep apnea is gone, my blood pressure is in the low range for my age, and I have none of the pre-diabetic symptoms from before my surgery,” Jamea says.

In addition to regular exercise and daily activities that her former condition kept her from doing, Jamea is planning something special to celebrate her transformation.

“I’ve always wanted to parasail. So my whole family − children, grandkids, everyone − is going on a family trip to Hawaii to witness my 'victory flight over fat.' I can’t wait!”