Building Wellness Together - Amie’s Story

Amie had always been an athletic kid, she loved to run and compete in cross country – weight wasn’t an issue. As an adult, she competes in dressage with her horse King and enjoys sporting activities with her family. But, despite her mental drive to be physically active, she struggled to keep up and her weight continued to climb.

“I’d tried every diet under the sun – eating 1,000 calories a day – coupled with daily workouts but nothing worked,” said Brewer.

The final straw for Brewer was the day she went to exercise King and had a misstep on the mounting block, resulting in a ruptured ACL. Her weight had increased so much, she could no longer enjoy this physical aspect of her life and knew a change was needed. 

After researching weight loss surgery options, immersing herself in information, joining a support group on Facebook and connecting with a therapist, Brewer reached out to Samaritan Health Services.

“I’ve lost nearly the size of an adult human,” joked Brewer. Having dropped 130 pounds since having her procedure in April 2018. 

Brewer has established a healthy balance with food and exercise and positive approach for channeling stress. Instead of binge eating or consuming the wrong types of food, she takes walks, engages with her horses or does something physically active with her family.

Brewer shared this advice for anyone considering weight loss surgery. “It’s critical to understand your coping mechanism for stress and your relationship with food – until that’s sorted out, surgery won’t do a lick of good. Make this choice for you, and only you. And lastly, listen to your medical care team – even the minor stuff, because it does matter.”