People treat her differently now. They’re much more friendly; when she smiles, people smile back; and they help her to reach products on the top shelves at grocery stores.
That’s something entirely new for Cali Sebak, who lost 100 pounds following a medical weight-loss plan at the Western Pennsylvania Bariatric Institute, part of the Conemaugh Health System.
“People definitely treated me differently before I lost the weight. I felt they were always judging me,” said the 30-year-old Greensburg resident. “There’s a misconception that obesity is caused by laziness. People don’t realize that there are extremely strong metabolic and genetic predispositions to it.”
Obesity is common throughout her family, especially on her father’s side.
Weighing 267 pounds caused fertility problems and prompted Cali to strongly consider surgery to lose weight. But after conferring with nurse practitioner Jessica Custer at the Bariatric Institute in 2022, she opted for a purely medical weight-loss plan, instead.
“Jess guided me through the entire successful experience,” said Cali, who is 5-foot, 5-inches tall. “We discussed my desire to start a family with my husband. She recommended against surgery since it would require taking birth-control medication for several years. Jess is so knowledgeable, supportive and kind. She’s simply fantastic.”
After starting a series of Wegovy® weight-loss injections and following tailored nutrition and exercise plans, “I began to lose one to two pounds a week. And I felt an overall improvement in my whole well-being,” she said. “Inflammation throughout my body went down, my (menstruation) cycle became regular, and my eating habits changed dramatically.”
For the first time, Cali began to feel full while eating meals – rather than simply eating until the food was gone and still being hungry.
She gradually lost 100 pounds over 18 months. Cali shed her 3XL clothes and went from a size 24 dress to a size 10. “I was able to begin shopping in regular clothing stores, which was very exciting,” said Cali, who is expecting her first child in December.
The weight loss helped her professionally, as well. As a pediatric speech-language pathologist working with autistic children, Cali constantly had to be on her toes.
“Before my weight loss, I had to rely on teacher’s aides to help because I just couldn’t keep up with the kids,” she said. “But afterward, I’m so much more confident, and don’t tire nearly as easily. I’m a lot more energetic, able to keep up and run around.”
While the medical weight-loss program “is an incredible tool that has given me a happy, healthy lifestyle and transformed my quality of life,” Cali advises that it involves a lot of hard work.
“It’s not a quick fix. I explain to people that I didn’t get a ‘skinny shot.’ The medication enabled my body to function the way normal people’s bodies do. It got me onto an equal playing field,” she said. “I was no longer fighting against my body’s metabolism in addition to the exercise, tracking calories and putting in the constant effort needed to drop the weight.
“It’s taken a lot of hard work and dedication. And I’m very proud of myself.”
A key lesson Cali has learned is to avoid negative thoughts.
“Don’t look at it as having to lose a hundred pounds. Stay focused on yourself and your well-being. Enjoy the process of slowly, but surely improving your quality of life. Now, I know how incredibly strong I am and what my body can do,” she said.
“Most importantly, this is helping me to achieve my ultimate goal – being a mom. My husband and I are enjoying everyday activities and looking forward to the wonderful gift of becoming parents. All my prayers are being answered.”