From Life Spectators to Participants: Southern NH Couple Reclaims Their Lives Through Weight Loss Surgery

For Emily and Scott Howard, a Southern New Hampshire couple married for 21 years, the cycle of dieting and regaining weight was a decades-long struggle. Their weight loss journey, achieved through the comprehensive care at Southern NH Weight Management (SNHWM), is a powerful testament to the transformative potential of modern weight management.

Their success isn't just about the numbers on the scale; it's about reclaiming their lives. As Emily says, they went from "watching the world" to "being part of it." “We went through the motions of life. We weren’t really living,” she reflects. Today, they are active participants, embracing a life of adventure, travel, and play with their two children.

Scott’s Turning Point: Understanding Obesity as a Disease

For years, Scott believed his size was a moral failing—a lack of self-discipline. His obesity caused crippling hip pain, limiting everything they could do. “Life was painful,” explains Scott. “It hurt physically to do things and go places. It limited what we could do and what we could enjoy doing.”

The real turning point came when his new doctor gently corrected his misconception, explaining obesity as a disease. This shift in perspective was profound for Scott: “I wish I could go back and tell my past self that this is a disease, and if you treat it like a disease, you will be successful. It’s not a moral problem. You’re not weak. You’re not deficient.”

After committing to the process at SNHWM, Scott saw rapid results. His high blood pressure resolved, he no longer needed a CPAP machine, and he successfully reached his weight loss goals.

As Dr. Catania, surgeon at SNHWM, explains: "Obesity is a complex, chronic disease, not a character flaw. Scott and Emily’s success highlights the fact that surgery is a powerful, evidence-based tool when used within a complete lifestyle change and supported by our multidisciplinary team."

Emily’s Journey: Finding the Right Tool

Emily had tried countless diets. The final push came when she saw Scott’s energy and activity levels soar after his surgery, coupled with a positive diabetes test result. Following Scott's path, she had surgery in December 2023, anchored by the compassionate support of the Southern NH Weight Management team, including nutritionist Meg DeSantis, who Emily “just clicked” with.

Emily stresses that surgery is a tool, not a shortcut: "Surgery isn’t cheating. It’s a tool. You still have to make changes and do the work.” Today, Emily is pain-free, jogging stairs, swimming daily, practicing yoga, and taking less medication. Meg DeSantis notes: "It’s a true lifestyle change, and Emily's dedication, especially in managing her nutrition post-surgery, has been truly inspiring to us all."

A New Family Lifestyle in Southern NH

The Howards now share a healthy, sustainable lifestyle. They hike with llamas, rock climb, and have toured Iceland and France. They comfortably fit on waterslides, airplane seats, and rollercoasters—freed from the physical limitations that held them back.

Their only regret is simple: "We only regret not doing it sooner. It’s never too late!"

The Southern NH Weight Management Difference

Dr. Catania emphasizes the center’s unique approach: “What sets us apart is our personalized approach.” Both Scott and Emily appreciate that there was “no judgment or sense of guilt or shame,” and the team was focused on finding the right path for their specific story.

As Megan DeSantis concludes: “Bariatric surgery isn’t just about weight loss. It’s an opportunity to live your best life.”

Ready to Start Your Own Weight Loss Journey in NH?

If you are struggling with obesity and seeking a comprehensive approach to weight loss in Southern NH, the expertise and support at Southern NH Weight Management can help you move from the sidelines to the center of your own life.

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