CULLMAN – On April 16, the National Obesity Foundation (NOF) awarded Sara Linkous of Cullman the NOF Humanitarian Award, which included a free bariatric procedure. After her weight loss surgery, she is slimming down, living healthy and helping others.
“After years of trying to lose weight on my own through diet and exercise, I began researching weight-loss surgeries,” Linkous explained. “I found out quickly that my health insurance plan did not cover weight-loss surgery. A family member found out about the National Obesity Foundation and their Humanitarian Award, which was free weight loss surgery. She asked if I was okay with her nominating me, and I gladly accepted her offer.”
The Humanitarian Award was determined entirely through Facebook voting by the community. After receiving thousands of votes, Linkous was notified that she had won and plans were made for her procedure.
“I had surgery on June 5, 2015, in Orange County, California,” she smiled. “The National Obesity Foundation covered all cost (sic) for me and my mother, who was able to accompany me on the trip. The surgery went as well as could be expected; it was actually my first surgery,” she added. “Dr. Bobby Bhasker-Rao and his staff did a phenomenal job caring for me.”
As of Nov. 25, Linkous has lost 65 pounds. Her lifestyle has changed and she is enjoying her new-found health.
“I feel amazing,” she giggled. “My eating and exercise habits have improved. I am much more aware of the food I'll put into my mouth, and what I use to fuel my body. I have to be sure to have protein close by and drink plenty of water. I also have a variety of vitamins that I take daily. Prior to surgery, I would take at least a two-hour nap every day; since surgery I can go 7 to 10 days without needing to take a nap. My energy levels are more normal.”
Linkous says she still maintains monthly contact with Dr. Bhasker-Rao’s office staff. She also sends them her weight loss numbers and updated photos. She says they are very pleased with her progress.
For anyone considering weight loss surgery, Linkous suggests meeting with a physician and a counselor to make sure it's the right decision for them. She says to keep in mind that surgery shouldn’t be the first weight loss method and all other options should be exhausted first.
“I want to thank everyone in our community for supporting me and helping me win the Humanitarian Award,” she said. “There's absolutely no way I would have received that award and been granted weight-loss surgery if it weren't for you!
“I continue to volunteer with my church, Desperation Church. We currently have two campuses, one in Cullman and one in Jasper. We are hoping to launch a new campus in 2016. Since surgery I have been able to spend more time volunteering, due to the fact that I have more energy and over all feel better about myself. I also continue to work in the field of substance abuse, as a counselor. I'm also pursuing a master’s degree in counseling, so I can be able to help more people.”
For more information about the NOF, visit website nofusa.org.
