I woke up one morning and I was out of breath just from sitting up in bed. I knew I had to stop putting myself on the back burner which as moms we always do; I needed to prioritize me and my health so I can be a role model for my kids. Now less than two years later, I am down 142lbs.
A hardworking, dedicated, and cheerful super-mom, Hayley Hercamp always places others ahead of herself. Her kindness, optimism, and incredible work ethic inspires everyone around her, especially her two young kids. Her daughter’s favorite saying is one that Hayley taught her, and something she frequently repeats back to her mom: “Remember Mommy, you can do anything you put your mind to.” That’s exactly what Hayley told herself as she started her Bariatric Surgery journey at Lakeland Regional Health.
Raised in Michigan, Hayley and her family relocated to Florida when she was ten years old. She always had a passion to care for others and so she began her career working in various roles in healthcare including patient care assistance and Human Resources where she has served as a Recruiter since 2019.
“I love my job, I really do. I even began taking classes part-time to get my degree in Healthcare Administration. When I began this role, I went from a very active daily routine in patient care to a sedentary desk job. This is when I was my heaviest at 341 lbs.”
Hayley heard that Lakeland Regional Health’s Bariatric Surgery Program was launching in 2021 and was introduced to Dr. Sanjiv Gray, an LRH bariatric surgeon. She was concerned that she may not meet eligibility, since her health was strong despite her weight. However, she knew she was heading in a direction that would cause a decline in her health. When she received news of her eligibility, she took a deep breath and said “yes” to this new chapter, with her family cheering her on the entire way. She lost 25lbs in two months prior to surgery to prove her dedication and motivation to change her life. She had surgery on December 27th, 2021.
“From the first folder of information all the way to my post-operative recovery, I had an exceptional experience with Dr. Gray and the bariatric team. I recently completed the Hollis Cancer Promise Run in March and when I crossed the finish line, I saw Dr. Gray. It was an amazing feeling to see the man that changed my life watch me accomplish something I never thought I could do.”
Since surgery, Hayley has been living life with a new spark, one that motivates her to push through the “I cant’s” and reach the “I wills”. After surgery, she has crossed multiple goals off her list including graduating with her degree this past December.
The most precious accomplishment though, are the extra moments with her children. Before surgery, she hesitated at the suggestion of Saturdays running around a water park knowing she couldn’t keep up. These days, her kids can barely keep up with her indulging her inner child on weekend trips to local water parks.
“I used to struggle with both confidence and energy doing these activities with my kids. Stairs, walking, and the hot sun would just slow me down. Now? Now I am ready to go all day and my kids get tired before I do!”
This past year has been a transformative reminder for Hayley that it is okay to put yourself first. Being able to focus on your health allows you to open doors to new opportunities for growth. With more energy, more mobility, and more confidence, the pieces of her life are falling into place like never before.
“I have always been positive; I always see the bright side even when I struggle. But this has given me an incredible drive. I have this new brave bone in my body, and I feel more confident at work in presentations and public speaking.”
Hayley ‘s success is one of many stories that result from the life changing journey of bariatric surgery. Once a size 26, Hayley now buys size 10 jeans. Once out of breath from sitting up in bed, Hayley participates in 5ks. She accomplished this all with her family, her friends, and her LRH care team by her side.
“I couldn't have this without them, they have all been wonderful and encouraged me to put myself first this time. I want my kids to see me be there for them by also being there for myself. Everyone deserves to feel this good.”
Interested in learning more about how you can achieve your weight-loss and health goals like Hayley did?
