Woodstock couple Chris and Nicole Russell have admittedly always struggled with their weight.
Nicole had bariatric surgery in 2018, but her weight slowly regressed due to not following a strict post-surgery program.
“My
first surgery was strictly for vanity, and I didn’t take it very seriously,” Nicole
said. “But I started feeling unhealthy again and knew if I ever wanted to have
children and be able to run around with them, it was time to make a change and
take my health seriously.”
A near-death experience was Chris’ turning point. A bad case of COVID-19 in 2020 put Chris in a coma for three months, and his weight made him a high-risk patient.
“I have never had sleep apnea, diabetes, anything that would make me high-risk,” Chris said. “It was only my weight that made me a concerning patient, and going through that experience led me to be unafraid of anything.”
Following their wedding in March 2024, 35-year-old Chris and 32-year-old Nicole decided to change their lifestyle and set out on a journey to a healthier life.
The couple met with Dr. Charles Proctor, a weight-loss surgery specialist at Northside, to discuss their options. On Aug. 28, Nicole had her second bariatric surgery, and Chris completed his first on Sept. 6.
Since then, the couple has been taking advantage of tools and resources available through Northside Hospital’s Surgery and Weight Management Program, joining support groups, leaning on team members and staying educated on their progress and health.
“There is an ever-revolving door of people to support you, and Northside does a great job providing access to others who have had similar experiences,” Nicole said. “Bariatric surgery is only a tool to help jump-start weight loss, but you still have free will. You can revert to old habits. The hardest part of the journey is changing who you are, and it takes work and dedication to discover who you have become and what your body likes.”
Though the couple hasn’t faced many challenges post-surgery, the biggest struggle has been establishing new habits and creating a good relationship with food.
“As you move away from the surgery, you are encouraged to start eating more and more,” Chris said. “It’s like a mind flip where you have to encourage yourself to eat but also educate yourself on the right food to fuel your body.”
To date, the couple has collectively lost 143 pounds, and that number continues to rise. Now, their main goal is to stay committed to a better lifestyle mindset. Their first order of business: finish the Peachtree Road Race on July 4.
<Running on faith: A Woodstock couple's journey to health and hope (AJC.com)>
"I have always loved running, but I would chicken out before I could run a race,” Nicole said. “I have a bad habit of not completing things, which is another reason my weight was where it was. But now I feel fearless and am training every day for the Peachtree and hopefully more races beyond.”
The couple yearns to lace up and join their 60,000 fellow runners for Atlanta’s most iconic race. But for Chris and Nicole, crossing the finish line symbolizes more than just an accomplished goal — it’s a major step toward a fitter, family-ready future.
“Crossing that finish line will exemplify accomplishing something I’ve always wanted to do,” Nicole said. “I’m doing this for me, for Chris and for our future family.”
As for Chris, he is ready to get active again. “I have allowed Nicole to take the lead on this journey, but I really am looking forward to playing basketball on a full court, exercising more and living an overall healthier lifestyle.”
From weight battles to weight-loss warriors, the Russells’ journey inspires us all to go the distance and achieve our dreams.
Learn more about Northside’s Surgery and Weight Management Program and find additional resources.
Follow Chris and Nicole's story.
*The health story shared here is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Patients should consult with their own physician before making medical decisions.
