Roxanne’s Journey to Finding Health and Happiness Through Bariatric Surgery
After years of struggling with her weight, Roxanne Ferguson made the courageous decision to undergo bariatric surgery. Now, 125 pounds lighter, she shares her story of transformation, resilience, and the joy of rediscovering life.
After years of struggling with her weight, Roxanne Ferguson made the conscious decision to undergo bariatric surgery. Now, 125 pounds lighter, she shares her story of transformation, resilience, and the joy of rediscovering life. For Roxanne, bariatric surgery was not only about losing weight—it was a profound, life-changing step toward feeling healthier, happier, and more capable.
What inspired you to get bariatric surgery?
Roxanne: I had reached a point where my weight held me back from things I loved and wanted to be part of. Seeing family members go through health scares, including my dad’s heart attack, pushed me to prioritize my own health. There was so much more at stake than just my weight—this was about my future and being there for the people I love.
How much weight have you lost so far?
I’ve lost 125 pounds, and I feel incredibly grateful every day for how far I’ve come.
What has been the most rewarding part of post-surgery life?
There are so many little joys that feel huge to me now—like buying clothes that make me feel confident and running around with my 6-year-old. I finally feel like the mom I always wanted to be, full of energy and ready to share in her adventures.
How has your life changed since surgery?
I feel so much lighter, not just physically but emotionally. I have the energy to enjoy life and spend quality time with friends and family. I don’t feel held back by exhaustion anymore, and I’m embracing every day with a sense of hope and happiness.
Have you taken up any new hobbies since the surgery?
I haven’t started new hobbies, but I’m able to fully enjoy the things I love without feeling tired or limited. I feel truly present and engaged in my life in ways I couldn’t before.
What is the biggest misconception about bariatric surgery?
People often assume it’s an “easy way out,” but that couldn’t be further from the truth. This journey takes strength, commitment, and a willingness to make real lifestyle changes. The process is challenging, but it’s also deeply rewarding when you see what you’re capable of.
What would you say to someone considering surgery?
If you’re feeling unsure, reach out and take that first step by talking to a doctor. It’s okay to feel scared or uncertain, but there’s so much potential on the other side. Your health is worth it, and so are you. Take it one step at a time, and believe in yourself—you don’t have to face this alone.
What are your favorite healthy foods to make?
I love starting my day with something nourishing, like overnight oats or eggs. Chicken salads are also a favorite—they’re easy, filling, and make me feel great about the choices I’m making.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
If you’re feeling held back by your weight and looking for a supportive partner in your wellness journey, Virtua Health’s Bariatric Surgery Program is here to help. With compassionate experts, personalized care, and a focus on your long-term success, we’ll guide you through every step of this life-changing process.
There's So Much More to Explore
Discover expert insights, inspiring stories, health tips, and more by exploring the content below!
Is an At-Home Colon Cancer Test a Good Alternative to a Colonoscopy?

How Do You Manage the Side Effects of Weight-Loss Medications?

Which Weight-Loss Option is Best for Me?
Achieving and maintaining a healthy weight is not the same for everyone. Our Complete Weight Management Program offers choices and support to achieve your weight-loss goals.
A Woman’s Four-Step Guide to Fight Back on Back Pain

What You Need To Know About Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

The Truth About Menopause, Weight Gain, and Belly Fat

Shedding Light on Lesser-Known Menopause Symptoms and Solutions

Debunking The Myths About Vaginal Dryness
Inside Look at Blood Vessels Aids PAD Treatment
Denise Davis: Pay Attention to Your Heart Health

What You Need To Know About Stroke Treatment

Prayers Answered: Pastor Gatling on New Mission After Kidney Transplant

10 Smart Ways to Manage Your Diabetes

What Causes Food Addiction And What Are The Signs

Signs You May Have Chronic Kidney Disease

5 Essential Winter Foot Care Tips When You Have Diabetes

Rare Kidney Autotransplant Gives Patricia More Time With Family

Sweet Music: Trust, Teamwork Save Justin from Heart Attack

Advanced Minimally Invasive GYN Surgery Puts You at the Center of Care

Complex Heart Surgery Nets James a Lifelong Friend

Your 10-Point Plan to Avoid Winter Weight Gain

Hepatitis C Kidney Transplant a Blessing For Lee Manns
Special Delivery Organ Transplant Gives Amazon Employee Second Chance

7 Reasons Why You Want Your Surgeon to Be an Expert in Robotics

Colitis Symptoms Under Control, Jennifer Is ‘Living My Best Life’

How Do I Care for a Wound that Won't Heal?

Five Back Pain Risk Factors That You Should Know

Is My Back Pain Normal, or Is It Spinal Stenosis?

Robotic Hernia Surgery Combines Innovative Techniques With Faster Recovery Times

How Does Breast Density Affect Your Mammogram?

Menopause: New Insights Into the Power of Hormone Replacement Therapy
Signs You Should Get Treated For Vein Problems

One New Heart Valve Saves Two Lives in the Tritten Family
What You Need to Know About Heart Failure
Lung Valve Surgery Relieves COPD, Emphysema Symptoms

Lung Screening, Robotic Technologies Get Pat Kicking Up Her Boots Again

Breast Cancer Diagnosis Inspires Catherine to Help Others

Jasmine’s On-Air and Pain-Free After Gallbladder Surgery

What is the 80/20 Diet Rule?

When Should I See a Doctor About My Knee Pain?

Quick Action Leads to Jesse's Recovery From Stroke

A Non-Athlete’s Guide to Shoulder Overuse Injuries
Shoulder problems aren’t limited to athletes. Virtua orthopedic surgeon Sean McMillan, DO, explains shoulder overuse injuries and prevention in this article.

A Non-Athlete’s Guide to Shoulder Overuse Injuries

Wide-Awake Hand Surgery Speeds Recovery, Puts Control in Patients' Hands

South Jersey Veteran Thrives After Cross-Country Kidney Donation

3 Ways to Avoid Knee Pain

When Should I See a Doctor for My Hip Pain?

When Should I See a Doctor About My Shoulder Pain?

Is My Back Pain Normal, or Is It Sciatica?

Is My Back Pain Normal, or Is It a Herniated Disk?

When Is It Back Pain, and When Is It Something More?

Watchman Heart Device: a Technological Breakthrough for Blood Clot Prevention

Albert's Emergency Cardiac Surgery Is a 'Story of a Lifetime'

What Can I Do Right Now About My Aching Back?

How Do I Get Rid of This Back Pain for Good?

Can Your Gut Health Affect Your Heart?

When Should I Be Worried About My Neck Pain?
Advanced Heart Failure Therapies Get Bernadine Back to Full Speed

Sarah Wins Back Her Health After Crohn's Disease Diagnosis

Overcoming Addiction, Philip Now Sees More Positive Side to Life
Firefighter's Successful Lung Cancer Care at Virtua
A Lung Screening Put Teresa Back in the Race

A Breast Self-Exam Saved Kristen's Life

Early Treatment is Best to Relieve Hemorrhoid Symptoms

The Top 10 Foods For A Healthy Diabetes Diet

Keeping the Beat: Advanced Heart Surgery for Aortic Aneurysm

Are You At Risk For Chronic Kidney Disease

Local Pastor Makes Kidney Health Mission of Ministry
What’s the Difference Between Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes?

Is This the Right Time in Your Life for Bariatric Surgery?

All for Bear: Dan Loses Weight to Be His Son’s Kidney Donor

‘Astronomical Changes’: Brain Stimulation Therapy Lifts Ashley’s Depression

Augmented-Reality Surgery Has Bobby Back on Stage, Rocking His New Hip

Forget Dieting: Find Your Eating Pattern

Hyperbaric Wound Therapy Puts Joette Back in Motion

Robotic Hernia Repair Renews David's Active Lifestyle
