Public Employee Press

DC 37's Biggest Loser

By JOSEPH LOPEZ

For Local 372 member Anita Dean, walking upstairs to catch the 7 train at Queens Borough Plaza every day used to be a struggle.

A daily task that many people do with ease, Dean did with wheezing and discomfort. Dean was one of the more than one-third of adult Americans living with obesity. That is, until Dean lost 206 pounds with the help of a vertical sleeve gastrectomy, weight loss surgery that changed her life.

"I just wanted to break the cycle," said Dean, a Health Aide at Long Island City High School. Her family has a history of being overweight. Both her father and stepfather suffered heart attacks due to their weight when they were in their 50s. Doctors warned Dean that she was showing signs of pre-diabetes. She was researching weight loss options when a coworker suggested the gastric sleeve, as the procedure is also known.

Since losing the weight in 2013, Dean has a new lease on life.

"Shopping for clothes is amazing!" Dean said, as her size dropped from a 32 to a 12. She enjoys exercising now and goes to the gym at least three times a week. Dean also strives to eat properly and healthily by working with a nutritionist from Mount Sinai Hospital, where the surgery was performed.

Thanks to her union health benefits, Dean was able to have the surgery - which can cost upwards of $10,000 without insurance - while paying only $100 out of pocket.

Dean also received her full salary while she was out of work recovering. Her Shop Steward, Tracey Brown, even visited Dean while she was in the hospital. "DC 37 has really been there for me through this entire process," Dean said.

Once a month, Dean speaks to groups of people at Mount Sinai who are considering having the surgery. "I am able to be straight forward with them and help those people on the fence about the surgery make a decision," Dean said.

"You want to do what is necessary for your health," said Dean. "If you are willing to commit to it and do the work, do it. Do not be afraid. Look at me and my story!"