Mel’s Story: From 279 to 168 — and Running Again

Mel Tamsiti’s path to GBMC’s Comprehensive Obesity Management Program started in the most unexpected way: an emergency surgery for her mother. When Dr. Emily Watters performed the procedure on Mel’s mom in May 2025, Mel took notice, not just of the surgical skill, but of the person behind it. 

She’d been curious about weight loss surgery for a while. When she learned Dr. Watters was part of GBMC’s bariatric department, she made an appointment. 

“I always worked out and never felt my level of activity and my body were aligned,” Mel said. She started meeting with Director of Nutrition Jana Wolff over the summer, and had her surgery in February 2025. The results have been staggering: Mel has lost 111 pounds, going from 279.5 to 168.5, and dropping from a size 24–26 to a 12–14.

But it’s not the numbers Mel talks about with the most excitement. It’s what she can do now. 

“I love shopping and wearing new clothes,” she said. “I’m running again and able to do jumping jacks! I am happy to be on a plane and don’t have a fear of the middle seat.” 

These are the freedoms that most people never think twice about, but for Mel, each one represents a barrier that’s been lifted, a limitation that no longer exists. 

“Just overall, I feel great,” Mel said. 

Mel’s story is about a woman who had done the inner work, who understood herself deeply, and who recognized surgery was the next step in becoming who she was always meant to be. And it started with trusting a surgeon she’d seen care for someone she loved.