From Grief to Grace: One Mother’s Journey to Health and Hope

Natalie Childers, a lifelong resident of Drexel, North Carolina, is a devoted stay-at-home mom to six children. For years, she battled with her weight, a battle that intensified after multiple pregnancies and the heartbreaking loss of her infant daughter to a rare genetic disorder. Overwhelmed by grief, Natalie turned to food as a source of comfort and her weight eventually reached 349 pounds.

“I was eating constantly to numb the pain,” she recalls. “And eventually, I felt like I was losing myself.”

The turning point came during a family vacation to the Outer Banks. As her family climbed to the top of the sand dunes to fly kites and take pictures, Natalie could only make it halfway. “I missed out on that moment, and it broke my heart,” she says. “That’s when I knew—I couldn’t go on like this.”

Determined to change, Natalie began researching bariatric surgery in January 2021. She found the support she needed at Frye Regional Medical Center, and with the help of a compassionate care team, underwent surgery that July.

“It wasn’t just a procedure—it was a total life change, and they were with me every step,” she said.

Four years later, Natalie is down over 200 pounds and reclaimed her life. “My goal was never just to lose weight—it was to live. To show up for my children. To be present.”

She still regularly visits Frye Regional for support, encouragement and expert care. “If you’re considering this procedure, do it. Don’t wait. You deserve to feel alive again.”

Led by board-certified, robotically trained bariatric surgeons and certified obesity medicine providers, the North Carolina Bariatric Institute, a department of Frye Regional Medical Center, is dedicated to helping patients achieve long-term weight loss and improved health. Since 2001, the team has partnered with thousands of individuals to overcome obesity and transform their lives.

To learn more about weight loss options, visit northcarolinabariatricinstitute.com or call 828.315.5577. Complete a health risk assessment and take the first step toward a healthier you.