Local Mom & Daughter Getting Healthy Together

In September of 2010, CBS 11 News introduced viewers to a mother and daughter who opted to tackle their weight loss goals together through gastric bypass surgery. Now, they are continuing to follow the doctor's orders to the letter, and getting plenty of exercise.

"I love the water, ocean, lake, pool," said mother Michelle Coleman. "I'm a water person." But exercising in the water with her now grown-up daughter was not something that Coleman ever expected when she took her daughter to swimming lessons at just 18 months old. "After they said this is one of the best exercises you can do, that just made my day."

"Her love of water rubbed off on me," daughter Sanchelle Johnson said. "If I could stay in it all day, I would."

On April 27, less than six months ago, the formerly obese mother and daughter had gastric bypass surgery together. And ever since, they have been dramatically shrinking. "Every three to four weeks, I'm getting in another dress size," Coleman said.

But more importantly, Coleman and Johnson are feeling fantastic. "Do I feel better? Am I doing more? Can I breathe easily now? So, it's not about counting the numbers," Johnson said. "It's about the result."

Of course, the mother-daughter pair have experienced a few setbacks. Coleman said she struggles with not 'eating on the run,' which can be sickening after bypass surgery. Johnson said that her weakness is her sweet tooth.

However, Johnson said, "We keep each other motivated, because we can get a little down sometimes. I've slacked off a little bit. But just for her and my fiance, I'm back on track." (Yes, Johnson is getting married – extra motivation for staying on course! "I'm getting married next October and I want to look good in my dress," Johnson said.)

Meanwhile, 57-year-old Coleman is just grateful for every breath she takes. "I thank God for allowing this to happen to me," she said. "It's been fantastic."

Both women are looking forward to their six-month check-up, to see just how far they have come together. "We don't own a scale," Johnson said. "We made a pact when we first had surgery that we wouldn't weigh every day or obsess on losing the weight. It was just to get healthy."