Nancy Meiser is on a mission.

Her goal is to continue to lose weight. But even more, she's committed to improving her quality of life and serving as an inspiration to others.The Rush Township woman is pursuing a diet and exercise regimen as follow-up to laparoscopic surgery.Meiser underwent a gastric sleeve procedure in January.According to WebMD, the procedure "makes the stomach smaller and helps people lose weight."With a smaller stomach, you feel full a lot quicker.Meiser, 59, says it works."Gastric surgery removes about 60 percent of your stomach, which goes from an eggplant to a banana," she says. "The surgeon makes small incisions as opposed to large incisions."Of course, this means you also need to make major, lifelong changes in how you eat including smaller portion sizes and different foods.Meiser has done that, losing an astonishing 132 pounds in just six months.The weight loss is especially significant because Meiser's weight issue stemmed from a combination of factors."I was diagnosed with a thyroid condition that contributed to my weight gain," she says.Reducing riskMeiser recognized increased risks that come with obesity, such as diabetes, heart disease, stroke, arthritis and cancer.She decided to do her best to be healthy because it was the right thing to do for herself. Not for anybody else.After all, she never married or had children. So it would've been easy to accept the status quo.But Meiser wants more out of life. And so she approached surgery with one goal in mind."I did it to get my life back."It's been a life in which she's experienced more than her share of heartache, losing her closest family members.In 1989, her mother, Violet Rusden Meiser, passed away unexpectedly at home.In 2005, Meiser lost her only sibling, brother Richard, age 58, who bravely battled cancer.Then, just three years later, Meiser found herself in a similar situation.She was diagnosed with a five-pound uterine tumor requiring surgery and chemotherapy. She fought hard and prevailed.In April 2011, she was honored as a cancer survivor by the Carbon-Tamaqua Unit of the American Cancer Society.Still, she wasn't out of the woods. There were more battles to be won."After having cancer, they removed 22 lymph nodes in my left side. It also contributed to my weight gain because my left leg could hardly move. Plus they diagnosed me with a metabolism problem," she says.Another personal setback struck just four months later when her beloved father, Emory, passed away.Through a combination of stress and medical conditions, Meiser's weight peaked at 398 pounds.She didn't feel well. Her mobility was compromised, and her quality of life wasn't the best."I couldn't work in my yard. I couldn't plant flowers or walk. I couldn't buy shoes. I had to wear only one kind that I found at Walmart."Doctor's adviceMeiser knew it was time to turn the corner toward good health. Her first step was to consult with medical professionals."I talked to my cancer doctor, Dr. (Richard) Boulay, and he said I was a good candidate for the surgery," says Meiser, a travel counselor for a large agency in the Lehigh Valley."Then I had to go to classes and meet with the surgeon."There were many things to take into consideration. Meiser was dealing with gallbladder issues and a hiatal hernia, as well.The big day came on Jan. 13 and, surprisingly, required only one overnight stay at Lehigh Valley Hospital.She underwent gastric sleeve surgery, gastric bypass and a lap band procedure. Her surgeon was Dr. Daniel Harrison."They removed two enzymes from my stomach; they're hunger enzymes," she said.Meiser healed quickly and embraced a new lifestyle. She saw positive results immediately.Her walking improved as the pounds faded away. She's now trying to accomplish 10,000 steps while consuming 800 calories each day."I went down four sizes on top and three sizes on bottom. I lost 75 percent of my body fat. It's a really good feeling," says Meiser, a 1973 graduate of Tamaqua Area High School.There was another benefit, too."The surgery and weight loss reduced my cancer risk by 70 percent."Moreover, Meiser's surgeon told her she added 30 years to her life.Reflecting on the experience, she says she's indebted to support shown by three personal counselors: friends Marie Gursky and Barry Houser, and her loving sister-in-law Eileen Meiser.She says her new lifestyle has opened her eyes to deficiencies in the food and restaurant industry.For instance, she came to realize many local restaurants fall short in accommodating those with dietary restrictions."I have a card to present at restaurants to request a child's portion," she says.This is important for folks who are obese or those with diabetes, and especially critical for those who've gone through stomach reduction surgery.Problem is, many local eateries don't honor the card. Some don't even recognize that many adults require portion control.She's hoping attitudes will change as people gain awareness about those who need to follow special eating habits due to a medical necessity.Nowadays, folks say 60 is the new 40, and life begins at 60.So Meiser's birthday gift to herself on Sept. 25 will be a chance to begin life anew, starting with confidence based on making positive choices.There's a feeling of satisfaction that comes with knowing you've done the best with what you were given.In fact, it's something each person should do for their own benefit.Look into the mirror and make a vow to be good to the number one person in your life."I did it for me," says Meiser.And that's the best reason of all.