Bariatric Surgery: Would I Do It All Over Again?

Note from a fellow bariatric patient…

Would I do bariatric surgery again? Without a doubt, yes. It’s not a simple decision, and it’s not an easy road, but looking back now, I can confidently say it was one of the best choices I’ve ever made for myself.

Before Surgery: Feeling Trapped

Before the surgery, my weight wasn’t just a physical burden—it was an emotional and mental one, too. I felt trapped in my own body, struggling with everyday tasks that most people take for granted.

I was constantly reminded of what I couldn’t do—whether it was something as simple as sitting comfortably in a restaurant booth or walking around a new city on vacation without feeling exhausted.

I felt like a spectator in my own life, watching from the sidelines while others did the things I wished I could do.

Perhaps worst of all, every glance in the mirror was a painful reminder of how far I had let myself go.

I tried diets, exercise plans, and weight-loss medications, but nothing stuck. The cycle of losing and regaining weight left me feeling defeated and hopeless.

Making the Decision

When I first heard about bariatric surgery, I was skeptical.

Was it the “easy way out,” as some people like to say? Would I regret altering my body so drastically? Was I admitting defeat in my battle with obesity?

But the more I researched, the more I realized it wasn’t about taking the easy way out—it was about fighting for control of my life.

For me, the decision came down to one simple truth: I wanted to live, and I wanted to live well.

The Day of Surgery

The day of surgery was a blur of emotions: fear, hope, anxiety, and excitement all rolled into one. I remember sitting in the hospital gown, thinking about everything that had led me to that moment. What if it didn’t work, like all the previous diets I’d tried? What if something went wrong? But I reminded myself why I was there: to give myself a chance at a better future.

Recovery and Adjustments

Post-surgery recovery was no walk in the park. There were weeks when I questioned my decision, especially when I was limited to liquid diets and adjusting to a stomach that felt foreign.

The process of relearning how to eat—slower, smaller, and with more mindfulness—was a challenge. I had to confront my old habits head-on, especially emotional eating.

Surgery didn’t just change my stomach; it gave me a tool, a starting point, to rebuild my life in a healthier way. I had to learn to use it well.

The Real Work Began

A few months after surgery, the real challenges began.

In addition to eating differently, I had to stay consistent with physical activity and continue addressing the mental and emotional aspects of my relationship with food.

Support made all the difference. My family and medical team stood by me through every step. I also leaned heavily on online communities of others who had undergone bariatric surgery, especially the Unjury Cares “U” Crew.

I love the support group meetings and the Unjury Cares Facebook page. Hearing others’ stories—their struggles and triumphs—gave me strength on the hard days and reminded me I wasn’t alone.

Nonscale Victories

My transformation didn’t happen overnight. The weight came off slowly, sometimes in frustrating plateaus, but it did come off.

What surprised me most were the nonscale victories—the little moments that meant so much:

• Crossing my legs for the first time in years
• Running up a flight of stairs without losing my breath
• Shopping for clothes without needing the plus-size section

Each milestone reminded me that I was reclaiming my life piece by piece.

Where I Am Now

Today, I move through the world with a confidence I never thought I’d have.

It means a lot to me to look “normal,” which I never even realized was so important to me.

I can keep up with my students, enjoy outdoor activities, and focus on my future instead of feeling weighed down by my past.

My blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar have improved drastically. The surgery didn’t just help me lose weight—it gave me my life back.

Would I Do It Again?

Absolutely. It wasn’t an easy journey, but it was worth every step. For anyone considering it, my advice is to be honest with yourself, do your research, and remember: The surgery is only one piece of the puzzle. The rest is up to you, but trust me, it’s a puzzle worth solving.

Sincerely,

—Your bariatric friend