How I Made the Decision to Have Weight Loss Surgery

Note from a fellow bariatric patient…

Until a few years ago, I had been heavy my entire life. Childhood pictures show a chubby baby, a round little girl, and a large teenager. Things didn’t get any better when I left for college—thanks to the “all-you-can-eat” dining hall buffets, I quickly gained the “Freshman 15”…and then some.

Except for short periods when I dieted and lost weight, I continued to gain as I moved through adulthood. After having my children, my weight eventually peaked at 333 pounds. I was, without question, morbidly obese.

My primary care doctor kept encouraging me to consider weight loss surgery. My blood pressure and blood sugar were dangerously high, and she warned me that I was running out of options to manage them. My health was bad and getting worse.

I had already consulted with two bariatric surgeons over the course of 20 years before finally meeting with a third—and ultimately making the decision to move forward with surgery. Even then, I wasn’t ready to “take the plunge.” I initially leaned toward the gastric band because it was reversible. Why? Because I wasn’t sure I could live without the foods I loved. I wanted an escape route.

But I eventually made the decision to have bariatric surgery. Here’s why:

I didn’t want another diet. I needed meaningful, long-lasting weight loss. I’d tried it all—diets, workout plans, medications—but nothing brought the long-term success I desperately needed. Surgery offered a tool to help me lose significant weight and keep it off, something I hadn’t been able to do on my own.

I wanted to feel better—physically and mentally. Carrying extra weight impacted every aspect of my life. It was hard to move. I didn’t feel like myself. I was embarrassed about how I looked. I knew that losing weight could help me physically and emotionally—regaining my confidence and improving my mental health.

I needed a better quality of life. I wanted to enjoy life again—to stop avoiding activities I loved, like traveling, going out with friends, or even taking a walk without feeling winded. I saw surgery as a way to give me the freedom to do those things again.

I wanted to reduce future health problems. My father had heart valve replacement surgery at just 60 years old. I knew I had a strong family history of cardiac issues. On top of that, my uncontrolled diabetes was pushing me toward insulin shots and worsening my already poor vision. I didn’t want to wait until it was too late. Surgery felt like a proactive step to take control of my health before things got worse.

Conclusion

This wasn’t a decision I made lightly. In addition to consulting with my primary doctor and surgeon, I also met with a dietitian and a therapist to make sure I was truly ready. I understood there were risks—but doing nothing carried risks, too.

I knew this wasn’t a magic fix. Surgery is just a tool—it doesn’t do the work for you. I had to commit to changing my habits, eating differently, and staying active. It’s been a journey, but I can honestly say it’s one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.

Sincerely,

—Your bariatric friend