Would I Do Bariatric Surgery Again? Absolutely!

Three years after personal contemplation

The question hangs in the air sometimes, a quiet whisper in the back of my mind, usually prompted by someone curious about my journey. “So,” they’ll ask, often with a hesitant tone, “knowing what you know now, would you do it again?” My answer, delivered with unwavering conviction and a genuine smile, is always the same: Absolutely, without a shadow of a doubt.

It’s hard to believe that three years have passed since I made the life-altering decision to undergo bariatric surgery. It feels both like yesterday, the anxieties and hopes swirling within me as I prepped for the procedure, and a lifetime ago, the person I was then feeling like a distant memory.

My life before the surgery

Before surgery, my life was… smaller. Not in terms of the space I physically occupied, which was considerable, but in terms of the experiences I allowed myself to have. Simple things that most people take for granted – a leisurely walk in the park, a comfortable airplane seat, playing with my nieces and nephews without feeling winded – felt like monumental challenges. My weight was a constant, heavy cloak, limiting my energy, my confidence, and ultimately, my joy.

I tried everything. Every diet imaginable, countless exercise fads, pills, potions… the list goes on. The initial enthusiasm would always wane, the weight would creep back on, often with a few extra pounds for good measure, leaving me feeling defeated and more hopeless than before. It was a vicious cycle, a constant battle against my own body.

The final decision

Bariatric surgery wasn’t a decision I took lightly. It was the culmination of years of struggle, research, and heartfelt conversations with my doctor and loved ones. Some people misguidedly believed it was the “easy way out”. It was a tool, a powerful and transformative tool. But one that required commitment, discipline, and a fundamental shift in my relationship with food and my body.

The months following the surgery were a journey of significant adjustment. The initial liquid diet, the gradual introduction of pureed and then solid foods, learning to eat small, frequent meals, and understanding the crucial role of protein and hydration – it was a whole new world. There were moments of discomfort, both physical and emotional, as my body adapted and I navigated the psychological aspects of changing lifelong habits.

But even in those early days, amidst the challenges, I felt a glimmer of hope I hadn’t experienced in years. The scale started to move, slowly but steadily. More importantly, I started to feel different. Lighter, more energetic, more alive.

Things I gained – and it is not weight

Now, three years down the line, the changes are profound and far-reaching. The most obvious, of course, is the significant weight loss. I’ve lost a substantial amount of weight, and while the number on the scale is a tangible marker of progress, it’s the intangible benefits that truly resonate.

My Health: My health has improved dramatically. My blood pressure is now within a healthy range, my cholesterol levels are down, and the pre-diabetes diagnosis that loomed over me is a distant worry. I sleep better, breathe easier, and have a level of energy I could only dream of before. Simple activities like climbing stairs or carrying groceries are no longer a source of dread.

My Confidence: The weight loss has undeniably boosted my self-esteem. I feel more comfortable in my own skin, more willing to try new things, and less self-conscious in social situations. Shopping for clothes is no longer a frustrating and demoralizing experience; it’s actually enjoyable! I find myself wanting to participate more, to step outside my comfort zone, and to embrace life fully.

My Activity Levels: My world has expanded exponentially. I now enjoy activities that were previously impossible or incredibly difficult. I hike in the mountains, cycle along the coast here in Spain, and even tried paddleboarding last summer! The joy of moving my body without feeling weighed down is indescribable. I can keep up with my nieces and nephews, run around in the park, and simply enjoy being active.

My Relationship with Food: This has been perhaps the most significant and ongoing transformation. Bariatric surgery isn’t a magic bullet; it requires a fundamental shift in how you think about food. I’ve learned to eat mindfully, to savor each bite, and to recognize the difference between physical hunger and emotional eating. I prioritize protein and nutrient-dense foods and understand the importance of portion control. It’s not about deprivation; it’s about nourishing my body and making conscious choices.

My Mental and Emotional Well-being: Losing the weight and regaining my health has had a profound impact on my mental and emotional well-being. The constant anxiety and self-loathing that often accompanied my weight have significantly diminished. I feel more positive, more resilient, and more in control of my life. The mental clarity that comes with feeling physically healthier is something I hadn’t fully anticipated but am incredibly grateful for.

It was no walk through rose garden

Of course, the journey hasn’t been without its challenges. There have been moments of temptation, times when old habits have threatened to resurface, and the occasional pang of longing for foods I used to indulge in. But the difference now is that I have the tools and the mindset to navigate these challenges. I’ve learned to be kind to myself, to acknowledge setbacks without letting them derail my progress, and to focus on the long-term benefits of my healthy lifestyle.

The support system I’ve built has been invaluable. My family and friends have been incredibly encouraging, and connecting with other bariatric surgery patients, both online and in person, has provided a sense of community and understanding. Sharing experiences, challenges, and triumphs with others who have walked a similar path has been incredibly empowering.

Looking back at the person I was three years ago, I feel a deep sense of gratitude for the decision I made. It wasn’t easy, but it was undoubtedly the right one for me. Bariatric surgery gave me a second chance at life, a chance to reclaim my health, my confidence, and my joy. It wasn’t just about losing weight; it was about gaining so much more.

So, would I do it again?

Absolutely. In a heartbeat. This journey has been transformative in ways I never could have imagined, and I am eternally grateful for the opportunity to live a fuller, healthier, and happier life. It’s an ongoing process, a commitment to myself, but it’s a commitment I embrace with open arms and a grateful heart. If you’re considering bariatric surgery, I encourage you to do your research, talk to your doctor, and listen to your own inner voice. It might just be the first step towards a life you never thought possible.

And how I saw all this process back then? Check this older post: https://www.bariradka.com/2024/09/03/asking-for-help/