Meet Alice F.

What was life like before bariatric surgery?
Before having surgery I was always nervous to go places with my family. I always worried about fitting in chairs, stadium seating, restaurants behind tables, etc. I was also heavier than most activities I could do with my children such as riding amusement park rides. My biggest frustration is I never thought I would lose as much I did or that there was even an option to help me lose weight. I have struggled with having a thyroid issue since junior high and I never thought I could diet long enough to feel comfortable in my own skin and have confidence to walk around stores, or in public in a short sleeve shirt that was not black.

If you put off the decision to come in for a long time, why was that? What kept you from booking a consultation?
I considered having surgery for at least 2 years. I waited because I was scared I would have complications and never see my family again. Also, my insurance did not cover my weight loss surgery so I had to save money and figure out a payment option. It was wonderful news that I could arrange to pay such a small amount each month! After having my second child I decided to go for it because I wanted more out of life. It was heartbreaking to me knowing the things I was unable to experience with my first child and I didn’t want to hide in pictures anymore!

What was it like to work with the team from the start of your journey to today?

From the very beginning the staff and doctors were amazing. They were super helpful in answering all my questions, from insurance and payments, to the doctor explaining the surgery in detail. I was initially planning to have the sleeve, but I had a tough conversation with my doctor and he explained the benefit of having the switch instead. I cannot thank him enough for changing my mind and explaining why the switch was the best option for my weight loss.

The staff was extremely supportive before & after surgery. Before surgery, my doctor knew I was nervous and almost in tears. He prayed with me and my husband and made me feel so at peace before wheeling me back. This meant the world to me and my husband.

What is your life like now? What’s the #1 thing you love being able to do now?
The one thing I love being able to do is play and do ALL activities with my kids without being out of breath or thinking it is impossible to do the activities. We are a much more active family and I am able to do things with confidence knowing that I’m not that person who will get hurt or break something trying. Life after surgery has been AMAZING and I wish I would have done it earlier. Prior to surgery my blood pressure was starting to rise – but now the doses for my thyroid medication have dropped significantly and I have perfect labs. I am in the pant size I haven’t been in since high school. This surgery is truly life changing and I have recommended many people to inquire or have surgery.