Meet Sarah P.

What was life like before bariatric surgery?

At my heaviest, I was not living; I was merely existing. I was unable to go up and down stairs without stopping every couple of steps, and walking was equally difficult. I stopped going out, which only made things worse as I isolated myself in my own world, ignoring my declining health. When I did go out, I constantly feared that I would not be able to sit down because the chair might have handles or might not support me. This fear further encouraged me to stay home.

I take blood thinners and was on a large dose due to my size. I was pre-diabetic, and my lungs burned with any attempt at movement. I had to use an inhaler when I went out to catch my breath. Deep down, I was miserable. Showering was exhausting, and I lived in constant fear of falling and being unable to get up or hurting myself to the point where I couldn’t get help—all because of my weight.

If you put off the decision to come in for a long time, why was that? What kept you from booking a consultation?

I have tried every diet and eating plan since I was 16: shakes, eating only apples, Weight Watchers, Slimming World, keto, vegetarian—you name it. My breaking point came when I realized I was not truly living anymore. My husband wanted me to travel with him, and I wanted to fly to Ireland again, but my weight was holding me back. I also wanted to start a family, but my weight and age were working against me. More than anything, I wanted a chance to be a mom and to live again.

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

From my first phone call, weigh-in, and appointments to my surgery, they were incredibly supportive, non-judgmental, and friendly. I could not ask for a better group of people to be behind me on this journey.

I am seven months post-surgery and have lost 130 pounds so far. I still have a way to go, but the difference is night and day. I am able to move, enjoy being present, and experience new places and exciting new activities. I can walk more than ever before. I used to have to sit to do the dishes, but now I can stand to clean, cook, and tidy up. Showering is no longer a chore; I don’t have to sit down to catch my breath before drying off, and I can actually touch my toes again. I can sit comfortably in a car and get in and out more easily than I have in a long time. I feel human again.