Meet Tawnya

What was life like before bariatric surgery?
My excess weight prevented me from enjoying living life with my kids. I was always present, but I wasn’t actively participating with them. When I took the family to Carlsbad Caverns in March 2021 and I had 3 asthma attacks as we attempted to walk down the cavern path. I knew it was time to look into lasting permanent weight loss. I was so sad and upset that I was such an inconvenience to my family having to stop to catch my breath.

If you put off the decision to come in for a long time, why was that? What kept you from booking a consultation?
I had been considering weight loss surgery for years. I guess my biggest misconception was it would not be covered by insurance because I didn’t have any real medical conditions. I was in the category as a “healthy fat person”. I finally looked into it when I realized my insurance plan does cover bariatric procedures and I knew a few people who had gone to PWLC and just raved about Dr Bleu.

What was it like to work with the team from the start of your journey to today?
This has been the easiest journey. The staff and team at PWLC are angels. I truly feel like I am cared for like a member of the family and not just someone who is a number or statistic. I love the encouragement and support I get from my care team.

What is your life like now? What’s the #1 thing you love being able to do now?
My life now? Wow, it’s amazing compared to this time last year. I find myself finally sitting like a lady, it is so comfortable to sit with my legs crossed. It is so nice to be able to sit in any chair without the side arms cutting into me or being scared I’ll be the one to break the chair. Best of all, no more asthma attacks. I can jump on the trampoline with my kids, go on walks with them and enjoy life.