Jenn’s Weight Loss Success Story

Dr. Gustavo Bello performed the procedure.

I had a Roux-en-Y (RNY) gastric bypass procedure on November 10, 2022, and I’ve lost a total of 300.8 pounds.

One of my biggest “whys” was to be able to experience life. I'm 34 and haven't been able to do much until now because of my health. I work at a school, and part of my job is coordinating events. I would coordinate every detail of the event and then have to sit on the sidelines during it because there wasn't much that I could do.

My life has completely changed since the surgery. My position at work changed to a more active role instead of just being in the office. I have so much more energy. I can choose to go out with friends and go to different events. I even recently started dating for the first time.

I would say my biggest challenge has been the mental side of things. I remember coming up to Christmas time last year and knowing there would be a lot of treats at my job. I was going to stop and get some sugar-free candy so I could have something with everyone, but then I told myself I didn't need anything just because everyone else had it. I had a huge sweet tooth before surgery, and I honestly felt like it was an addiction. I got through that time and felt really proud of myself.

I would have to say one of the main reasons I've been so successful is my support system. Before I decided to have surgery, I reached out to people in my life who I knew would want the best for me and would help me wrap my brain around it all. Also, by doing that, I have people in every area of my life who encourage me through my journey. I have a group of friends at work, my family and friends who all have encouraged me in some way.

They are amazed! I'm smaller right now than I was in high school. My family has wanted me to get surgery for years, and I always told them that I wanted to lose weight on my own. So they were happy when I finally made the decision.

If you're feeling like you want to do it, do it. One thing I regret is not doing it sooner, but I don't think I would have been ready sooner. Also, one of my mentors asked me two questions when I talked to him before making my decision. He said, "Would your forty-year-old self regret or thank you for the decisions you make today?" and, "Would you rather plan to be out of work for a period of time or have an emergency because of your health and unexpectedly be out for a period of time?" Both of those questions have really helped me put everything into perspective.