Charlene Bobo, a single mother to a beautiful daughter, was considered morbidly obese her whole life. She had little success losing weight with weight loss medications and diets. As a result, Charlene struggled with high blood pressure and severely limited mobility.
Wanting to restore her life, Charlene made an appointment with Marco Rajo, MD, where she learned about gastric bypass surgery. She felt confident in Dr. Rajo’s care and decided to take her first step toward whole-person health.
Keep reading to learn more about Charlene’s incredible weight-loss journey in her own words.
Tell us your story about your weight loss journey before bariatric surgery.
I wanted to explore my options to understand what worked for my body. My weight loss journey was very unpredictable before bariatric surgery. I tried dieting programs, meal planning, and weight loss medications, but nothing worked. I consistently took two different weight loss medications in one year.
During this time, my weight constantly fluctuated, and I only lost 30 pounds. My body did not react well as I had some side effects. I continued to do my research and tried other alternative methods to lose weight before deciding on bariatric surgery.
Which bariatric procedure did you have, and how much weight have you lost?
I had gastric bypass surgery on October 11, 2023. My operation helped me to lose over 130 pounds in a little over a year.
How did you feel before having bariatric surgery?
I felt like a prisoner in my own body. I was self-conscious and never wanted to go out because I always felt judged. I was limited in what I could do because of my weight and lack of mobility. I felt held back from enjoying life. I struggled with high blood pressure for a few years, but ever since my surgery, whenever I have my blood pressure taken, it’s normal.
What was your “why” for having bariatric surgery?
My daughter was my “why.” I wanted her to have a happy, fun and healthy mother. I didn’t want my challenges from being overweight to affect her life and limit her from any activities or being able to enjoy life with me. I also wanted to prevent any additional health issues caused by obesity.
How has your life changed since you’ve had bariatric surgery?
I no longer feel trapped by limitations. I’ve also been more adventurous about exploring what the world has to offer, like going to theme parks. It’s boosted my self-esteem and confidence. Having bariatric surgery gave me my life back.
My family and friends have been so supportive. It’s nice to hear their compliments and how proud they are of my successful weight-loss journey. My advice to anyone considering weight-loss surgery is to trust the process. If you do the hard work and use your tools properly, you’ll get the results you want. Always remember your “why.”
What’s the biggest challenge in recovering from weight-loss surgery?
Having emotional ups and downs has been a struggle. There can be a lingering perception of being obese and knowing your body is changing but not seeing the difference. People will treat you differently once you lose weight, which can take a toll on your emotional well-being.
A big misconception about bariatric surgery is that it’s a quick fix. I’ve heard a lot of people say weight-loss surgery is the easy way out. It’s changed my life, but there’s still a big role for me to play in maintaining my health. The key to maintaining weight loss after bariatric surgery is to stay consistent with mindful eating and keep your body in motion. Reach out to your medical team for advice and support; they want to help. It’s important to surround yourself with a support system.
What have you learned about yourself along your journey?
I’ve learned to believe in myself and what I’m capable of doing. It was important to find my inner strength. It’s what carried me through this journey.
My number one tip to prepare for bariatric surgery is to start the lifestyle changes now with eating, drinking and exercise. It will help kick-start a successful journey. I have taken all the knowledge and guidance throughout this process to be successful. Even after having knee surgery, I never gave up and pushed myself to stay positive.
I want Dr. Rajo, my bariatric coordinator, dietitian and my medical team to look back and be proud that their hard work and dedication played a big role in giving me my life back.
Your Dedicated Weight-Loss Support System
We thank Charlene for her inspiring testimony. Choosing a bariatric procedure is a life-changing decision, and it’s essential to consult a professional who can evaluate your unique needs.
The AdventHealth Bariatric and Metabolic Institute is ready to lead you toward a new life with expert and compassionate care.
Click here to learn about our program and schedule a consultation.
