For now, I want to share with everyone that in January 2021, I came to a long overdue decision to do something drastic to change the life trajectory I was on – which was to die early due to obesity related diseases.
This was not an easy decision to make, and from the moment that I finally accepted that it was the only hope for me to regain my health, it has been a long journey. Over a year later, on April 26th, 2022, I finally had Bariatric Gastric Bypass (Roux-en-Y) surgery at St. Joe’s in Hamilton.
The procedure is invasive and forever changes the stomach anatomy.
My experience at St. Joe’s was outstanding. I had an Angel of a Doctor, Dr. Vanessa Boudreau. She and her surgical team of caring and friendly professionals met with me outside of the operating room to answer any questions I had and to assure me that I was in good hands. Any anxiety I had that morning slipped away immediately and I knew that everything was going to be okay.
There are two types of procedures that can be performed and you don’t know until after the surgery which option was chosen. It depends on the circumstances of your internal organs etc., which surgery will be safest for you. I found out when I was in my room later, that the Roux-en-Y was performed.
You might be wondering why I am telling you this and there are a few reasons:
- I have always been open, honest and transparent
- It is something that I can’t hide – if and when you see me, you will notice a difference
- I want to assure everyone that does see me in the future that I am ok and not losing weight involuntarily due to a disease
- To encourage others that may be suffering to know there are options available.
For those of you who have read this far, please share with others you know who may be suffering and also have some compassion in your heart instead of judgement, the next time you see an overweight person struggling to live their life. You don’t know why they are in this situation and your judgement does not inspire or help others.
