Isabelle Rodrigue

Isabelle Rodrigue

Breaking the Cycle: How Bariatric Surgery Helped Me Reclaim My Health and Life

For most of my life, I quietly battled with genetic obesity. It was as if I was walking the same unhealthy path my father had taken before me—his health had spiraled, and I could see the same thing happening to me. Despite my best efforts, losing weight always felt impossible. My weight seemed to control every aspect of my life, and things got worse as time passed. It wasn’t just about the weight anymore—my health was on the line. I started developing sleep apnea and knew that being diagnosed with diabetes was just around the corner. My body was breaking down, and I could feel it in everything I did.

Life had completely spiraled out of control, and with it, so had my weight.

There were so many problems that I couldn’t even pinpoint just one moment that led me to consider bariatric surgery. Every time I turned around, something new was happening—back surgery, poor sleep, and being constantly sick. It wasn’t just physical; the mental toll was overwhelming. My declining health made me feel trapped, and my mental health suffered as I struggled to find a way out. I knew I needed a change.

That’s when my doctor stepped in and recommended bariatric surgery. He explained that my obesity wasn’t entirely my fault—it was in my genetics. This wasn’t something I could easily control, no matter how hard I tried. Hearing that gave me a sense of relief, and I decided to go for the surgery without hesitation. I finally felt like I had a path forward. Surgery wasn’t a decision I took lightly, but at that point, I knew it was my best option if I wanted to reclaim my health.

Fast forward to today, and I wish I had done it sooner. The surgery wasn’t a magic fix by any means, but it gave me the chance to take control of my life. The weight didn’t just fall off overnight; I had to work at it every single day. The surgery was a tool, not a cure, and my body has fought hard to return to its previous state. Since last December, I’ve been on Ozempic to help manage my weight after gaining back 20 pounds. That was a humbling realization, but it taught me an important lesson: asking for help isn’t a weakness.

There’s a common misconception that weight loss surgery is a miracle solution, but the truth is, it requires ongoing effort and commitment. The body resists change, and even after surgery, it’s easy to fall back into old habits. But if things aren’t going the way you want, you have to reach out for support. Whether it’s from your doctor, family, or other resources, asking for help is crucial to staying on track.

Looking back, I’m proud of how far I’ve come.

I’ve lost weight, but more importantly, I’ve gained back control of my life. I no longer feel like I’m on a path toward poor health like my father before me. My mental and physical health have both improved, and I’ve learned to embrace the progress I’ve made, even if it’s not perfect. Every small victory matters, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to have turned my life around.

Bariatric surgery wasn’t a quick fix, but it gave me the push I needed to make lasting changes. My journey has been a testament to the power of seeking help and making bold decisions when your health is at stake. The road hasn’t been easy, but with the right mindset, support, and determination, anything is possible. The limits I once saw were mostly in my mind, and breaking through them showed me that the possibilities for a healthier, better life were always within reach.

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