Jessica Lamarche

A New Beginning: My Bariatric Surgery Journey

For seven long years, I thought about bariatric surgery, but fear kept me from making the decision. The horror stories I heard and the negative opinions from others made it seem terrifying. I wasn’t sure if I could handle the sacrifices or the commitment it required. The surgery seemed like a last resort, something that would change everything, and that scared me. But as my health continued to deteriorate, I realized I had no other option.

Family adventures, which used to bring joy, became impossible. I’ll never forget a trip to Disneyland with my husband and kids. Walking around the park left me out of breath, and I barely fit on the rides. It was a sobering and discouraging experience. The thought of gaining just ten more pounds terrified me—I knew that next time, I might not be able to ride anything at all. What hurt the most was seeing my children watch me struggle. I couldn’t shake the fear that one day their peers might make fun of them because their mom was overweight. That thought haunted me, but it also became my motivation to change.

I had to do something, not just for me, but for my kids.

I decided to go through the pre-surgery process, telling myself I could back out if it wasn’t right for me. But deep down, I knew I had to try. I had to at least give myself the chance to change my life. The surgery wasn’t an easy decision, but in the end, I went through with it. Now, looking back, I only wish I had done it sooner.

Since the surgery, everything has changed. I’ve started playing all the sports I used to love but had to stop because of my weight. I’m no longer out of breath when I walk, and I have the energy to keep up with my kids. This year, we’re going back to Disneyland, and I’m beyond excited. The anxiety I once felt—the fear of not fitting on the rides, the worry of being judged—is gone.

Now, I’m excited to experience the park in my new body, with my new confidence.

That’s not to say it’s all been easy. Even after surgery, there were adjustments. I had to let go of food as my coping mechanism, and that was tough. But as the pounds melted away, it became motivating to see and feel the difference. Every day brings a new victory—whether it’s fitting into a seatbelt comfortably, walking without pain, or simply being able to keep up with my kids without feeling exhausted.

I’ve lost more than just weight; I’ve regained my life. And when I think about how long I waited, I realize how much time I lost feeling trapped. If I had made the decision sooner, I wouldn’t have missed out on so many moments with my family. The surgery gave me back control, and for that, I’ll always be grateful.

For anyone considering bariatric surgery, my advice is simple: don’t let fear hold you back. This isn’t the easy way out, but it is a way out. It’s a way to reclaim your life, to live fully and without limitations. If you’re willing to make the commitment, the results will be worth it. Take the leap—you won’t regret it.