In July 2016, I attended a bariatric surgery information session with my mom. I went to support her, but I guess I looked like I needed help, too. Someone handed me a weight-loss surgery form to fill out, and I did. I was 17.
Weight has been an issue for me for a long time, and while the thought of weight-loss surgery had briefly crossed my mind at times, I had never seriously considered it until that day.
Obesity increases the risk of multiple health problems, such as diabetes, high cholesterol and high blood pressure. These conditions run in my family. I knew if I stayed on the path I was on, those risks could become reality for me down the road. And I’d be lying if I said I didn’t want to buy cute clothes in smaller sizes.
I also had another reason to consider bariatric surgery: I plan to become a physician, and I want to follow the healthy lifestyle I recommend to my future patients. For example, if I recommend that a patient reduce carbs from their diet, I’ll have the insight to be able to say, “Here’s how I go about it.”
I know some people may raise an eye at the thought of a teen or young adult having bariatric surgery. It’s a big life decision for anyone, no matter their age. As with any surgery, there are risks. And it’s a lot of work to prepare for surgery and maintain a healthy lifestyle once it’s over. But I look at it as a chance to give myself a longer, healthier life.
Taking the first steps toward weight-loss surgery
During the MedStar Washington Hospital Center bariatric surgery information session my mom and I attended, we met the bariatric team and learned about the surgical options and the process leading up to and after surgery.
It got me thinking that I could do this. So I spent the next couple months doing loads of research. I watched countless YouTube videos of doctors discussing the surgery and people describing their experiences with it.
In fall 2016, my mom and I scheduled our initial appointment with Dr. Timothy Shope. During that meeting, we discussed the health complications obesity can cause, and he told me that I didn’t need to wait until I developed such conditions to have bariatric surgery. In my case, it was a preventive measure.
Read and watch: Learn more about Jewel’s bariatric surgery journey in this Vox story.
My mom and I both decided to have gastric sleeve surgery, also known as sleeve gastrectomy. Over the winter and spring, we underwent various medical exams and attended monthly classes that covered nutrition, diet and exercise.
I was lucky to have gone through the entire process with my mom. It was comforting to have someone who truly understood what I was going through at each step of the journey. She had her surgery a month before me, so I also got to see firsthand what I would be experiencing soon.
What others thought of my decision
Before my bariatric surgery, my program required me to see a psychologist. The psychologist I saw initially was concerned about someone so young making such a life-changing decision. However, after speaking with my mom and me at length, she agreed that I had done my research and was mature enough to know what I was doing.
That initial concern was expressed by others as well. But most people didn’t say anything to me—they told my mom. I think some people wanted her to pressure me not to have the surgery because they thought I was too young.
My immediate family and friends were extremely supportive. I was nervous about telling my friends. I worried they would think I was taking the “easy way out” or urge me to lose weight on my own without surgery. When I asked one of my best friends what she would say if I told her I was thinking about bariatric surgery, she responded, “I would say, ‘What time should I be at the hospital?’” I love her for that. While many friends had questions, they all accepted my decision immediately.
Surgery and recovery
Going through bariatric surgery requires a six- or seven-month preparation process. To reduce the amount of fat around the liver and spleen, I had to follow a liquid diet for a few weeks before surgery. The low-carb beverages made me feel lethargic and miserable! But I reminded myself that it was only temporary and the surgery would make a long-term impact on my health and life.
I had gastric sleeve surgery in April 2017. Eight months post-op, I feel great! That’s not to say there haven’t been bumps in the road, but they’ve all been worth it. Bariatric surgery isn’t magic. You still have to put in the work to reach your weight goal.
