Jackie’s Bariatric Surgery Success After Losing 80 lbs with The Sleeve Clinic

Jackie lost 80 lbs after receiving life-changing bariatric surgery at The Sleeve Clinic in Toronto, Ontario.

Before sleeve surgery, Jackie struggled with high blood pressure, severe sleep apnea, mobility issues, depression and anxiety. As a result of her weight, Jackie was experiencing embarrassment, zero self-confidence and no energy. “My health was failing me, and it was absolute desperation. I didn't know what else to do.” Gastric sleeve surgery has allowed Jackie to gain a new lease on life, full of exercise, a healthier relationship with food and a new confidence and self-esteem she had never felt before.

Our team sat down with Jackie to ask her a few questions about her weight loss journey with The Sleeve Clinic:

What fears did you have going in?
“Right before my surgery, about a week out, I thought, am I doing this to punish myself so that I will never enjoy food again? Is this a way of punishing myself instead of giving myself what I need? All I can say is, it's not like that. It's absolutely not like that. I don't miss that food. I don't miss it at all. I still get to have a little treat once in a while, but I have absolute, complete control over food, andfood does not control me anymore. That's the big difference.”

What was your surgical experience like?
“The whole experience was very comfortable. I was a bit nervous, obviously, right before I went to sleep. It was okay. I was happy to allow other people to take over and be in control for a while. And the rest of it was just rest. I just needed to get some sleep and some rest and recuperate, and it was actually very smooth and very easy.”

Did you experience hair loss?
“I did. It wasn't extreme. It started happening at about three months post-op, and it's on the tail end of it. I still have a tiny, tiny little bit here and there, but it wasn't anything that wasn't manageable. It didn't freak me out too much.”

How has your life changed since having a gastric sleeve?
“I've learned that life is worth living again. I wasn't sure that I was going to make it for much longer with how depressed I was and how awful I felt inside. I have a new lease on life, things to be here for and things to look forward to, and I have people that love me, and I know it now. I have energy and stamina that I have never had in my life. I'm able to exercise and go up stairs and walk my dog. I have confidence and self esteem that I've never had. I feel amazing. I don't think I could feel any better.”

What do you see looking at this old photo?
“It’s a little triggering, I have to say. It makes me kind of anxious. I struggled in that body for a very long time, and it was very difficult. I don't ever want to go back there again. I can't say how much different I feel and how much of a different person I am now.”

What does it feel to have a gastric sleeve?
“My interest in food and what I was eating completely changed, and that was the biggest thing for me. Now I don't need the bad snacks, and I don't want the bad food. The taste to me is completely different. Some of the old things I used to eat, I'm like, oh, I'll try that. I tried it and it doesn't even taste good. I got such great results and they were easy to maintain and easy to stay on track.”

Was it worth the cost?
“It was a big cost in the beginning, but I didn't even bat an eye at it. My health was worth it. My life was worth that. My life is worth more than that. So don't hesitate, tell yourself it's worth it, because it absolutely is. I promise, it's absolutely worth it.”

Why did you choose the Sleeve Clinic?
“I did some research and I came across the clinic and I liked what I saw. It made me feel like there was hope. I look forward to meeting with the nurses or the dietitian afterwards. I look forward to talking to them. I look forward to the encouragement and the support and the help and the answering of any questions that I might still have. It's nice to know that you guys are always there. I don't know if I'd be here without you, so thank you.”

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