Jernienne’s 97-Lb* Weight Loss: "How Gastric Sleeve Surgery Did NOT Ruin My Life, But Improved It!"

Key Takeaways: How Gastric Sleeve Surgery Did NOT Ruin My Life, it Improved It.

• Life-Changing Results: Contrary to stories about "how gastric sleeve ruined my life", I experienced remarkable success—losing 97 pounds in just 7 months while gaining incredible stamina
• No Loose Skin or Hair Loss: I didn't experience loose skin and hair loss by starting biotin and collagen supplements early in my journey
• A Weight Loss Tool: Surgery wasn't an easy way out but a tool that helped me achieve my goals and address lifelong eating habits that countless diets couldn't fix
• Mental Health Transformation: After gastric sleeve, I looked forward to daily gym sessions not just for weight loss maintenance but for managing stress and improving my overall mental wellbeing
• Family Motivation: My turning point came when I realized I needed to be a better role model for my children instead of letting them "watch me die by food"

I've struggled with obesity my entire life. With weight issues running on both sides of my family, I've been on diets and exercise programs since before I was 10 years old. Nothing ever stuck—until now.

After decades of yo-yo dieting and unsuccessful weight loss attempts, I finally found the solution at New Jersey Bariatric Center®. Contrary to negative stories online about "how gastric sleeve surgery ruined my life", I've lost 97 pounds in just 7 months since the surgery. This isn't just weight loss for me—it's a complete transformation that has saved my life and changed everything about how I live.

Before Gastric Sleeve Surgery

Before surgery, I tried countless diets and weight loss methods. The cayenne diet, home workouts, and even following a diet based on my blood type from a book my father bought. Nothing gave me lasting results, and the cycle of losing and regaining weight was emotionally draining.

When I finally realized I needed professional help for my weight I did a google search and found New Jersey Bariatric Center®. 

The Wake-Up Call That Changed Everything

I'll never forget the morning that changed my life. I woke up one day and realized I had crossed over the 300 pound mark. While getting ready for work, I bent down to tie my shoelaces and found myself completely out of breath from this simple task.

In that moment, guilt washed over me as I thought about my children watching me slowly harm myself through food. I was essentially letting them witness me not taking control of my health and life. That realization hit me hard – I needed to make a drastic change not just for myself, but for my family.

When I first mentioned considering surgery, some people thought I was making a rash decision. As Joe Rogan said, "Greatness and madness are next door neighbors; and they borrow each other's sugar." What some saw as an extreme, crazy choice was actually my first step toward greatness – the healthiest, strongest version of myself I could be.

Gastric Sleeve Surgery Is Not the Easy Way Out 

Many people think bariatric surgery is a magical solution, and I'll admit I initially thought that too. But I quickly learned the truth – I've never worked harder in my life than I have post-surgery.

The gastric sleeve was invaluable because it helped me stop overeating and forced me to examine the unhealthy habits I had developed. Gastric sleeve surgery did NOT ruin my life and it wasn't the easy way out. It was the beginning of the hardest work I've ever done, both physically and emotionally. My results were worth it!

My Medical Team at NJBC Made The Difference

The staff at New Jersey Bariatric Center® were incredibly supportive and accommodating throughout my journey. My doctor made an impression on me that I'll never forget. Her honesty and straightforward guidance gave me the framework I needed to succeed.

Her advice was simple yet profound. "Just listen to your body, make your diet realistic enough to follow long-term, and watch your portion sizes." These basic principles, combined with the medical support I received, created the foundation for my success.

Life After Gastric Sleeve Surgery 

Since my weight loss surgery seven months ago, I've become a more well-rounded person. I go to the gym almost every day – not just for weight loss, but for my mental health as well. As adults, we carry many burdens, but that hour I spend in the gym focused solely on myself dramatically impacts how the rest of my day unfolds.

After surgery, I was invited to join an online support group where I found a community of people who had their procedures at various clinics (not at New Jersey Bariatric Center). Almost everyone shared positive experiences with significant weight loss results like mine. There was just one member who repeatedly posted about how "gastric sleeve surgery ruined my life", claiming a bad experience. Interestingly, no one else in the group seemed to share her sentiments or negative outcomes.

Seeing that isolated post made me appreciate my own journey and ongoing support from NJBC even more. Beyond the physical transformation, the biggest change has been learning to love myself.

How Gastric Sleeve Improved My Life Beyond the Scale 

Daily activities that once left me winded and embarrassed are now effortless. Simple things people take for granted—climbing stairs, playing with children, shopping for clothes in regular stores—are now joyful experiences rather than sources of anxiety and pain.

Since my weight loss with NJBC, I can now stay on the stairmaster for over an hour without stopping. This would not be possible without having gastric sleeve surgery - it did not ruin my life, it improved it. My stamina isn't just better—it's completely transformed!

The physical changes are remarkable, but the emotional freedom is priceless. I no longer plan my day around avoiding physical exertion or worry about fitting in chairs at restaurants or theaters. I live without the constant burden of obesity holding me back.

How I Avoided Loose Skin & Hair Loss

I was initially terrified about potential loose skin and hair loss after surgery, but I experienced neither of these side effects. From my very first meeting at NJBC, I started taking biotin and collagen supplements, which were absolute game changers for my recovery process.

I have recommended and will continue to recommend New Jersey Bariatric Center® to anyone considering weight loss surgery. However, I always emphasize that surgery isn't for everyone – it's a personal decision that requires commitment and readiness for significant lifestyle changes.

Putting Myself First, Gave Me a Second Chance

Do this for YOU! You are the main character in your own story. When you take care of yourself, everything else in your life improves—your relationships, your career, your mental health, and your future.

In just seven months with NJBC, I've lost 97 pounds, but I've gained something priceless—a second chance at life. My health was heading toward serious medical issues but now I'm healthier. I now have confidence when I used to hide from the world. I've gained energy when I used to be exhausted by simple tasks. Gastric sleeve was the tool that jumpstarted my weight loss and gave me a second chance at life, not ruin it.

The best part? This isn't a temporary fix. With the support of NJBC, I now have the tools, habits, and mindset to maintain my success for life. Gastric sleeve surgery did not ruin my life, it improved it. If you've tried everything else like I had, surgery might be the answer you've been searching for.

FAQs: Common Questions About Gastric Sleeve Surgery