Growing up, I was always skinny as a board. After having my first son at age 20, I put on a little weight, but for the most part, I managed to stay at an acceptable size. As I got older, though, the weight slowly started to creep up. Then, when we decided to expand our family in my 30s, the weight really began to pile on. I had my second and third sons almost back-to-back, never giving my body a chance to lose the baby weight in between.

I tried dieting. I tried going to the gym. I even tried Ozempic. Nothing seemed to help. It wasn’t until I started my first nursing job and learned that some of my coworkers had bariatric surgery with Dr. Fridley that I even realized it was an option for me.

I had my consultation with Dr. Fridley in September 2024 and scheduled my surgery for that December. I was nervous, but excited. I was nervous because I loved food—I was a true foodie—and the thought of not being able to enjoy food made me anxious. But I was excited to lose weight, become healthier, and be a better version of myself and a better mom.

I am now 18 months post-op, and I couldn’t be happier with my results.

My starting weight was 266 pounds with a BMI of 42.9. I wore a size 22 in jeans and a 2XL in tops and scrubs. 

I weigh 152 pounds with a BMI of 24.5. I wear a size 9 in jeans and a small in tops and scrubs. I have never felt better—both physically and mentally. I have a healthy relationship with food now. I can still enjoy the foods I’ve always loved, but I’m satisfied with an appropriate amount.

I had the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass procedure. It was the best option for me because I had uncontrollable GERD, and even at the young age of 33, it had already caused lesions on my esophagus. Waking up from surgery and never again feeling the burn of acid in my throat was a huge bonus! 

My feet and ankles no longer swell and ache after a long shift. I sleep better. There are truly endless benefits to this surgery.

Dr. Fridley and his team are the best. They’re kind, compassionate, and encouraging. You feel fully supported throughout your entire journey. If you’re on the fence about whether or not to have bariatric surgery, I’ll say this: the grass is definitely greener on this side. It will change your life, and the only regret you’ll have is not doing it sooner.