“As I’m sure most bariatric patients can relate, I’ve battled my weight most of my life. I enjoyed food from an early age, and even as a child, I never considered that I was eating in an unhealthy way. Thankfully, I was very active and involved in sports at that age. Even though I was always the heavy girl at school and practice, my eating habits didn’t start to affect me and my weight until after high school.

For the next 20 years, I gained and lost weight more times than I can count. From good old fashioned “diet and exercise” to more extreme weight loss tactics, I had tried just about everything, some more successful than others. I always managed to lose weight but could never sustain it.

Flash forward to 2021. I was as unhealthy as I had ever been. It was breathtaking to do the simplest tasks. I felt lost and scared that I would never be healthy and give my then 3-year-old son the mom he deserved.

Bariatric surgery was always in the back of my mind, but I never thought it was an option for me. I was encouraged by family and friends to reach out for more information.

Walking into the office at Surgical Associates of Bayonet Point for my initial visit, weighing 447 lbs., I was still skeptical that a surgical solution was even possible for me. Dr. Fridley put my mind at ease by explaining that I was a good candidate for surgery and that he would help me every step of the way to make it possible. From that initial visit, I was motivated to change my life.

I made a lifestyle change immediately, allowing me to lose 75 lbs. before my surgery. I was given all the tools I needed to succeed in pre-op, post-op, and beyond. Dr. Fridley prepared me mentally and physically for the journey my body was about to undertake. It’s evident he cares about his patients and wants nothing but sustainable success for them.
My gastric bypass was performed on December 9th, 2021, and I haven’t looked back since. It’s been nearly 3 years, and I’m grateful every day that I have lost about 270 lbs. and so far, maintaining.

Words can’t do justice to the non-scale victories I still have today. I ride on roller coasters and planes, go to concerts and sporting events without worrying about how big the seats are, keep up with my very active 6-year-old son, and so much more. I find joy in working out and strength training, and I can’t wait to see how much more strong and healthy I can become. Sometimes, I pause when walking by a mirror because I forget I’m not the same woman anymore. These are things I do NOT take for granted.

At my one-year post-op visit, Dr. Fridley asked me if I had any regrets. I said, “Yes!” I only wish I had the courage to do it sooner.

This process is a lifelong journey. At times, it hasn’t been easy. I have good days and bad, but thankfully, I have all the tools I need to stay successful, and that’s due to Dr. Fridley and the amazing staff at SABP.

I am eternally grateful for them and this fantastic opportunity to live much longer and healthier life for myself and my son.”