"My surgical journey started in the early spring of 2019. However, my battle with food and obesity began many years ago. I was the queen of dieting; I could lose with the best of them.
"I tried weight watchers, low carb/high fat, even resorted to diet pills. The end result was always the same, gain back all I had lost plus more. Depression was a constant in my life also. I hated myself and the way I looked. People always said, "You have such a pretty face," which translated to "thank God you do because the rest of you sucks." That was my interpretation anyway.
I had wanted gastric bypass surgery for years, but I couldn't afford it as a single mother. Then I found Dr. McLaughlin and her team who performed gastric sleeve surgeries. I saved money for my portion of the surgery and completed all of the necessary pre-surgery activities. I was so incredibly excited to undergo the procedure. She and her team were so professional and, at the same time, so very caring. To say the surgery changed, my life is an understatement. It was the best decision that I have ever made. I am so happy with the results. My borderline diabetes is gone, no more sleep apnea machine, shopping for clothes is fun! The change in eating was acceptable to me following surgery. I had to learn to eat smaller portions and to chew thoroughly. I simply have absolutely no regrets. I would definitely do it all over again."