Meet Tamela

What was life like before bariatric surgery?
Before I had the life-changing surgery I was on all kinds of medication for high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, gout, back pain, and knee pain. I was so ashamed of myself and hated getting “the look” when I was out in public. I would feel like everyone was staring and judging. I just stopped going out unless I had to. I wouldn’t go rafting with my family. I wouldn’t ride a horse (I have a huge passion for horses). I felt like a complete failure and didn’t even want to see the doctor because I knew I’d have to get on a scale. My highest weight was 273.

If you put off the decision to come in for a long time, why was that? What kept you from booking a consultation?
My son had the Switch procedure and had lost almost 200 pounds in less than a year. I decided I should give it a try. Surgery is a big step but in my mind, I had tried everything else and failed. Why not try one more time.

What was it like to work with the team, from the start of your journey to today?
 The staff is awesome! I never once felt like I was being judged or looked down on. They genuinely want to help. The Doctors are awesome too. They made sure I understood everything about what changes might take place and helped me decide the best course of action for me. They coordinated with my primary care doctor to ensure that I was able to tolerate the surgery. They trained me on eating right and changed me from living to eat to eating to live. They are doing everything to help me succeed instead of failing. 

What is your life like now? What’s the #1 thing you love being able to do now?
The thing I love most is being able to let my grandkids sit on the lap I never had before. I don’t hang my head in public. I’m off a lot of medication. I haven’t gotten the opportunity yet, but I am going to ride a zip line and go parasailing! I’m also looking into getting my horse!
I went from a miserable, unhappy person to a happy, daredevil! (probably not that adventurous). I’ve even gone shopping in a western wear store!!