Every morning, I woke up feeling drained.
As usual, my body ached when I stood up, and my reflection in the mirror didn’t help much either.
I’d sigh, grab my phone, and scroll through social media. Friends were posting vacation pictures, hiking adventures, and family gatherings while I was stuck on the couch, in pain, feeling utterly miserable.
But that wasn’t the worst part.
The worst part was knowing that my weight was controlling my life.
The Struggle Was Real
Before I made the decision to undergo weight loss surgery, life felt like a never-ending battle with my body. Simple things, like tying my shoes or playing with my kids, became insurmountable tasks.
I couldn’t walk up a flight of stairs without stopping halfway to catch my breath. My knees ached all the time. My back hurt from carrying the extra weight. And, worst of all, I was embarrassed to even leave the house. I avoided social events, family gatherings, and even casual outings with friends because I was ashamed of how I looked and felt.
Even simple tasks like grocery shopping felt like marathons. I’d get winded after pushing a cart around the store, and sometimes, I couldn’t make it to the checkout without feeling like I was going to collapse.
My health was deteriorating, and I could feel it every single day. I was at my lowest point.
The Turning Point
Then, one day, I sat down with my primary care doctor. He told me, point-blank, that I was at risk for serious health issues — diabetes, heart disease, sleep apnea, and even joint problems, all of which were exacerbated by my weight.
That’s when he brought up weight loss surgery.
At first, I was hesitant. I was scared. I thought, “Is surgery really the answer? Can’t I do this on my own?”
My doctor looked me in the eyes and said, “You wouldn’t try to beat breast cancer on your own. Why do you want to try to beat obesity on your own?” He explained, “Sometimes, your body needs help. And this could be the turning point you need.”
He explained that weight loss surgery, especially when combined with healthy habits and lifestyle changes, could offer a permanent solution.
I went home, thinking about his words, and after much consideration and discussion with my family, I decided to take the leap. I scheduled a consultation with the Nicholson Clinic to learn more. The idea of finally getting my life back was too powerful to ignore.
Insurance Didn’t Cover My Weight Loss Surgery but There Was a Solution: Weight Loss Surgery Only $4,500
The Nicholson Clinic insurance advocate checked my insurance and informed me that I didn’t have bariatric coverage, but I could self-pay for the procedure. This would be $10,500 or I could finance for $284/month, or, if I needed surgery for another condition, I may be able to use insurance for that procedure and add-on a weight loss procedure for only $4,500 or $122/month. I decided to go to my consultation to explore my options.
When asked about my medical history, I explained that I have been diagnosed with gallstones in the past, and that I often have upper right abdominal pain after eating.
Dr. Nicholson explained that this is very common with patients who are overweight. Excess body fat can increase cholesterol levels in bile, which is a key factor in gallstone formation. Dr. Nicholson ordered some tests, and it turned out that I will need gallbladder removal at some point, and that it’s better to remove it as a scheduled procedure rather than an emergency room visit.
The good news was the Nicholson Clinic was able to remove my gallbladder and add on a weight loss procedure all in one surgery session. I used insurance to cover my gallbladder removal and paid 60% less for a gastric sleeve at the same time. The cost-savings was incredible!
The Surgery: My Path to a New Healthier, Pain-Free Life
I won’t sugarcoat it — I was nervous for surgery, but the procedure itself was quick, and the recovery time was relatively short.
The procedure was outpatient, so I was home the same day. The first few days post-surgery were the hardest. I was tired, sore, and had to adjust to a liquid-only diet. But after a week, I noticed something different. I felt lighter, more energized, and, surprisingly, pain-free.
Every day, I saw improvement. My energy levels skyrocketed. I started walking more, and within two weeks, I could feel the weight literally lifting off my body.
A Life Transformed
The changes were dramatic. By the end of the first month, I had already lost 20 pounds and my reflux was gone. And it wasn’t just the physical attributes that had changed. My whole outlook on life was different.
Each month that past, I kept on losing weight, being more active and feeling better. I could walk for miles without feeling winded. I wasn’t afraid to try on clothes anymore. I was able to do things I hadn’t been able to do in years — like run around with my kids at the park. And best of all, my joints no longer ached.
Something inside me shifted, and I felt like a completely new person.
A New Lease on Life: It Was All Worth It
Looking back, it’s hard to believe how far I’ve come in such a short amount of time. I went from being bedridden by my own body to enjoying life again. Weight loss surgery wasn’t just a physical transformation—it was an emotional one, too. It helped me reclaim my confidence and happiness.
Sure, there were challenges, but every single day since my surgery has been a victory. I’m now living the life I always dreamed of—active, healthy, and happy. I’ve reconnected with old friends, gone on hiking trips, and, most importantly, I’ve rediscovered what it feels like to truly enjoy life.
If you’re reading this and struggling like I was, I want you to know this: there is hope. Weight loss surgery isn’t for everyone, but for me, it was the catalyst I needed to turn my life around. It gave me a second chance to live the life I always imagined.
And if I can do it, so can you.
This blog is based on stories of several of Nicholson Clinic patients combined. We’ve helped over 25,000 patients lose weight and live healthier happier lives. We can help you too! If you’re ready for a change, contact us today! 972-494-3100 or www.NicholsonClinic.com
