This story was sent to us by Marina Kuznetsova, and we are happy to share it with you because it shows how determination and courage can completely change your life.
Despite my attractive appearance (not to brag), my excess weight made me look awkward and even somewhat deficient. Especially compared to my sister, who is two years older than me (I am now 34).
I first realized that something was wrong with my metabolism at the age of 25–26, when my weight was already around 85 kg. By the age of 30, the scales showed 136 kg. It took me another two years to understand that an urgent reassessment of my mindset and concrete interventions were necessary. I clearly remember the moment: I simply could not help my child try on new shoes — I couldn’t bend over because of fat folds.
That same day, I booked a paid consultation with an endocrinologist. According to the tests he prescribed, the situation was extremely serious: very high cholesterol, acid reflux, and some liver problems (I don’t remember the exact details). In addition, I already had a confirmed diagnosis — moderate-stage type 2 diabetes.
In the end, the doctor concluded that standard diets and other gentle weight-loss methods would not be enough, there was no time to waste, and trying them could only worsen my clinical condition.
The only progressive solution was a bariatric surgery, specifically gastric bypass. According to the doctor, bypass is just one of the methods, but in my case, it was the only effective solution. Simply put, during the surgery, part of the stomach is restructured to create a bypass (a small “pouch”) so that food goes directly into the intestines. This makes digestion much easier.
Despite a small risk of postoperative complications (10–20% depending on the severity of obesity), it was very scary, but I still agreed to the surgery. The appointment at a specialized private clinic was scheduled two months ahead, even though the services were paid and far from cheap (equivalent to almost $1,600 USD). I completed all the necessary tests two weeks before hospitalization.
The surgery went smoothly, and the rehabilitation period lasted 2–3 months, which is reportedly twice as fast as the average case. Perhaps the surgeon’s high qualification and the clinic’s reputation played a role. I won’t advertise, but I will say that I had the operation in Kyiv. So, what was the result?
Over the past year and a half, I have lost slightly more than 53 kg, and I bet this is far from the limit. I dropped 7 clothing sizes! And I barely follow any diet. My daily diet now includes bread and pastries, cereals, and soups. Occasionally, I allow myself boiled beef. I have been going to fitness for a year, and generally, I lead an active lifestyle — I even helped my daughter participate in “Fun Starts.”
In summary, I can confidently recommend gastric bypass surgery to patients with severe obesity, especially those diagnosed with diabetes.
Author
A bariatric surgeon with many years of experience helping patients improve their health and quality of life.
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