When we first introduced you to Tracy Mason, she was six months post-op and already realizing a successful journey after weight loss surgery. That was March of 2014. Today, Tracy has celebrated her one-year “surgiversary” and is checking back in with us to share more about new milestones reached.
I had my surgery September 24, 2013. I was having a difficult time getting any weight off. I had tried so many diets and failed. I was getting so heavy, approaching 300 pounds and embarrassed to have my picture taken. I decided it was time to get help.
My neighbor had gastric bypass 12 years ago and told me about Dr. Kirk. The actual healing from the surgery didn't take that long - about a month. The weight loss was so rapid I was a different size every other week. Exercise became natural and very routine once I was able to do it. Shedding all that weight made working out so much easier.
The support from my friends and family has been amazing. They have all encouraged me and given me the confidence I needed to begin this new life. The hardest part for me is the emotional stigma I still carry from being overweight for so many years. I still ask my husband if I look fat. It just stays with you for a long time.
My life is very different now than a year ago. I am more confident. I look people in the eye when I talk to them. I am not ashamed of what I look like. I get noticed more and that is a very foreign feeling. I think when you are overweight you are used to living in the shadows - not really wanting to draw much attention to yourself, because of your appearance.
This has been like an opening of my soul. My personality has started to shine and I feel great about myself - not just the way I look, but the way I feel and how people perceive me.
The decision to have this surgery was easy. The commitment was not. I know so many people say surgery is the “easy way out”, but I can assure you it is not. I have learned so much from this process and experience. I learned a lot about who I am. It takes dedication and hard work. It takes strength and perseverance. It takes will and want.
I didn't enter into this lightly and I am 100 percent happy with my choice and results. Every single person I have worked with or encountered at The Center for Bariatrics at Bailey Medical Center has been wonderful. They were all rooting for me and had my best interests at heart. I really feel blessed to be a part of this amazing team and amazing journey.
Are you ready for a change? Please join us for one of our upcoming free weight loss seminars. Click here for dates and to register.