Michele's Journey Through Bariatric Surgery

Hi, my name is Michele. I live in Wyoming. I am 36 years old. I have lived all my life in the West Michigan area.  I am married to a wonderful husband named Steve.  I have amazing friends and family. I work for Shoppers’ View and MC Sports. I am an avid NASCAR fan and Dale Earnhardt Jr. is my favorite driver. I enjoy spending time with family and friends, reading, and attending concerts or movies. I am a cat lover and we have two cats named Sami and Peyton.

I have struggled with a weight problem my entire life. I do not remember a time in my life when I was not overweight. I have tried every diet and weight management program at least two or three times. Nothing that I have tried has had any lasting results. After much research and discussion, I have decided to have bariatric surgery. I am going to be having a duodenal switch surgery. I am positive that this will allow me to lose the excess weight that I need to. 

I am inviting everyone to join in my journey. My main goal during this process is to get healthy and to be able to lead a normal life. There are many things that are stopping me from living my life. I also want to be able to help people. Surgery is not as risky as it used to be. I want people to see that surgery is a useful tool that will allow people like me to lose my extra weight and live a healthy life. My hope is that I can encourage others, and at the same time have people encourage me. I am dedicated to this journey and I know that I am going to make it.