Hello, my name is Julie, and I want to share my success story with bariatric surgery and how it has completely transformed my life. For the best part of my adult life, I struggled with my weight. I was a miserable and unhappy person who lacked confidence, constantly feeling that my weight was holding me back. Despite trying countless diets and weight loss plans, I found myself stuck in a vicious cycle. I’d lose some weight, only to revert to old habits, feeling ashamed and defeated. No matter what I tried, I couldn’t get a grip on my weight. I often watched others succeed where I had failed, and that made me feel even more lost and hopeless.
The Turning Point: Discovering Bariatric Surgery
There were many times when I thought about the idea of weight loss surgery, but I always talked myself out of it. It seemed drastic, and I wasn’t sure if it was the right solution for me. But something changed when a close friend of mine had bariatric surgery in the UK. I was amazed by how much happier, healthier, and more confident she became. That was when I began doing deeper research into the procedure, realising it wasn’t as drastic as I once thought – it was what I needed to help break free from my food addiction. I had to take control of my health, something I had always known was important but hadn’t truly committed to until now.
I knew that I couldn’t afford the high prices in the UK, so I began exploring weight loss surgery abroad. That’s when I found an affordable yet highly respected option – Dr. Tuna Bilecik. I joined a Facebook group dedicated to people who had undergone surgery, and Dr. Tuna’s name kept coming up again and again as the surgeon to go to. The more I researched, the more convinced I became that he was the right choice for me.
The Decision: Booking with Dr. Tuna
I was nervous about going abroad for surgery, but I reached out to Verity, the UK coordinator for Dr. Tuna. After hearing her personal story and how supportive she was, I felt validated and understood. For the first time, I didn’t feel judged about my decision. Verity helped me every step of the way, and after speaking with her in February, I was on a flight to Turkey by April for my surgery. The decision was made, and I was ready for the life-changing journey ahead.
My Experience with Dr. Tuna and His Team
From the moment I arrived in Turkey, I knew I was in good hands. Verity was there for me every step of the way, assisting with the process and making sure I was never left in the dark. She was more than just a coordinator; she was a true travel companion, offering emotional support and walking me through every test, consultation, and step of the journey. It was comforting to know that Verity and the team had all gone through the same surgery, which gave me peace of mind.
The hospital staff, led by Dr. Tuna, provided exceptional care. I felt like I was in a five-star hotel, and Dr. Tuna personally checked in on me every day to ensure I was comfortable and getting the support I needed. I never felt rushed, never felt alone. I was given everything I needed, from the surgery itself to the recovery process, and left the hospital with a bag full of helpful goodies to kickstart my new lifestyle.
The Aftermath: Life Post-Surgery
The transition after surgery was smoother than I had ever expected. While I did struggle a bit with eating slowly, leading to some uncomfortable foamies early on, I quickly learned how to listen to my body. I now know when I’m full, and though I sometimes eat faster than I should, I’ve managed to avoid the foamies. It wasn’t an easy adjustment, but it was a worthwhile one.
More than just the physical changes, the emotional transformation was immediate. I began to feel better about myself, about my body, and my relationship with food. For the first time in my life, I wasn’t obsessing over food or planning my next cheat meal. It was no longer about dieting – it was about living a healthier, more balanced life. Over time, I grew more comfortable with my new lifestyle, and I began seeing visible changes in my body and mindset. I gained confidence, started to feel more empowered, and developed a healthier relationship with food.
The Support of Family: A Shared Journey
One of the best things to come out of this entire journey was that my daughter, inspired by my success, also chose to undergo the same surgery with Dr. Tuna. Her transformation has been incredible, and she has lost an astounding 8 and a half stone. Our lives have changed in ways we never imagined, and we now share the same confidence and love for life. We no longer obsess over food – it’s just a part of life, not the focus of it. We’ve become better versions of ourselves, and we owe so much of that to Dr. Tuna and his team.
Looking Back: No Regrets, Only Gratitude
It’s been nearly three years since my surgery, and I’ve lost 5 and a half stone. I’ve gone through menopause, and I feel more sane and centred than I ever have before. My journey wasn’t about becoming a “skinny minnie” or achieving some unrealistic standard. I simply wanted to be healthy, happy, and confident – and that’s exactly what I’ve found. If you’d asked me a few years ago if I had any regrets, I would’ve said that I wish I’d done it sooner. I could have been living this happy, healthy life for the past 30 years instead of wasting all that time struggling with my weight.
Dr. Tuna has literally saved my life, and I’ll be forever grateful for his care, expertise, and dedication to his patients. To this day, he’s only a phone call, email, or WhatsApp message away – a testament to his commitment to his patients. I trust him with my life, and I know I made the right decision when I chose him as my surgeon.
So, to Dr. Tuna and his amazing team – thank you. You’ve not just changed my life; you’ve changed the lives of my family, and we will be eternally grateful for your support.
Thank you, Dr. Tuna ❤️
If you’re considering bariatric surgery, take it from me – it’s not a drastic decision. It’s a life-saving, transformative choice. Don’t let fear hold you back from taking control of your health. I did it, and so can you.
