Hi, I’m Joey Hooke, a 41-year-old wife, mother of two boys (aged 14 and 10), and resident of Salisbury. My journey with weight loss has been long, emotional, and filled with ups and downs. Today, I want to share my experience with bariatric surgery and how it has transformed my life.
A Lifelong Struggle
I’ve struggled with my weight for as long as I can remember. As a child, I was bigger than my peers and endured years of bullying throughout school. Unfortunately, this didn’t stop when I left school; I became desperate to lose weight and tried every diet, pill, shake, patch, and even harmful behaviours like making myself sick.
Becoming a police officer at 19 only heightened my self-consciousness. For years, I’ve suffered from body dysmorphia and sought counselling to help change the way I viewed myself. My battles with PCOS and endometriosis—which took over 12 years to diagnose—have also had a huge impact on my weight and health.
When a good friend told me about her life-changing experience with bariatric surgery performed by Dr. Tuna Bilecik, I was intrigued. I did my research and quickly realised it was the right choice for me.
Deciding on Bariatric Surgery
By the time I decided to have bariatric surgery, I felt like I had exhausted every other option. Surgery felt like my last chance to reclaim my health and happiness.
The idea of the surgery itself didn’t scare me—I was ready for the change—but the thought of travelling to Turkey alone did make me a little nervous. However, the incredible support I received from Dr. Tuna and his team reassured me that I was making the right decision.
Surgery Day and Recovery
I underwent a gastric sleeve procedure, and the care I received was exceptional. I arrived at the hospital early on a Tuesday morning and was greeted by warm and professional nurses who showed me to my room. Initially scheduled for the following day, I was surprised (and excited) to find that there was an earlier opening, so I had all my pre-operative tests and was ready for surgery within hours.
Dr. Tuna met me just before I went under anaesthesia, which further calmed my nerves.
Post-surgery, the recovery process was smoother than I had expected. The biggest challenge was gas pain, which can be intense, but walking every hour made a huge difference. I also made lifelong friends while recovering, bonding over card games in the communal area.
The Journey Post-Surgery
Recovery for me was straightforward—I stayed hydrated with lots of water and apple juice and listened to my body. Within a few months, I began noticing significant changes. Since starting this journey, I’ve lost 5.5 stone, and I couldn’t be happier with the results.
My eating habits have shifted entirely. I’ve always preferred smaller meals throughout the day, and now they’re even smaller. Staying active has also been a big part of maintaining my progress—I play netball 2-3 times a week and run 6-8 miles regularly.
The Emotional Impact
While bariatric surgery has significantly improved my confidence, I still battle body dysmorphia and some lingering insecurities. That said, my self-esteem is higher than it has ever been, and I’m incredibly proud of how far I’ve come.
Advice for Others Considering Bariatric Surgery
For anyone considering bariatric surgery, especially with Dr. Tuna Bilecik in Adana, Turkey, my advice is simple: do your research, and don’t hesitate if it feels right for you.
- Expect gas pain but stay mobile—it’s the best remedy.
- Stay hydrated and listen to your body during recovery.
- Don’t be afraid to make friends during the process—it helps to share the experience.
- Remember, surgery is a tool, not a magic fix. You’ll need to make lifestyle changes to maintain your results.
Looking back, I wouldn’t change a thing. If weight has been a lifelong struggle for you, this surgery can be a life-changing tool. It’s not just about the physical changes—it’s about reclaiming your health, confidence, and happiness.
If you’re on the fence about taking this step, trust yourself and know that with the right support, you can achieve amazing things. I’m living proof. 💙
