Joleen’s story is one of resilience, determination, and transformation. Hailing from the historic city of York, she has lived through the challenges of yo-yo dieting for much of her life. But in 2021, after a period of intense self-reflection and prioritising the care of her loved ones over her own health, Joleen made a bold decision that would change her life forever—she opted for bariatric surgery with the highly regarded Dr Tuna Bilecik.
A Turning Point: Putting Myself First
For years, Joleen found herself in the cycle of yo-yo dieting, trying various plans to lose weight, only to find herself back at square one time and time again. But it wasn’t just the struggle with weight loss that made Joleen realise something had to change. After caring for her mother, she found herself neglecting her own health and wellbeing, and her weight steadily crept up. As the days passed, Joleen realised her health was at risk, and something needed to shift.
In 2021, she made the courageous decision to undergo bariatric surgery. It wasn’t an easy choice, but it was one that would allow her to take control of her health in a lasting way. “I had spent so many years caring for others, particularly my mum, and had neglected myself,” Joleen shares. “It was time to make a decision that would benefit me, and my health had to come first.”
The Ultimate Birthday Gift: A New Beginning
For Joleen, her bariatric surgery wasn’t just about losing weight—it was a turning point in her life, a moment of rebirth. She made the empowering decision to have the surgery the day before her birthday, giving herself the best birthday present she could ever ask for: the gift of health, self-care, and a new lease on life.
“I flew out the day before my birthday,” Joleen recalls. “It felt like the perfect time to make a change. Instead of indulging in things that didn’t benefit me, I decided to give myself the ultimate gift—a new start with the help of Dr Tuna Bilecik.”
The Right Surgeon: Why Dr Tuna Bilecik?
For Joleen, choosing the right surgeon was paramount to her success. After doing extensive research on many different surgeons, she was convinced that Dr Tuna Bilecik was the best fit for her. His expertise, track record, and compassionate approach made him stand out. “After researching countless surgeons, I knew Dr Tuna was the one. His reputation and care were second to none, and I felt reassured that I was in the best hands,” she says.
It was Dr Tuna Bilecik’s professionalism and support throughout the journey that gave Joleen the confidence to take the leap into surgery.
Three Years Later: An 8 Stone 2lb Transformation
Three years have passed since Joleen underwent surgery, and the results speak for themselves. She has successfully maintained a remarkable 8 stone 2lb weight loss, and the impact on her life has been transformative. However, Joleen is quick to point out that no day is the same. While some days her restriction is still high, other days she must remind herself of how far she has come and stay mindful of what she eats.
“Not every day is the same,” she says. “Some days I feel my restriction is still high, and I have to stay disciplined. But there are days when I need to remind myself just how far I’ve come, and stay conscious of what I’m eating.”
It’s this mindful approach that has helped her maintain her weight loss over the years. Her journey is not just about the numbers on the scale; it’s about changing the way she approaches food, health, and her overall well-being.
A Decision She’s Proud Of
Joleen is immensely proud of her decision to have bariatric surgery, and it’s a decision she believes was the best one she could have made. “It really has been the best decision I’ve ever made,” she says with confidence. “I’m proud of the progress I’ve made, and I know I’ve made a lasting change for my health and happiness.”
Her journey has also inspired her to get involved with Bariatrics and Beyond, where she can offer her support and share her experience with others who may be considering bariatric surgery. “One of the reasons I wanted to get on board with Bariatrics and Beyond is because I’m so proud of my journey,” Joleen shares. “I want to help others see that they can take control of their health too. The other reason is because, after all my research, I know Dr Tuna Bilecik is the best in the field.”
Moving Forward with Confidence
Joleen’s journey with bariatric surgery has been nothing short of life-changing. She has not only transformed her body but also her mindset. She’s learned to embrace her progress, take pride in her achievements, and, most importantly, never lose sight of how far she has come.
“I’ve learned to be kind to myself and celebrate every milestone,” she says. “This journey has taught me the importance of self-care, and I’ll never forget what a difference it has made to my life.”
Conclusion
Joleen’s success story is a testament to the power of making a life-changing decision when you prioritise your health. With the expertise of Dr Tuna Bilecik and her own dedication and determination, she has transformed her life and continues to inspire others on their own weight loss and health journeys.
If you’re considering bariatric surgery, Joleen’s story is a reminder that with the right support, mindset, and determination, you can achieve remarkable results. The journey may not always be easy, but with the right guidance and commitment, you can change your life, just as Joleen has done.
