At nearly 30, Katie had struggled with her weight since the age of four, facing bullying, self-esteem issues, and the emotional impact of comfort eating. After years of trying various diets and battling with weight loss and regaining cycles, Katie’s journey took a pivotal turn when she decided to undergo bariatric surgery with Dr. Tuna Bilecik in Adana, Turkey. Today, her story is one of courage, perseverance, and transformation.
A Lifelong Struggle with Weight:
Katie’s weight issues began at a very young age, and by the time she was 13 or 14, she weighed over 18 stone. Although she successfully lost 5 stone at 15 through dieting, she found herself stuck in the restrictive world of diet culture, where constant food limitations only led to unhappiness. After giving birth to her first child at 18, Katie’s weight once again spiralled, and despite numerous attempts with weight loss programs like Weight Watchers and Slimming World, she found herself trapped in a cycle of losing weight and regaining it. The guilt and shame surrounding food took a toll on her mental health, and she knew she needed a change.
The Turning Point: Considering Bariatric Surgery
Katie’s wake-up call came when she was diagnosed with severe sleep apnoea. Stopping breathing 50 times per hour, she was exhausted, could barely walk down the road, and had a long-standing desire to try for a second child. After years of failed diets, Katie and her husband had a heart-to-heart conversation where he asked if she would ever consider surgery. Though she had previously dismissed the idea, she realised that she needed help beyond what traditional diets could offer.
“I had always said ‘no’ to surgery, thinking I could lose weight on my own,” Katie shared. “But after much research and encouragement from my husband, I started to consider it seriously.”
Katie’s research led her to Dr. Tuna Bilecik, and after speaking to Anna from his team, she felt an instant sense of support and confidence in his expertise. “Dr. Tuna had amazing reviews, and everything about his clinic reassured me,” Katie said. “I knew I had made the right choice.”
The Surgery Decision: Trusting Dr. Tuna’s Expertise
Katie had spent most of her life struggling with her weight, and despite trying every diet under the sun, nothing worked in the long term. When she finally realised that bariatric surgery was her best option, she chose the mini gastric bypass after Dr. Tuna’s expert recommendation based on her size, health history, and eating habits.
“I initially wanted a gastric sleeve, but after Dr. Tuna’s consultation, I trusted his advice and went with the bypass. It was the best decision,” she said.
Although she had some general fears about being put under anaesthesia, Katie was confident in her choice of surgeon and felt at ease knowing her husband would be by her side throughout the process.
The Surgery Experience: A Smooth Procedure
Katie arrived in Adana on a Sunday night and was immediately taken through all the necessary pre-op tests. The following morning, she was one of the first patients to go down for surgery. “Dr. Tuna and his team were so relaxed, which made me feel more comfortable,” Katie recalled. By late morning, she was back in her room recovering.
Despite some initial discomfort, including gas pain and nausea, Katie received excellent care, and by the third day, her recovery was progressing smoothly. “The gas pain was awful, but walking, sipping water, and trusting that it would pass made all the difference,” Katie explained.
Post-Surgery Recovery: A Steady Road to Wellness
Recovery was tough initially, particularly on the day of the surgery, but Katie was given plenty of support and medication to ease her discomfort. By the time she flew home on the Thursday, she was feeling much better. “I followed the post-op guidelines religiously, which I believe helped make my recovery smoother,” she said. “Within a week, I felt almost back to normal, ready to return to work.”
Embracing a New Life: Weight Loss and Lifestyle Changes
Since her surgery, Katie has lost an impressive 10 stone 4 pounds, even though her weight loss journey was slowed by a pregnancy just six months post-op. “I lost weight during the first half of my pregnancy and then maintained it, only gaining 1lb by the end,” she said. “It took a few months for my brain to catch up, but now seeing the changes is incredible.”
Katie’s relationship with food has completely transformed. She’s now more mindful about fuelling her body properly but also enjoys the freedom of eating what she loves without guilt. “I’m much more conscious about eating for nourishment, but I still get to enjoy food, which is a huge change,” she shared.
Katie has also incorporated regular exercise into her routine. She aims for a 30-minute walk every day, takes part in an exercise class once a week, and is slowly returning to the gym. “It’s so much easier to move now!” she said with a smile.
Emotional and Mental Health: A Boost in Confidence
The physical transformation has been remarkable, but the emotional benefits have been just as significant. “My confidence has improved beyond words,” Katie said. “I don’t feel like people are staring at me or judging me when I walk down the street. I can buy clothes easily now, and I don’t take up all the space around me.”
Self-esteem has been a lifelong battle for Katie, but the surgery has provided a new sense of hope. “This surgery didn’t just save my life; it saved my self-esteem too,” she explained.
Advice for Others Considering Bariatric Surgery
Katie’s advice to others who are considering bariatric surgery is simple yet powerful: “Take the plunge. Trust the surgeon you’ve chosen. You’ve done your research, and you know you’re in safe hands.”
She also emphasises the importance of not letting the opinions of others sway your decision. “There are always horror stories, but you’ve got to do what’s right for you,” she said. “For me, the only regret I have is not doing it sooner.”
Looking Ahead: A Bright Future
Katie’s future goals are clear: she aims to lose another 2 stone before focusing on fitness and eventually having skin removal surgery. “Everything is within reach now,” she said.
More than anything, Katie is embracing the new opportunities that come with her transformed health. “I can say yes to so much more now,” she said with a smile. “I was always over the weight limit for everything before. But now, I’ve been on a tree top adventure at Go Ape, taken my eldest to a trampoline park, and so much more.”
The most significant impact, however, has been on her overall quality of life. “I can walk for miles now, go shopping every day, and I’m free from sleep apnoea,” she shared. “I’m so thankful I can be here for my kids and enjoy life with them. Dr. Tuna, thank you!”
