Deciding to Have Weight Loss Surgery: A Candid Conversation with a Patient and Her Surgeon

The decision to have bariatric surgery is deeply personal and often emotional. For many, it comes after years of struggling with weight, failed diets, and feelings of shame or defeat. In this candid conversation, Laura Doyon, MD, bariatric surgeon at Emerson Health, speaks with her patient, Celina Leger, about how she decided to pursue surgery, the fears she had before her operation, and the life-changing success she has experienced since.

Struggling Before Surgery: “I Lost Myself”

For Celina, years of unsuccessful dieting and rapid weight gain left her feeling hopeless.

Fad diets, medications, and weight-loss attempts always failed.
She describes feeling “miserable in her skin” both physically and emotionally.
She needed to lose about 100 pounds, a number that felt overwhelming.

“I was smiling on the outside, but inside I felt like a failure. I didn’t recognize myself anymore.” – Celina

Initial Reaction: Offended, Ashamed, and Unsure

When her primary care physician first suggested bariatric surgery, Celina resisted.

She felt she “wasn’t big enough” for surgery, comparing herself to extreme cases seen on television.
She was ashamed at the thought of needing surgical help.
She worried about the risks: hair loss, loose skin, lifelong vitamins, or even dying on the operating table.

Dr. Doyon reassured her:

Candidacy isn’t about looking “big enough”—patients qualify with a BMI of 40, or 35 with health conditions.
Hair thinning is common but temporary, with regrowth noticeable within a year.
At Emerson, patients are not forced to lose weight before surgery to “prove themselves.” Instead, dietitians teach healthy habits to ensure long-term success.

Finding Hope Based on Expertise at Emerson Health

Celina’s fears shifted once she learned more about the program at Emerson:

Support without judgment – “I wasn’t told to prove my worth by losing weight first.”
Accurate information – Replacing online myths with evidence-based answers from surgeons.
A true partnership – Knowing she would not go through the journey alone.

Life After Bariatric Surgery: Confidence and Health Restored

A year after surgery, Celina had lost over 105 pounds and reached her goal weight. But the changes went far beyond the scale:

Confidence and happiness: “I’m smiling from the inside now.”
Stronger relationships: She and her friends enjoy being active together.
Fitness goals: Training for a 5K, riding her Peloton, and teaching dance without exhaustion.
Role model for others: Inspiring her teenage dancers, children, and peers.
Healthy relationship with food: Viewing it as fuel rather than stress relief or entertainment.

“I am living life now, not just existing. Food does not control me anymore.” – Celina

A Surgeon’s Perspective: Partnership and Empowerment

Dr. Doyon emphasizes that weight loss surgery is not the “easy way out”. It is a powerful medical tool, but lasting success depends on the patient’s commitment.

“We do the surgery, but patients like Celina make it a success. This is a partnership. Her determination, paired with the surgery, changed her life.” – Dr. Laura Doyon

Key Takeaways

How do you know if you qualify for bariatric surgery?
Patients typically qualify with a BMI of 40, or 35 with related conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, or sleep apnea.
Do you have to lose weight before bariatric surgery?
Not at Emerson. Instead of fad diets, the team focuses on teaching sustainable, healthy eating habits before and after surgery.
What are the benefits of bariatric surgery?
Beyond weight loss, patients often experience improved confidence, stronger relationships, better mobility, and reduced risk of chronic diseases.

Start Your Journey at Emerson Health

If Celina’s story resonates with you, know that you are not alone. Bariatric surgery is a safe, effective treatment for obesity, and the compassionate team at Emerson Health is here to support you every step of the way.

Take the First Step

Give us a call at the Emerson Center for Weight Loss at 978-287-3532

Learn More