Tess Siemer

Surgery Date: February 28, 2019
Starting Weight: 233 lbs.
Current Weight: 146 lbs.

What made you decide to have weight loss surgery?  I had spent 15 years trying to lose weight, one diet or exercise program after another, over and over again I would see no results. I had gotten to the point where I knew I had to make a huge change to get my health to where it needed to be, and it was the best decision I could have ever made for myself. 

How long did it take for you to decide to have weight loss surgery?  Too long, I would say about 5-7 years. I had been researching weight loss surgery, but still thought I could battle my weight on my own, so I kept trying.

Did anyone either encourage or discourage you from having surgery?  Most people encouraged me, and knew that it was necessary for my health. There were some that thought what I was doing was drastic and voiced that to me. However, at the end of the day it is my body, my health, and my future.

What do you wish you'd know before the surgery?  I wish I had been able to see where I am now....I would have gotten this surgery years ago.

What kind of things are you able to do now that may have been difficult or impossible to do before surgery?  I am able to RUN, and I enjoy running. I can sit comfortably literally anywhere...all of my towels fit me without having to be an actual beach towel. I have so much energy that I can barely contain it. I have a brand new wardrobe of things that make me feel confident and comfortable. There are so many non-scale victories in my life day to day that its impossible to list them all. 

Which conditions or diseases have you seen decrease or disappear since your surgery?  I have PCOS - my periods were never regular, I would get horrible headaches, and I would get terrible acne, and strange mood swings. Also, because of my weight with having PCOS, the probability of being able to have a child was very slim. Since I have dropped the weight, my face has cleared, I can plan my period, my hormones are normal, and I am finally fertile and can have a child if I choose to do so.

Besides the external changes you have experienced, how has surgery altered your outlook on life, your emotions, and/or your relationships?  The person I was before surgery was a person that was stuck in the horrible cycle of try and fail, try and fail and when you fail it only discourages any future efforts. The person I am today is finally on the other side of those failures. I did it - I finally achieved my health goals. This brought me confidence in everything I do,  and I try things I would have never tried before. I am proud of myself and remind myself that any time things get a little messy, my relationships have improved tremendously, my loved ones can see the change in my attitude and they can see the happiness I feel and it has only brought us closer.

When did you decide to have surgery with Dr. Eibes?  Pretty much as soon as I went to the first appointment for consultation.

What would you say about Dr. Eibes and his team?  I am overjoyed with the fact that I get to be a patient at this facility. Everyone is so kind and personable. They know you by name and they treat you like family - yes that sounds corny, but its very true. They answer any questions you may have, and they always do what they can to make sure you're comfortable.

What would you tell someone who is considering weight loss surgery?  I would tell them to assess their personal situation and see if its a right move for them as an individual. For me, it absolutely was! If you are someone who has struggled with weight loss for many years and need the extra push and the extra help then do it. This was the best tool in my weight loss I could have ever asked for.

Any additional information you would like to share?  Reminder: Self-care is not selfish.