Posted - February 3, 2025

How Bariatric Surgery Gave Dee a New Lease on Life

Due to her obesity, Dee not only suffered from multiple comorbidities, but she also found herself "hiding" from life. After promising her dying father that she'd get healthy, Dee found Dr. Ayoola and that allowed her to find the best version of herself.

It’s a popular belief that people suffering from obesity must also be suffering from loads of guilt about being obese. And while this is true in many cases, another type of guilt is equally crushing and can be even more dangerous – the guilt they feel when considering weight loss surgery. For those on the outside, it seems silly to think that doing something proven to help a person overcome obesity would at the same time weigh them down with guilt…but it’s true and it can be a paralyzing feeling – one that prevents them from seeking the very help they need.

A Completely New Person
When Dee looks back on the person she was a year ago, it’s almost impossible to reconcile that version with who she is today. The journey hasn’t just been about weight loss — though she’s lost over 150 pounds in a year and gone from a size 26W to a size 8 in jeans. As Dee puts it, “This has been a journey of transformation, healing, and rediscovery.”

Dr. Ayoola performed the duodenal switch surgery that has given Dee a new lease on life. It’s not just a physical change; mentally, emotionally, and spiritually she’s experienced profound growth.

Life Before Surgery
As Dee recounts, “Before surgery, I was resigned to a life of increasing limitations. My weight was impacting my health and mobility. I avoided going to the doctor out of fear of confirmation that my body was breaking down under the strain. Standing for just a few moments was painful, and walking any significant distance felt impossible.”

Emotionally, she felt trapped. Grief from losing her parents, guilt over her weight and shame about how others might perceive her kept me from living her life. Dee hid from the world and avoided cameras, unable and unwilling to face what she had become.

Despite trying every diet, exercise regimen and weight loss solution imaginable, she couldn’t keep the weight off. Her metabolism was failing and she began to see signs of obesity-related health conditions. It was at this point, Dee knew something had to change.

The Decision to Pursue Bariatric Surgery
So what changed? As Dee recalls, ”Before my father passed, I promised him that I would get healthy. For years, I resisted weight loss surgery, convinced it was a shortcut or an admission of failure. But as my health deteriorated, I realized that it wasn’t about anyone else’s judgment. It was about saving my life.”

After extensive research, Dee learned about the duodenal switch procedure. The science behind it made sense: it offered her the best chance of losing weight and keeping it off long-term. Dr. Ayoola, with his expertise and compassionate care, made the decision easy. After speaking with him once, she knew she was in the best hands.

Life After Surgery: A Multidimensional Transformation
The changes since her surgery have been nothing short of miraculous.

  • Medically: Before surgery, Dee was on multiple medications for obesity-related conditions. Today, she’s completely healthy and off all co-morbidity medications. Her primary care doctor is thrilled with her transformation.
  • Physically: Dee regained a level of activity she hadn’t experienced since she was young. Simply walking used to be painful. Now, she’s hiked the Swiss Alps, walked miles at high altitudes without getting winded and even parasailed off an 8,000-foot mountain! Dee says “I’m not a gym rat — this newfound ability is purely from weight loss, healthy eating and staying active.”
  • Mentally and Emotionally: “The clarity I’ve gained is indescribable.” Her optimism has returned and she’s rediscovered the happy, vibrant person she once was. Perhaps most importantly, she’s forgiven herself for past struggles and worked through suppressed grief. And in the end, she’s learned to love and accept herself again.

“When I look in the mirror now, I see joy. I see the real me, no longer hiding behind a wall of pain and shame.”

Her Relationship with Food
Before surgery, food was very much Dee’s emotional crutch. Now, food is fuel. She focuses on getting the nutrients her body needs — protein, water, and healthy fats. Her cravings for unhealthy foods are gone and she’s learned to listen to what her body truly needs.

Overcoming Challenges
The hardest part of Dee’s journey wasn’t the surgery itself, but overcoming the internalized stigma about weight loss surgery. This is true for so many weight loss surgery patients. Due to societal views on obesity, patients feel immense guilt or like they’re somehow “cheating”. Once Dee reframed her perspective and recognized her condition as a health issue, the guilt faded.

Dee admits, “The first night after surgery was tough — dealing with pain medications, a catheter and limited mobility was overwhelming. But I reminded myself that it was temporary, and I kept moving forward.” And she’s glad she did – the life she has gained has been well worth it!

Unexpected Benefits
The result of the duodenal switch procedure was significant weight loss (150 pounds!) For Dee, the benefits have gone far beyond just weight loss. As she recounts excitedly, “I have more energy, better sleep, normal blood pressure and insulin levels and a renewed zest for life!” She’s even doubled her income, thanks to her newfound confidence and a willingness to put herself out there.

Advice for Others Considering Bariatric Surgery
When asked what advice she’d give to anyone considering weight loss surgery, Dee confidently replies, “If you’re considering weight loss surgery, my advice is simple: do it. Forgive yourself for any guilt you may feel and focus on your future. It’s not a shortcut — it’s a tool that requires commitment and discipline, but it’s worth every effort!”

Looking Ahead
For Dee, maintaining her weight loss is straightforward now that she has the right mindset. “I stay diligent about my supplements, hydration, protein intake and daily movement,” Dee explains. The duodenal switch gave her the tools she needed for lifelong success and she doesn’t take that for granted.

“This journey has been about more than just transforming my body. It’s been about reclaiming my life, redefining who I am and honoring the promise I made to myself and my father.”

Now, Dee looks in the mirror and sees a beautiful, capable woman who is ready to take on the world. It’s the life she was meant to live and she’s living it to the fullest.

If you’re ready to reclaim your life from obesity, you can start today by simply booking a consultation with Dr. Ayoola. He promises no blame, no shame. Just compassionate care that gets results.


ATTENTION patients of Dr. Al-Kalla

Dr. Al-Kalla will be leaving Weight Loss Specialists of North Texas at the end of July. If you would like continue as his patient, please let us know and we can assist in getting your medical records transferred.

You may also choose to stay with Weight Loss Specialists of North Texas and we’ll gladly transfer your care to another provider on staff.

Thank you.