Mariel's Story - Gastric Sleeve
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Patient Testimonial
The UCLA Center for Obesity and Metabolic Health Program in Los Angeles, CA. provides advanced surgical and nonsurgical options for sustained weight loss and a better quality of life for you and your family. We take great pride in being able to share a few of our patients' weight loss surgery stories with you.
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Mariel's Story - Gastric Sleeve
Sleeve Gastrectomy Weight Loss Journey with a Total of 86 Pounds Lost
Before my gastric sleeve surgery, I was carrying more than just extra weight — I was carrying a heaviness in my daily life. I often felt fatigued and lethargic, like even simple tasks took more energy than I had. My confidence was low, and I became increasingly self‑conscious about how I looked and how I moved through the world.
There were days when I felt completely defeated. My energy was gone, my motivation was slipping, and I struggled with feelings of depression and anxiety about my health and my future. It felt like I was stuck in a cycle I couldn’t break, no matter how hard I tried.
That period of my life was incredibly challenging, but it also became the moment I realized I deserved better — better health, better energy, and a better relationship with myself.
After my gastric sleeve surgery, my life began to shift in ways I hadn’t imagined were possible. Little by little, I started feeling lighter—not just physically, but emotionally. My energy returned in a way that felt almost new. I could move through my day without the constant fatigue that used to weigh me down.
I began noticing changes in my confidence too. I felt more comfortable in my own skin, more willing to show up in the world, and more hopeful about my future. The feelings of defeat that once followed me around started to fade, replaced by a sense of pride and possibility.
My anxiety eased as I saw progress, and the cloud of depression that had been part of my daily life started to lift. I felt more present, more capable, and more connected to myself. This journey hasn’t been perfect or easy, but it has been deeply worth it. I’m grateful for the strength I’ve gained, the health I’m rebuilding, and the chance to live my life with renewed purpose.