July 2022
Janita Cooper
1. What made you decide to have Weight Loss Surgery?
I got gestational diabetes and when my second son was 6 months old i got sick and the diabetes had returned i ended up being 20years insulin dependent with 5 injections per day I was heading towards dialysis and a mini gastoric bypass was my only option, so in December 2019 i had my surgery and I have not looked back since my family and friends have all been so supportive, yes there are some scary stories when you do your research but not everyone's story is the same and I have been one of the lucky ones the only issue I have atm is low iron but I do take extra supplements for that, I had this surgery to give me a better life and to be around for my family and to just simply live my best life I got a 2nd chance and I'm very grateful
2. What was your weight prior to your WLS? And what’s the goal?
Start weight 138kg My goal was 85kg
3. Did you get to the weight you wanted?
Yes i did I do slide between 80kg and 85kg
4. How do you feel now that you have had the surgery?
I feel amazing, it was the best decision I have ever made it's been very rewarding
5. Were there any problems along the way?
No I had a smooth sailing
6. Would you do it again now that you know what you know?
Most definately
7. What are the inspiring things you can think of that you have noticed along the way?
My story and my family and being able to be more motivated and physical
8. Did you have some happy unexpected surprises?
Yes the first time I got on the scale after the surgery the early weight loss surprised me how quickly it moved
9. What advice do you have for anyone preparing for WLS?
Just listen to your body and believe on yourself, don't compare yourself to others everyone's journey is different
10. What is the one very best thing that has resulted from your surgery? What has been the hardest part of your journey?
I now have no insulin injections my diabetes is in remission, I haven't had any issues to think of anything that was hard for me