Amber underwent weight loss surgery to prevent health conditions and become a healthy role model for her children. After losing more than 160 pounds, she’s loving her new life. Read her story.

I have struggled with my weight since I was 20. I reached 300 pounds around my 23rd birthday and kept gaining weight after that. I had borderline high blood pressure and was on the verge of having polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

I sought bariatric surgery because of my inability to be able to adhere to diets or make them work for me. I wanted to be able to be a healthy role model for my daughter and participate in physical activities with her.

I had a friend that went through the program at the Bariatric & Metabolic Institute months before me, and she referred me to the program.

Arkansas Heart Hospital helped me through the process and was great from the get-go. I did talk with some people from another hospital, but they did not help in any way to get the pre-surgery requirements or let me meet the surgeon prior to having everything done.

I underwent gastric sleeve surgery with Dr. JJ Tucker, bariatric and general surgeon, in August 2021. Dr. Tucker and the BMI team are great! Recovery was easy for me; I had zero issues. I was able to go back to work in three days.

I’ve lost more than 160 pounds and I have regular menstrual cycles and do not have PCOS or borderline high blood pressure.

My family compliments me every time they see me. I can cross my legs — I haven’t been able to do that in 15 years. I walk five miles without needing to rest. I have energy and can go without issues. I just want to live life to the fullest. I can ride every ride at Magic Springs and can ride them comfortably, which is amazing. I have a new life!

I would tell others who are considering bariatric surgery to just do it. Don’t wait. It’s 100 percent worth it.

Our nationally recognized team of surgeons, dietitians, nurses and therapists are here to guide you to a longer, happier life with the help of bariatric surgery. Go to bmi.arheart.com to see if you qualify for surgery, learn about your surgical options and watch our free online on-demand seminar.