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Julia had her omega loop / mini gastric bypass in January 2021. In her personal story, she shares how this has changed her life. It has been a journey full of challenges, patience, and ultimately impressive results.
Julia's path to change
Since her teenage years, Julia has struggled with being overweight. At just 12 years old she already weighed 83 kg, and countless diets failed to deliver the desired results.
At the end of 2019, she weighed 123 kg and felt severely limited by health problems such as high blood pressure and back pain — she could barely carry out her work in healthcare.
"No one knew I had surgery planned, because it was a decision I made for myself," Julia recalls. This inner determination ultimately led her to one of the most important days of her life: 21 January 2021, the day of the operation.
Fear ahead of surgery and the first days afterwards
Like many patients undergoing bariatric surgery, Julia was nervous.
"I was afraid that the operation wouldn't deliver the results I hoped for, or that I wouldn't be able to maintain my weight. The thought of undergoing a major surgery was also daunting. It was my very first one."
On the day of the surgery, the nerves were clearly noticeable, but it did not take long to see that this decision would change her life forever.
A year full of challenges and successes
The transformation was remarkable: within the first year, Julia lost nearly 63 kg. But her journey was not without obstacles. The so-called late dumping syndrome, which occurred approximately a year after the surgery, led to neurological problems and made it difficult to maintain healthy eating habits.
On top of that, the psychological challenges were immense. Old patterns, such as emotional eating, no longer worked, and she had to confront new — sometimes painful — truths about herself.
"I have learned that I am a very sensitive and vulnerable person," says Julia. However, this self-knowledge helped her to grow and to change her lifestyle in a sustainable way.
Julia's impressive athletic journey
Despite the obstacles, Julia has achieved incredible sporting accomplishments. Just 10 months after her surgery, she ran her first half-marathon. Two years later, she became German champion in 9er Flagball, a variant of American football. For the past year and a half, she has also been competing in powerlifting at competition level.
"My first powerlifting competitions and the victory in the 2022 9er Flagball championship are some of my greatest achievements," says Julia proudly.
Looking to the future
Today, Julia has clear goals: she wants to maintain her weight, develop a better relationship with food, and enjoy it more. She strives to be a role model for everyone facing the challenges that can come with bariatric surgery.
If Julia could give herself one piece of advice before the operation, she would say: "Work on your mental issues first, accept the help that is available, and don't push it away out of shame."
Julia's advice to others
"Persistence and determination, even when it feels uncomfortable. Routines take time to become habits." Support from a bariatric self-help group and engagement on social media such as Instagram also proved to be of great help during her journey.
Follow Julia on Instagram via @jules_gehtheben.
