Steve Bulloch was ready to make a change. He contacted the Metabolic and Bariatric Institute at San Juan Regional Medical Center and made the decision to undergo bariatric surgery. Here’s his story in his own words:
“I've always been kind of a big guy, but it got to the point where if I kept my habits up, I wasn't going to be around that much longer. High blood pressure, joint pain, back pain, sleeping problems, you name it, I had it. So, I just decided to make that jump and commit to making some kind of change in my life.
I'd done a lot of research about bariatric surgery, and I was going to go to Albuquerque. But spending that much time driving to Albuquerque and driving back wasn't feasible. My doctor told me San Juan Regional had just started a bariatric program. I jumped at the chance.
It's rejuvenated my life. Instead of sitting in that depression, it's given me a new outlook on life. I got things I want to do - goals. I can see them happening now. Since the weight loss, my sleep is better, my joint pain's going away. As the weight comes off, it does feel better. I'm able to do things longer. If I work out in the yard, I'm not stopping every 10 minutes just to rest. It feels wonderful. Just moving around, getting out of bed, walking with my kids. You should have that energy. I never really cared one way or another about how my weight was, but just to feel healthier and be able to do things and keep up with my kids is one of the greatest things. It just gives you your freedom back.
I think this whole journey has been more mental than physical, just how to eat, what to eat. It's been eye opening. I know what food I'm putting in my body, why I'm putting it in my body, so I'm giving my body exactly what it needs and not just what I crave. When you eat something that's healthy, it's going to give you the energy you actually need. This is a choice I'm going to make. I can either have some ice cream or I'm going to have something that's a little better for me.
The Metabolic and Bariatric Institute gives you more opportunities to find healthier ways to live. You don't have to go through bariatric surgery like I did. They have a great dietician. So, if surgery is not the choice you need right now, they're willing to help you with other options.
The first step is just making the commitment, deciding that you've had enough of living like that. And then just take small steps. I've heard people say it before, ‘why didn't I do this sooner?’ It's definitely worth it. I have no regrets whatsoever.
I'm so thankful that the Metabolic and Bariatric Institute is here, not only for myself, but for other people that I know that need to go to this program. It's completely changed my life.”
Learn more about the Metabolic and Bariatric Institute and find out if you’re a candidate for bariatric surgery.