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For Lorianne, 25 years old and originally from Brittany, France, life before her bariatric surgery was full of physical and emotional challenges. Simple tasks, such as walking 100 metres or getting dressed, left her out of breath.
Diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), she learned that losing weight without help would be incredibly difficult. These challenges, combined with a persistent sense of discomfort, motivated her to undergo a gastric bypass in November 2022.
"I couldn't walk 100 metres without being out of breath," Lorianne recalls. The physical strain she felt every day was overwhelming — as was the emotional burden. With a diagnosis of PCOS, she had to face the hard reality that losing weight without surgical intervention would be almost impossible.
This realisation, combined with her desire to improve her quality of life, led her to consider a gastric bypass. Despite her determination, there was also fear. "I was afraid of complications and, like many people I think, of never waking up again," she shares.
Yet the unconditional support of her family and friends gave her the strength and peace of mind she needed. "They surrounded me with care and love, which truly supported and reassured me in my decision."
The day of the surgery was a true rollercoaster of emotions. "On the day of the operation, I was paralysed with fear — there are no other words for it. I cried all the way until the anaesthetic," she says. But at the moment she was put to sleep, she found peace by thinking of her loved ones.
When she woke up and saw her family by her side, Lorianne felt an immense sense of relief and pride. "The fear was gone. I was happy and proud of myself for having taken this step."
Since her surgery, Lorianne's life has changed in a profound way. "I would say that I am now free in all my movements and that I am no longer angry at myself and the whole world." For the first time, she can dress the way she has always dreamed of and feel good in her own body.
Yet it has not been without obstacles. Transitioning from a life of binge eating before the surgery to mental anorexia afterwards was an unexpected challenge. "I developed anorexia, first mentally… out of fear of ruining everything, doing things wrong, or stretching my stomach again." Fortunately, she receives professional guidance — both nutritional and psychological — to help her through these difficult periods.
Lorianne is convinced that preparation is the key to success. "I would say that you should develop good habits before the surgery, and make sure you never feel frustrated because you're not on a diet; enjoyment is very important." She also emphasises how crucial it is to continue receiving psychological and nutritional guidance for long-term success.
The support of her family and friends has been a cornerstone of her recovery. "My family and friends supported me enormously — that helped me the most on the difficult days."
As she continues her journey, Lorianne has clear goals: recovering from anorexia, developing a healthy relationship with food and her body, and improving her physical fitness. She dreams of becoming better at running, building her stamina, and fully enjoying life.
Her advice to those considering bariatric surgery is sincere: "Be less hard on yourself, have confidence in yourself. You'll make it! Leave that food scale aside — it will only cause you problems. Trust your stomach; it knows what it needs to do!"
Lorianne's story is a testament to human resilience and the transformative power of taking responsibility for your own health. Her journey inspires others to face their own challenges, seek support, and celebrate every step along the way.
For Lorianne, life after surgery is not just a matter of physical changes, but also of freedom, confidence, and renewed joy. "I am learning to simply and fully live," she says — a lesson that resonates deeply with anyone following a similar path.
Today, Lorianne is not only healthier, but has also regained her self-confidence and enthusiastically embraces a new chapter in her life.