August 2021

Jason Mehrtens

1. What made you decide to have wls surgery?
Many reasons but falling asleep driving my forklift, being type 2 diabetic, and my GP saying i would not make it to see 50 years old the 3 major driving factors to getting surgery.
2. What was your weight prior to your WLS, and... What’s the goal?
Heaviest weight 155.4kg Was not given a goal weight but i be happy to get to 88kg
3. Did you get to the weight you wanted?
I am still going i am 19 weeks post surgery and current weight is 99.4kg
4. How do you feel now that you have had the surgery?
I feel like i am living life again not hiding away living in shame because of my weight. I feel the healthiest i have felt in 20 plus years and best thing i am free of all my health conditions which means no more taking 6 pills a day for diabetes and high blood pressure
5. Were there any problems along the way?
No i have had a dream run no real food intolerances no pain from surgery everything working as it should to tell the truth some days i have to pinch myself to make sure its real.
6. Would you do it again now that you know what you know?
100% with out hesitation i do it again to live the way i am is truly a blessing.
7. What are some of the inspiring things you can think of that you have noticed along the way?
Random people coming up to me in public and thanking me for sharing my journey on facebook with them its truly humbling. Being told my cooking posts i also put up on facebook inspire others to make similar healthy choices in food. Watching family and close friends make changes in there lives.
8. Did you have some happy unexpected surprises?
Hitting double digits for the first time in over 27 years the natural high was something i never expected to feel. The first time i could tie my shoelaces or cut toe nails things most people take for granted but losing this weight the simple things i can once again do myself!!
9. What advice do you have for anyone preparing for surgery?
Take the plunge and start your journey you will never regret it. Another bit of advice don't compare your personal journey to others as we are each different so will progress and loose weight at different rates you have to have faith and trust the process it works if you follow the guidelines as surgery is just a tool so use it to its full potential.
10. What is the one very best thing that has resulted from your surgery? What has been the hardest part of your journey?
At this very stage getting my health back and coming off all medication. Clothes becoming to baggy so buy new wardrobe and them becoming to baggy so have learnt to shop at the op shop