Read Their Stories

This was extremely difficult to put in words and on paper, but I am pushing through for my Anna Blue           I'm sharing what happened to me after my gastric sleeve surgery so people can understand what to watch for if anyone else considers this procedure.  On March 15, 2018, I had the gastric sleeve surgery. At first everything seemed fine and I followed all the pre‑op classes and instructions. Within a few weeks I lost weight very quickly and then began having serious problems: I developed an aversion to water, could not swallow my own saliva, became extremely nauseated, and grew so weak I could not speak. I expressed my pain with grunts and moans. I was so lethargic that I could no longer stand or walk. I was admitted multiple times, had gallstones removed, and eventually became so malnourished that I needed a PICC line and IV nutrition, which they didn’t figure out until my fourth ER visit. Recovery took months and I needed round‑the‑clock help from my sister and mother.  Why I’m telling you this now I failed a beautiful soul that I had the opportunity to watch grow into a beautiful woman by not sharing then.  If I do not share and bring awareness now, it will be as I’m failing her all over again    - I want you to know the reality behind the “success” story. The surgery helped me lose weight and improved my long‑term health, but the immediate aftermath was dangerous and frightening.   - I regret not warning others more fully because some complications can appear quickly and escalate. If you or someone you love considers this surgery, I want you to be prepared and supported.  What to watch for after bariatric surgery - Inability to swallow liquids or saliva; persistent vomiting or severe nausea.   - Rapid, unexplained weight loss in a very short time.   - Extreme lethargy, weakness, or confusion; trouble standing or walking.    - New sensory changes such as loss of smell or sudden vision changes.   - Repeated visits to urgent care or ER without improvement.  What I needed most then - A medical team that took repeated symptoms seriously and checked for malnutrition and complications early.   - A family member to advocate at every visit and stay with me during recovery. My sister’s constant care made the difference.   - Clear follow‑up plans for nutrition, labs (vitamin and electrolyte checks), and physical therapy.  How you can help someone in that situation - Advocate: insist on thorough testing if symptoms persist—ask about nutrition labs, imaging, and whether IV or enteral nutrition is needed.   - Stay: bring a trusted person to appointments and hospital stays; patients can be too weak to speak up.   - Document: keep a simple timeline of symptoms, weight changes, and visits to share with clinicians.   - Support: practical help with meals, bathing, transportation, and emotional support is crucial.  I don’t want my story to scare anyone away from a procedure that can be life‑changing in a positive way. I would still choose the surgery for my long‑term health. I only want people to know the full picture so you can recognize warning signs early and act quickly.  With love, pain and gratitude, Rest well Anna Blue    

Hello, I am 28 years old, and I am a mother of two beautiful children.
I am here today because Anna’s story became part of my story.
I had gastric sleeve surgery, the same surgery Anna had, about a year and a half after Anna. By that time, Anna had already passed away. I did not know Anna personally, but because her mother refused to let her story end in silence, Anna helped save my life.
After my surgery, I started having complications that no one could explain. My vision was getting bad. My eyes were moving strangely. I was having double vision, and my legs started hurting. It was hard for me to walk. I knew something was wrong, but doctors did not have answers.
Eventually, one doctor basically told me there was nothing else they could do. I was told to go home and get my affairs in order.
I was 28 years old, a mother of two, being told to prepare for the end of my life.
I was scared. I was losing hope. I wanted to live, be here and raise my children.
Then my sister came across Anna’s mother on TikTok. She heard Anna’s story and realized that so much of what Anna went through sounded exactly like what was happening to me. There was an email listed for people who were struggling, so my sister reached out.
That message changed everything.
Anna’s mother contacted me. She listened to my symptoms and told me, “Those are the same things my daughter went through.” She told me what tests to ask for, what panels needed to be checked, and what my body might be missing. She even sent me some of the vitamins she still had left from Anna that I couldn't afford.
And slowly, I started to get better.
My vision improved. My legs stopped hurting. I started having fewer doctor’s appointments. I started to feel hope again, and even play with my kids.
Anna’s story gave me a chance.
I wish Anna was here. I wish her story had ended differently. But I want her family to know that Anna is still helping people. Her name is still reaching people. Her mother’s love is still saving lives.
Anna helped save my life.
Anna is not forgotten. My kids thank her in there prayers. And because of her story, I am still here.
Thank you.