At 27 and morbidly obese, Laurine turned to gastric sleeve surgery—a procedure that reduces stomach size—to reclaim her life. She shed 40kg in just six months and shares her transformative story in a book. "From what I can remember, I've always battled my weight. I wasn't always obese, but as a young girl, I developed curves quickly. People called me 'generous'—or less kindly, 'dumpy.' It was almost inevitable: I loved food and rarely exercised."
My weight became a taboo at home, sparking ridicule and family conflicts. At school, classmates hurled insults and mocking stares. My parents' constant nagging felt like harassment.
Daily life was filled with complexes and constant unease. I dreaded activities requiring special clothes—like swimming, which was pure torture. Any situation tied to food or my size, from snacks to restaurant dinners or shopping with friends, overwhelmed me. I withdrew into myself, avoiding outings, people, and life itself.
Video of the day:Over time, my relationship with food grew increasingly complicated. I followed countless diets, often creating my own extreme versions that veered dangerously close to anorexia. I'd restrict intake drastically, denying myself any pleasure. The result? Rapid weight loss followed by explosive frustration. The moment I slipped, I'd regain everything—and more.
In 2014, I hit my peak: 100kg at 1.58m tall, with a BMI of 40—morbid obesity. I no longer recognized myself; my body felt deformed. As a mom to a little girl, the wake-up call came when I couldn't read her a bedtime story without gasping for breath.
I'd heard of obesity surgeries before but hadn't felt ready. It took nearly a year to weigh the pros and cons before committing.
Before that, after consultations with nutritionists, behaviorists, and a hypnotherapist, I underwent five years of psychotherapy. It helped uncover the roots of my eating disorders, but it didn't shift the weight burdening me.
Stomach reduction surgery became my final option. The process is rigorous, demanding deep reflection and preparation. After a surgeon's approval—found via word-of-mouth—I spent three days in hospital for tests to build my social security file, reviewed by a committee. My Sleeve procedure was set for November 24, 2015.
Pre-surgery, I followed a strict liver-defatting diet: 0% fat yogurt, cooked ham, and broth for seven days.
The laparoscopic operation succeeded, but recovery was tough. I lived in fear of a fistula—a tear in the healing stomach—and endured severe pain. This debunks the myth that surgery is an 'easy fix' or proof of weak will, as some claimed.
Life transformed dramatically. I lost 10kg in the first month and nearly 40kg total in six months. I eat differently now—forever rationed to about 150g per meal. I fill up fast, and excess causes intense pain or worse.
No regrets, despite tough moments. This surgery was the boost to rediscover myself and adopt sustainable habits.
From this ordeal, I wrote a book—to process my emotions and guide others battling obesity. I searched for it pre-surgery and couldn't find it. I hope it helps those in my shoes.
Read also:*Eating can kill! Journey of a Sleeveee by Laurine Penverne (Ed. Edilivre).
