Bariatric surgery is "surgical procedures performed on the stomach or intestines to induce weight loss."

However, it isn't as drastic as it may seem. Before I recount my experience, I'd like to state that I do not regret my decision to undergo the surgery. Very simply, I am happier than before. In spite of all the troubles I've faced as a result of the surgery, I am a more confident person and that's something that I would never sacrifice.

Soon after the surgery, I came face to face with what was likely the hardest thing I've ever had to do: completely avoid eating any kind of food.

This is when I came to loathe Gatorade, it was the only drink I could have besides water. It was two weeks of this exhausting routine. Slowly, I began eating regular food with some restrictions such as no carbonated soda, no sugary drinks, etc. Other than that, I resumed a normal life.

It was only until about a year later where I began to feel different, and by different I mean weaker and more tired. It was very much the feeling I had when I was severely obese. I paid it no mind. Eventually, it got worse. I wasn't just feeling weak, I was getting dizzy randomly. I would have to stop, lay down, and wait for it to pass.

I'm not entirely sure when it was but one day after school in my senior year, I felt the same dizziness but with such intensity that I couldn't see momentarily. Again, I brushed it off because I had a crazy amount of assignments due the next day. After a couple hours, I stood up and walked towards my mom because I couldn't concentrate. I wasn't retaining anything, and it was scary.

As I was walking towards my mom, I stopped by the threshold of my kitchen and stared. She looked at me, at first with confusion and then concern, for I could only say "mom" before I felt myself disappear. I could only remember waking up feeling anxious and confused.

I saw my mother´s crying face above me, she was screaming to my other family members. I tried to sit up quickly, trying to assure her that I was okay.

I asked her what had happened, and as she blinked back her tears, she informed me that I had had a seizure. Frankly, that was a very scary moment in my life. I had no idea what to expect from that point forward. I had no idea what could have possibly ailed me.

I ended up seizing twice that night before my mom decided that it was something she couldn't handle and she took me to the hospital.

They were concerned but unaware of how they could help, so they referred me to a neurologist.

The very next day, I went to see the neurologist only to find out that there was no neurological problem. It was merely the lack of vitamins and proteins that was getting into my system. I was then put on a load of medication that I have to take for life. It's the sad truth about the surgery. I

I'm skinnier but I am constantly worried about the possibility that something like that could happen again. Even months later, I am worried when I feel the slightest weakness in my body or if I stand up too fast and I get dizzy.

I have to live a bit more carefully than before but in the end, this surgery has helped me work harder to be a better version of myself.