I will admit my weight loss journey has been an exciting one, and it began in the summer of 2013 when I decided that it was time to do something about my weight, because I was tired of not being able to live the life I wanted to live. I went to visit Dr. JoeBob Kirk with the intention of losing weight "my way” - in other words, no surgery. Dr. Kirk was agreeable, and he started the process of finding out more about my health. Oddly enough, and probably only by the grace of God, all of my labs came back within the normal range. On paper, I looked perfectly healthy - no diabetes, no hypertension, cholesterol within normal limits-everything perfect except my BMI. I did have sleep apnea, but that was my only real medical concern at that time. I knew it was only a matter of time before my luck ran out, and eventually I would be dealing with many more health concerns if I did not do something about my weight.
By the end of that same year, I came to the realization that "my way" wasn't working, and on December 11, 2013, I told Dr. Kirk I was ready to have weight loss surgery. Everything after that was pretty much a whirlwind, and before I knew it, February 26, 2014, the day of my surgery, arrived.
Surgery went exceptionally well and my new life began. For people who have never had weight-related issues, weight loss surgery is not "the easy way out." Most days are great, but this is a complete lifestyle change. Dr. Kirk and his healthcare team do everything in their power to educate and prepare their patients for this surgery, but ultimately it is up to me to make sure that I follow the program set forth by The Center for Bariatric Surgery at Bailey Medical Center. The surgery is described by Dr. Kirk and his team as "a tool," and I have to choose how to utilize that tool, use as intended and results will be as expected.
I am currently eight months post-op, and can honestly say that I am living the life that I want to live. I have lost a total of 113 pounds, and have been able to discontinue many of the medications that I was on preoperatively, I can do things with my family that my weight had prevented me from doing. I now have the confidence and courage to step out of my comfort zone in order to pursue my dreams. Now I look forward to meeting new people and experiencing new things, whereas before I avoided those situations whenever possible. Before my surgery, I avoided airline travel because I did not fit in the seats, but now I can fly without fear of embarrassment. I was able to visit my father for the first time in more than 10 years this summer, and that in itself was worth more than gold.
I regularly attend the support groups, because it is such a wonderful way to connect with other post-op patients and learn how they handle some of the issues I may be dealing with, and also with the hope that I can be of help to someone who may be considering weight loss surgery.
Words truly cannot express the gratitude I have for Dr. Kirk, Dr. Varnell and every other person that I have had contact with at The Center for Bariatrics at Bailey Medical Center. They have been my guides on every step of this incredible journey; without them, I would not be where I am today - enjoying life to its fullest. Thank you for giving me my life back!
To learn more about upcoming free weight loss seminars offered by The Center for Bariatrics at Bailey Medical Center, click here.