From the very beginning of this journey it wasn’t about getting to a certain weight, or fitting into a certain size. For me, this journey was about my health, my mobility and living.

When you are morbidly obese and have been since childhood, it affects all aspects of your life. Daily tasks, working, any activity is painful. The damage the weight does to your joints is horrible. Joint pain keeps you from being active. Simply moving isn’t easy with all the excess weight. I had high blood pressure, diabetes, and was taking pain meds for joint pain from the damage my weight had caused over the years from all the excess weight.

It was time for me to do something for me. I needed to get healthy. I needed to make a change so I can live, so I can be active and enjoy life. I knew I couldn’t do it alone. I knew I needed help and support.

I reached out to KBI and it was the best decision. The staff is welcoming, non-judgmental, friendly and genuinely want to help you and see you succeed.

I chose to have the gastric bypass. It was the best choice for me and my long term success. I had my surgery on May 9, 2023. I had no issues, pain or complications from the surgery. I’m asked all the time would you have the surgery again? Yes. Yes. Yes. I would do it again, and would tell those that are struggling with obesity to do it. It’s been the best choice I’ve made for me.

Fifteen months from my surgery date and I’m down 225 pounds. I am able to move, walk and be more active than I believe I ever have. The changes in how I live, how I feel and my physical ability to do everything I want to do is my victory. I no longer have high blood pressure. I no longer have diabetes. I no longer take pain medication for joint pain.

It’s not about the scale for me. Although the weight loss is great and I love seeing that number go down, it’s about so much more for me. It’s about the little things you notice day to day. Like having to move your car seat forward when you drive. It doesn’t have to be all the way back anymore. Or seeing how much room you have in a seat when you sit down. Your hips/belly no longer hang over the sides. You can walk and talk at the same time, without getting short of breath. I can have a conversation while climbing the stairs and not huff and puff trying to catch my breath. I can stand for a long period of time without have to sit down because I can’t stand from the joint pain. I can go to a concert or a festival and enjoy my time with family and friends. I am active and enjoying life. That means more than any number on a scale.

Surgery is not the easy way out and anyone who says that has no knowledge of what it’s like to be obese and fight the battle of trying to loose weight. They have no idea what surgery actually entails for the person making the decision. Surgery is a tool to get you on the right track and helps keep you there. It’s different for everyone. I do what works for me. I follow the advice and have support and accountability with KBI. For me that’s what works. That’s what I need. The weight loss I see on the scale is great, but I’ve gotten SO MUCH more out of the surgery than weight loss.

I am happy, healthy, and active. I’m so excited for my long future ahead of me. A future I’m excited to live and enjoy. I'm excited to see what it holds for me now. Without the surgery, I may not have been here to see or enjoy.