Kyle

Procedure: Gastric Sleeve*
Total Weight Loss: 209 pounds

Q&A With Kyle

Q: Did you try many diet or exercise plans before surgery?
A: I tried just about every diet possible before the surgery. All of the “fad” diets and all of the traditional ones as well. They would work short term bust just weren’t sustainable.

Q: What led you to pursue bariatric surgery?
A: I felt that I was at the end of my chances. At nearly 500 lbs it was do or die time. I needed to make a change for my life and my family’s lives.

Q: Why did you choose Dr. Snow as your surgeon?
A: I actually work with someone who had the surgery from Dr. Snow. She referred me and it was perfect because my insurance didn’t cover the cost of the procedure and Dr. Snow had the cash discount.
 
Q: Did you face any challenges during the initial steps toward surgery?
A: The fear of the liquid diet had scared me off from the surgery before. The first 2 1/2 days were rough, but the last 7 1/2 were much easier. The fear of failure was another big factor. Dr. Snow’s staff was very helpful leading up to surgery.

Q: Did you do anything in the weeks leading up to surgery to prepare?
A: Being nervous about the liquid diet, I started replacing 1 meal a day with a protein shake a month before surgery, and then 2 shakes a day with 1 meal the week before my liquid diet was getting ready to start.

Q: How did you feel on your surgery day?
A: Excited. Nervous.

Q: Did anything surprise you about surgery or your initial recovery period?
A: I had read a lot about the surgery, and thought I was fully prepared. Nothing prepared me from the gas pain I felt in my chest after waking up after surgery. The dry mouth was pretty bad too. However after that went away I was pretty much 100% in a week and back to work in 2 weeks.

Q: What does your day-to-day diet look like now?
A: Day to day I would say I’m around 1200 calories per day.

Q: Do you have a regular exercise routine?
A: I try to hit the gym 4 days a week with cardio and weights.

Q: How has bariatric surgery changed your life?
A: In every possible way! My body isn’t constantly in pain. I notice that I’m an overall better person. I feel better and look better, so I’m happier and more enjoyable to be around. Clothes shopping is a lot more fun now days. I’m able to go to a Blues game or Cardinals game, movie theater, etc. and actually fit in my seat. I don’t have to make sure to announce that I have to have a table not a booth when making reservations at a restaurant.

Q: Have you had any non-scale victories that you’d like to share? (i.e. things you couldn’t do before weight loss that you are happy you can do now)
A: Six flags is a lot more fun now days! Fitting on every ride that I wanted to ride was awesome!

Q: How has weight loss helped you at work?
A: I work in a factory on concrete floors. My knees and ankles thank me every day for having the surgery. I’m also a volunteer firefighter. It has helped me so much with it. I have more agility, stamina, flexibility, and can do many more things than before.
 
Q: Before surgery, did you use food as a way to cope with emotions or boredom? If yes, what healthy behaviors do you now try to use instead?
A: I was constantly eating out of boredom and stress. If I wasn’t doing something I was always loading myself with sweets. I just try to take a walk if I am bored, just moving and not thinking about food helps a lot!
 
Q: If you could share any piece of advice for people considering weight loss surgery, what would it be?
A: Don’t wait! Do it now! My wife followed in my footsteps and we could not be happier. Even if you are like me and your insurance won’t cover the procedure, it’s still well worth the investment in yourself.

Q: Anything else you’d like to share about your experience at St. Louis Bariatrics?
A: Everyone was so nice and helpful. You couldn’t ask for a more caring and personal doctor than Dr. Snow. I look forward to my checkups just to visit.

*Results may vary