Two Years and Two Hundred Forty Pounds Down

Two years ago I was the girl in the first picture, waiting in pre-op, scared and nervous and anxious about what my future after that day would be. I was taking control of my life and finally making myself a priority. I was saving my own life. Two years ago today, the amazing Dr. Brown performed a Sadi (Modified Duodenal Switch) and gave me this tool that has helped me to where I am today, the girl in the second picture, who is down 240lbs, living life, loving life, happier and so much healthier. This journey hasn’t always been easy, but it was the best decision I have ever made. This was not the easy way out, this has taken hard work and determination, and even 2 years later, in maintenance, it’s still work. Thank you to everyone who has been a part of my journey, your love and support has meant so much to me. My journey isn’t over yet, and I can’t wait to see what I’ll do next!” – @mskimbo

We sat down to talk with Kimberly F. about her remarkable life transformation after weight loss surgery.

Tell us a little about your story.

I have struggled with my weight my entire life, even in childhood. I tried so many diets, and while I would lose some weight, once I went back to eating normally, the weight would come back. I also struggled with binge eating and restriction. Over the past few years, my weight skyrocketed to almost 500lbs at my highest, and my health began to get worse. I was on 3 blood pressure medicines, Sleep Apnea, my Fibromyalgia and Rheumatoid Arthritis was flaring constantly, and I was always feeling sick and miserable. Life was passing me by. I knew if I didn’t make a drastic change in my health, I would not live a long life and be here for my family and friends, and to watch my son grow up.

What motivated you to have weight loss surgery?

In the beginning, it can be hard to fit in your protein and hydration, plus vitamins, when your new stomach is so small and you aren’t able to handle much food or liquid at one time. Learning your new fullness cues can be challenging at first. Once you start getting more comfortable with your new stomach, it then gets easier to find your groove and what works for you.

What were your concerns prior to surgery?

Safety was my main concern. I was very worried about going through surgery and having complications due to my weight and not making it through the surgery. Dr. Brown made me feel so at ease during our initial consult. She laid out all the risk factors if I didn’t have this surgery, and how throughout my 6-month pre-op process she would make sure I had all the clearances I needed from specialists such as Cardiology and Pulmonary, to ensure that when I got on that table, I would be safe. I knew that if there was any concerns, she would not have me undergo the surgery and I went into my surgery day confident that everything would go great, which it did!

What have you found challenging after surgery?

In the beginning, it can be hard to fit in your protein and hydration, plus vitamins, when your new stomach is so small and you aren’t able to handle much food or liquid at one time. Learning your new fullness cues can be challenging at first. Once you start getting more comfortable with your new stomach, it then gets easier to find your groove and what works for you.

What are some of your off-scale wins since surgery?

More energy, and more stamina. My sleep is better, I no longer deal with sleep apnea, and my blood pressure has dramatically improved. My fibro and arthritis so not flare as often as it did. I feel so much happier. I want to go out and live life and have new experiences that I never could before. I can wear a seatbelt in the car again, I no longer touch the steering wheel with my belly in the car. I went from a size 6x to a 1x.

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We’re so proud of the hard work and dedication to Kim has shown. Her consistent work is paying off as she continues to transform her life, and we also can’t wait to see what she does next.