Patient Stories

Teri’s Story

"I wish I’d done it 10 years ago!"

Like many bariatric surgery patients, Teri Knedler, a working wife and mother of three, considered bariatric surgery for several years, and she conducted her own research via the Internet, word-of-mouth and even TV specials and reality shows.

Teri’s ah-ha moment was hearing a radio clip for Fresh Start Bariatrics at Riverside Methodist Hospital. Surgery had been in the back of her mind for years, and hearing about the hands-on, comprehensive program at Fresh Start Bariatrics moved Teri to act. She attended the initial seminar with Dr. Stephen Myers to see if weight loss surgery was a good option for her.

"At the initial seminar I just knew this was what I needed to do; I was finally to the point where I could see other people doing it successfully, and I realized weight loss surgery is a great tool," Teri said. "Hearing the success stories from people who had been through the Fresh Start Bariatrics program, as well as understanding the entire process, from meeting with a nutritionist to surgery-day details, made me realize this was the program for me. I understood that it would be really hard, but it would be a great tool for me to utilize."

For Teri, after making the decision to get surgery, the hardest part of the weight loss surgery process was the week before surgery when patients must remain on a strict, liquid diet. "I thought if I could make it through that, both the physical and mental stress, I could handle everything else- and I did!" Teri said.

Teri said becoming healthy was like learning how to eat all over again. Being aware of what she was eating and drinking was something new for Teri. "I didn’t realize how I guzzled when I drank pop, for example. It all adds up though and you have to be conscious of your decisions."

Teri’s family was very supportive of her decision to get weight loss surgery. She was initially concerned that her mother would oppose, but she was entirely on board. This support from her family had a huge influence on Teri’s ability to be successful and remain focused throughout the process.

From the beginning, Teri felt comfortable with the Fresh Start Bariatrics staff. "Everyone was very personable and honest with you. Dr. Myers would tell you if you were messing up or slacking," Teri said. "The support staff was wonderful, too. I dealt with them the majoirty of time and they are all wonderful- not just one or two people, but the whole family of them."

Along with the support of the Fresh Start staff, Teri found an online support partner from Kentucky. Coincedentally, Teri and her friend had surgery the same day. They were able to share their experiences, goals and struggles with each other. Although Teri has never met her friend in-person, their similar experiences with weight loss surgery allowed them to be great support partners.

"It keeps you accountable to have someone to talk to," Teri said. "The monthly meetings with Dr. Myers are also extremely helpful to your success post-surgery- you can’t cheat!"

The difference in Teri’s daily life after surgery is drastic. "I wish I’d done it 10 years ago!" Teri said. She has more energy, does more with her family, and no longers lives to eat. Plus, small changes make a huge impact on her happiness, including the ability to bend over and tie her shoes and breathe at the same time, sleep more soundly and wear a bikini for the first time since she was six.

"I've noticed how differently people treat me now," Teri said. "It's amazing how people wouldn't look me in the eye before, but now smile back at me."

It has been a year since Teri’s surgery and she is down 80 pounds and still losing. At home, Teri is working to teach her new lifestyle to her husband and children. Her son loves to cook and eat, and he is learning to choose, and enjoy, healthy foods. Plus, Teri now works another job- one that she would have never done before losing the weight. She is much more social and loves to network and share her weight loss experience with others. "Getting this surgery was the best thing I’ve ever done, besides having my kids," Teri said.