Katy Ring

Surgery Date:  October 21, 2019  
Starting Weight:  363 lbs.
Current Weight:  199 lbs.

What made you decide to have weight loss surgery?  I have tried for years to lose weight. I would be successful for a few months and then gain all the weight back.  I knew weight loss surgery was an option, but I always felt I could just do it on my own.  A co-worker was going through the process with IWLS and told me how easy the process had been with our insurance. Then in July of 2019 I took my family to Disney, and I struggled the entire trip to keep up and to fit on the rides. It was then I decided I needed to seek weight loss surgery.

How long did it take for you to decide to have weight loss surgery?  I thought about it for a long time, but that July, unable to keep up and enjoy one of my favorite places, is when I decided. It was going to happen.

Did anyone either encourage or discourage you from having surgery?   I had a lot of encouragement from family and friends. I was nervous to share about it for a long time. I only had one person try to talk me out of it. They felt I could just do it on my own without the surgery.

What do you wish you'd known before the surgery?  I don't think I expected how emotional the journey would be. When we checked into the hospital the night before I burst into tears, everything just became so real. The weeks and months following surgery were also very emotional. I didn't realize how much I used food to cope with my mental health. I started therapy two months after surgery. I wish I would have done that sooner.

What things are you able to do now that may have been difficult or impossible before surgery?  There is so much it is difficult to answer! On my one year surgery anniversary I flew on an airplane with no seat belt extender and I could put the tray down!  We went to Universal Studios and Disney, and I walked with no problems for five days straight!  I enjoy clothes shopping in any store I please. I enjoy nature hikes and biking 15-20 miles when the weather is nice. I have so much more energy.

Which conditions or diseases have you seen decrease or disappear since your surgery?  Before surgery I had really bad reflux, daily swelling in my legs, and constant pain. None of those things are an issue anymore.

How has surgery altered your outlook on life, your emotions, and/or relationships?  The surgery was a piece of the puzzle for me.  It gave me a tool to lose the weight.  The surgery with therapy to address the reasons why I had an unhealthy relationship with food has improved my life. Words can't describe it. I found myself again. I found the person who I was meant to be. I now look to the future with hope.  My confidence has grown.

Why did you decide to have surgery with Dr. Eibes?   My co-worker was impressed with the program and the process. I felt the process was very clear.  I also felt Dr. Eibes was very knowledgeable in the class I had to take prior to my first appointment.

What would you say about Dr. Eibes and his team?  The team at IWLS cares about their patients.  I always felt that they cared about my journey and my life.  In my follow up appointments, Jon was so attentive to my questions and needs. The dietitians always provided good advice and direction. Some of my best workouts came from Travis. They really work well and treated my whole self.

What would you tell someone who is considering weight loss surgery?  It's not an easy journey, but its so worth it.  You have to be ready to make a change.  It's just a tool.  It doesn't fix your head.  Make sure you have support going in.  Don't be afraid to ask tons of questions.