Kristin Carlson

Surgery Date: December 18, 2017                                 
Starting Weight: 278 lbs.             
Current Weight: 191 lbs.
 
What made you decide to have weight loss surgery?  Honestly, I have thought about weight loss surgery for years, but the fear factor and the lack of insurance to cover the surgery prevented me form going through with it! I even looked into going out of the country because of the restrictions of having surgery here. I changed jobs and insurance and low and behold I was covered! I was calling and researching the day after coverage started. So there was never a deciding moment, I have had many friends and family who have had the surgery (with varying degrees of success) I knew that surgery was not the whole answer but it was a great beginning!
 
Did anyone either encourage or discourage you from having surgery?  I had lots of people give their opinion and I asked a lot of questions of friends that had had the surgery and a few random strangers! The answers were all over the chart from "Yes, it was the best thing I have ever done" to "No, I wish I had never done it".  In the end, I decided that I could handle the restrictions that the change would place on my life and went for it!
 
What do you wish you’d known before the surgery? I am an old librarian, I did a lot of research. I was well informed from reading and your wonderful staff (who tirelessly answered my questions). It did not dispel the fear factor and that was my biggest hurdle to overcome.
 
What kind of things are you able to do now that may have been difficult or impossible to do before surgery?  One of the main reasons I had surgery is the upcoming replacement of both of my knees. I needed to lose weight to help recovery, in the mean time the relief of pain and increased movement has been wonderful.
 
Which conditions or diseases have you seen decrease or disappear since your surgery? I had high blood pressure since I was in my 20s. I truly expected to be on meds for the rest of my life! I was off meds the second week!! Holy Cow!
 
Besides the external changes you have experienced, how has surgery altered your outlook on life, your emotions, and/or your relationships?  I have always been a very positive person and my out look has gotten even more rosy! I kind of think I am fairly annoying to most of the general population! I am the most surprised at how the rest of the world treats me, I am greeted more, helped more given more respect. That is nice and rubs me the wrong way all at the same time!
 
Why did you decide to have surgery with Dr. Eibes? Again, I go back to my research, reviews and phone calls to your wonderful staff.
 
What would you say about Dr. Eibes and his team?  I cannot say enough wonderful things about the staff! They have been so kind and understanding and helpful! I have had such a positive experience that my sister just had surgery with you last month and my daughter is coming in for a consult this month. I trust the people I love the most to your caring staff, there is no better recommendation.
 
What would you tell someone that who is considering weight loss surgery? DO IT!
 
Any additional information you would like to share? I am a talker, I would love to help anyone who needs to talk it out!