Kay Is Waking Up To Life

June 27, 2013

Before and After: Featuring Kay Vick

Waking up to life

My name is Kay Vick. When I was 44 years old, I weighed 246 pounds. I had high blood pressure, high cholesterol and sleep apnea – and I was about to be prescribed insulin for my diabetes.

However, I had also been researching weight loss surgery. I took notice when the Lap-Band® – the only bariatric procedure I qualified for due to a prior abdominal surgery – became covered by my health plan.

In 2009, I finally had this procedure at the Franciscan Center for Weight Management. Today I weigh just 127 pounds and wear size 5/6 instead of 22/24. My only regret is that I didn’t do it sooner.

As a customer service representative with a prominent health insurer, I sometimes talk with members about bariatric benefits. I can only share my experience with them – but I definitely tell them about it. Weight loss hasn’t been my only benefit. I am off my medications. Three months after surgery, my cholesterol was normal. And, I never had to give myself shots. Recently my husband commented on my renewed energy. He said, “Kay has stopped sleeping all the time.”  He said, “I just go-go-go!” I told him,” That’s right – and he had better keep up!”

Click here for more information about the Franciscan Center for Weight Management.