Let’s Talk Health: The Journey of Weight Loss Surgery

When Ken Mooney made the decision to have bariatric surgery after years of struggling with his weight, he knew he was ready to be healthier in both mind and body. His journey for a new lifestyle began at Saint Clare’s Health over three years ago.

 “I've always had struggles with weight, even going back to high school, and it just got worse over the years. I got to the point where I weighed 360 pounds and was a type-two diabetic reliant on two different types of insulin, and pills. I just saw the trajectory of my life, and I didn’t like what I saw,” Mooney said. “My diabetes physician was actually the one who said I should explore bariatric surgery, advising me that it could actually save my life. A friend of mine had successful results with their bariatric surgery at Saint Clare's, and took control over their life. I decided it was finally time to take control of my own life.”

Mooney made the decision to have bariatric surgery after trial and errors on many different failed diet and exercise plans, and some lifestyle changes. After careful research and thoughtful consideration, Mooney took the leap to go forward with bariatric surgery to give himself a second chance at life and all the good things that come with a healthier life.

“When my nephews were born, I started thinking about wanting my own family one day. Do I want to be the dad that can't chase after his kids, play ball with them, go on adventures because I would become winded, or can’t fit on a roller coaster? Those are things that are important to me,” Mooney said. “The light bulb went off in my head, and I felt I needed to do it before it was too late.”

Mooney noted that getting ready for the surgery is not only a physical, but also a mental endeavor.

“One of the most important considerations I can share is that if you're going to choose this path, and I encourage you to do so, be sure you have a therapist, or support network. There are many psychological aspects that come from having the surgery. The biggest one I dealt with was the realization that I was completely addicted to food, and used it as a source of comfort and happiness. When you come down off that, it can be initially challenging. It wears and tears on you both mentally and physically,” Mooney said.

“For the first 30 days after the surgery, you quickly realize that you were dependent on eating for both psychological as well as physical reasons. It's like pulling the plug on something that you've been accustomed to your entire life. You can no longer use food as a source of serotonin. The best advice I can give to anyone choosing this surgery is to be psychologically prepared. In my opinion, that was the most challenging aspect of the surgery.”

Regarding the physical component of the surgery, Mooney strongly believes that the bariatric physicians and medical team at Saint Clare’s Health prepared him well. As part of the bariatric team’s commitment to providing quality care provided by advanced technology, Mooney felt supported every step of the way. Saint Clare’s Health offers the convenience of being close to home and delivering exceptional care with best in class physicians.

“What they call ‘bedside manner’ or compassionate care is significantly important in knowing that you can trust the care you are receiving,” Mooney said. “Bariatric surgery has advanced over the years. It was relatively painless for me, and the recovery time was quick. I was completely happy with the results. I wouldn’t change a thing.”

For those who doubt that bariatric surgery is right for them, Mooney gave pointed reasons for why they should reconsider. For one, his own life has changed.

“The most important change, simply put, is that I can be physically active again. I was at the point where I couldn't even exercise because I would get tired and winded before I could even break a sweat. I grew up an active kid, and now, at almost 40 years old, I can be active like that again,” Mooney said. “I travel a great deal for work, and being able to be comfortable on a plane is important. You know, you don't think about those things when you're a smaller person. But when you go through many years of being on the larger side, and then everything changes, it is for the better.”

Mooney pointed out how life can change for the better for those who make the same choice that he made about bariatric surgery.

“The best advice I could offer is just to make the call, don't be afraid, and do it. You know, it's your life to live. By doing this, you can get a chance to have a new lifestyle, one in which you are able to live healthy and happy again,” Mooney said. “Bariatric surgery helped to kick start my way back to health after nothing else had really worked. Getting well is both a mental and physical process. Surgery can be frightening, but the consequences of not doing anything to make a change for the better is even more frightening.”

“This surgery was the best thing I ever did for myself, not only for me, but also for my family and for my friends. I want to live a long healthy life, and the idea of being healthy and living a long life outweighs any risk all day long,” Mooney added. “I gave myself a chance. Please give yourself the same chance."

For more information, please visit saintclares.com/bariatrics.