My Life with Gastric Bypass Surgery
by Kathy Krewsky
Introduction by Linda Nenninger, CPT

Introduction

I met Kathy Krewsky because she was going to have gastric bypass surgery and was looking for a trainer who she could train with once she received her doctor’s clearance following surgery. 

I asked her to come into the gym to meet me.  After all, if she didn’t like the gym or me, then she wouldn’t commit to any program.  Kathy arrived – all 303 lbs. of her.  A big, warm smile greeted me and immediately I felt we had connected.  I showed her our facility. Although Kathy is deaf, I came to realize that she could read lips extremely well.

I emailed her as she recuperated so she would understand what a trainer does and also explained the various types of equipment we would use, i.e., stability balls, bands, weight machines, free weights, etc, and described that exercises worked what major muscles in the body.  I wanted Kathy to have the opportunity to ask me anything.  Before coming into the gym I wanted to uncover this deep, dark place - the gym. 

I found out she had worked out in other gyms and had tried numerous diets.  Nothing worked.  Nothing motivated her.  But I knew if she would give me a chance, I could help her change her life forever. 

Finally the big day arrived - Kathy received clearance to workout.  During her first visit, I placed Kathy on a treadmill for five minutes to warm up.  She quickly was out of breath.  I explained to her that in time she will be able to do 40 minutes of cardio – a goal worth working toward. 

In the first couple of weeks I found Kathy was willing to try anything.  She needed to work on her form.  I needed Kathy to feel the muscle that we were working.  I needed Kathy to understand this was hard work.  But the payoff would be worth it.

During the next several months, I saw a woman who was determined.  Kathy unfailingly kept her appointments with me. I could see how hard this was for her, but determination is got her through it.  No matter how hard the exercise, frustrated at times, angry at other times, she continued to push herself…hard.  I also remember the times she told me she could not do one more bench press and I said, ‘Oh yes you can!’ and she did. 

As I watched this woman's body go through sweeping changes, she was losing inches like the snow melting in springtime.  I was in awe.  I could not believe how much weight she was losing.  She was half her original size in just six months.  I was looking at a new woman. 

Our relationship was no longer that of trainer and client – Kathy became my friend.  We somehow became one.  Kathy put her faith in me and trusted that I would train her safely and correctly, that she would see results.  People are stopping her because the results were not only impressive but also unbelievable in such a short amount of time.  We often hugged one another and have each other a high five after our workouts.  And of course there were tears.  Tears of joy, tears of frustration and tears of ‘I just can't believe I lost all this weight…it’s so hard to digest.’ 

This woman did not come to me asking for magic.  She knew she would have to work hard and she was willing to go the distance.  She would never give up. 

She is an inspiration for anyone.  Having never worked out a day in her life, she was ready to reach beyond her wildest dreams of becoming healthy and living out a better lifestyle. 

Kathy has touched my heart forever.  She made me realize there are no more excuses.  If you're willing to push and work hard, your mind had no idea of what your body is capable of.  This is an extraordinary accomplishment in one's lifetime.  I see a new woman.  She has a ton of energy and looks terrific.  I applaud her.  To have this opportunity changes your life forever.  

I wanted to share Kathy’s story in the hope that it may help one of your clients find the motivation to make healthy lifestyle changes.  Surgery isn’t the answer for everyone, however, Kathy’s struggle to find the right path can serve as inspiration to anyone who only sees a difficult road ahead.

Here’s her story in her own words –

My Life with Gastric Bypass Surgery

By Kathy Krewsky

Right before surgery, I was very nervous, feeling all sorts of emotions and even crying before I got on the operating table for Gastric Bypass Surgery.  Dr Aranow, my wonderful surgeon, helped calm my nerves with a good talk before they put me sleep. I prayed to myself that God would see me through and allow me to live for my kids and myself.  Dr. Aranow saved my life that day and gave me a second chance by performing this surgery. Dr Aranow and his team have been a wonderful to support to me and I could not do without them! Having gastric bypass is like giving birth to a child- it changes your life forever, in ways that you may not even comprehend to begin with.

In my life, to lose weight, I tried everything; Overeater’s Anonymous, every fad diet conceivable, exercise, etc.  I had been able to lose some weight, but, inevitably, I would gain it back, plus even more.

The medical conditions that were a factor in my decision to have gastric bypass were numerous.  I had high blood pressure, was a borderline diabetic and suffered from obstructive sleep apnea, to name just a few of the more serious ailments.  My whole body was struggling to keep up with my weight; my poor knees could barely support me without excruciating pain.  Pre-surgery, I always worried “Will I be able to fit?” Booths, theaters, airplanes, plastic chairs, turnstiles, picnic tables – all these situations would cause me extreme anxiety.  Most people do not understand, or even have the ability to comprehend the extreme psychological stigma and duress that obesity places upon a person.

One day, I decided to myself that I better to do something for my kids and me because I do not want to die or get even more health problems in the future.

The sad fact is that I knew from my history - diets don’t work for me. For me, gastric bypass was a last choice; a desperate final attempt at life and health. I researched surgery a lot on the internet and sought out support groups of people who have had surgery or were thinking about it.  I met personally with people who had surgery and I asked them tons of questions before I decided to go for it. I am so lucky to have wonderful family and friends who supported me for this surgery.

Through the screening process and wait for surgery, I would periodically be chicken and think of backing out, because I was so afraid about the risks of surgery.  Ultimately, you have to completely trust the doctor who performs this surgery and be confident in his experience with this kind of surgery and their support system after surgery. Dr Aranow explained every detail about the pros and cons of surgery and said he is tough love doctor, clearly outlining his expectations post-surgery - especially following the eating program and exercise, exercise, exercise.

So, I decided to do some research and find a trainer to help me with my fitness goals.  I knew I could not do regular exercise by myself and stay motivated.  So, I was going to need someone to push me along, to make it difficult for me to get disappointed, or cheat myself or make excuses about not exercising.

I found Linda Nenninger, a Certified Personal Fitness Trainer through referral from a person from my WLS support group.  I met her at Advantage Personal Training (a gym located in Niantic, CT), and she showed me around the gym. We got along well.  At the time we met, I had not had surgery yet.  I told her that I will join the gym to exercise after surgery.

We kept in a touch through email. During that time, she explained exactly what we would be doing in the gym, i.e. warm-up, one hour total body training, cool down and stretching in between the workout. 

Finally, I was cleared by my surgeon to begin formal exercise two weeks after my surgery. I started to work one-on-one with Linda who was having me do a total body workout for a full hour two times a week.  Later, I moved to three times a week.  She explained that it was not just about coming to the gym and doing weight training, but also incorporating cardio 3 - 5 times a week and eating healthier. 

This was a lifestyle change, not a quick fix.  You will only get out of the program what you put in to it.  As a trainer, she also followed up with me the next day to ask me how I felt after my workout.  She wanted me to hit my goals.  As a trainer, she cared about not only what I was doing in the gym but, more importantly, what I was doing outside of the gym to maintain this lifestyle change.  Her words:  “Being fit is a way of life that makes you feel good.  It’s that simple.  It’s important to remember that excellence in fitness is a journey, not a destination.  Moderation is key and balance is a must!  Always have fun while working hard toward a goal – and KEEP SMILING!”

It was hard at first because I was out of breath while doing cardio and exercise because I hadn’t done lengthy workouts for quite some time.  It took time for my body to get used to the exertion.

Linda is a great trainer and always created variety and introduced different kinds of exercise at gym, like exercise balls, bands and weights. I have learned a lot of new things.

Having a one-to-one trainer was the right thing for me.  Linda helped me with things that I lacked experience in, like weight lifting and kept me from doing anything that will hurt me. 

Now, after surgery and exercise, I have more energy, my self esteem has had a huge boost.  I no longer have sleep apnea.  My high blood pressure and borderline diabetes are cured.  My physical pain, especially in my left knee, has disappeared. I don’t have to worry about little things, like where I will sit, and can enjoy my life.

I feel this surgery gave me second chance, bu, I remind everybody reading this that THIS IS NOT A QUICK FIX.  YOU GET OUT OF THIS SURGERY WHAT YOU PUT INTO IT.  It is hard work to succeed and change for life. I have to exercise every day, have completely changed my lifestyle and my relationship with food, so that it is no longer my best friend. Water is my best friend now!

I enjoy exercising now; I always try new things, and have gotten my kids involved and doing exercise with me, so that they too can have a healthier life.  My kids say I am more fun now, because I am not tired like I was before. Before I had this surgery, my kids couldn’t put their arms around me.  Now they can and keep saying ‘Look I can put my arms around you now!’ It touched my heart and knew I made the right decision.

Even though I feel great, I am still using my tools every day. The tools are: use my surgery to my advantage by following the eating plan outlined by my doctor and nutritionist, exercise everyday, keep track my food intake through journaling, go to support group in person, participate online (www.obesityhelp.com) then select CT on the left side to help other people.  Currently, I post a daily exercise log on line at this website to help others stay motivated to exercise and give them ideas.

As a result of the surgery, I can’t drink soda or anything with sugar in it, or eat foods with high sugar, fried foods or junk foods.  If I do, it may make me feel sick to my stomach or throw up.

Kathy's Before and After photos are available here.