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As a young, active woman, Kristel struggled with excess weight after giving birth to two children and being diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. Having tried everything else, she decided to consider surgery, but this decision was preceded by extensive preparation. Now, after having a mini-bypass at Health Clinic, she is 25 kilos lighter!
I had known about the surgery for over six years, but I did not have the courage to do it myself because unfortunately I could not find enough feedback from Estonians. Of course, there have been shows on this topic, but of the patients featured in them, I only remember those (as usual) who had failed on this journey.
I was slim and extremely active for half of my life. I used to go to the gym three to five times a week (working out was my favourite pastime). When I met my partner, we would go to the gym and run together, often joking that we lacked the gene to get fat. As usual, karma finally got to me.
At 22, I became pregnant and while I was still active for the first 30 weeks of pregnancy, due to my lifestyle (place of residence, work, financial situation), I became depressed and stayed at home more, moved less and my weight started to go up. Eventually, I made excuses that the weather was bad, the clothes did not fit, I was too pregnant and after giving birth, I had gained 15 extra kilograms. I was optimistic and thought that by exercising and breastfeeding, the softness would disappear quickly.
Kristel before surgery
I started exercising actively, until one morning I woke up to find that my calf was swollen and as thick as my thigh. I went to the doctor and they sent me for tests. Initially it was thought to be just a temporary problem from overexertion. Life became difficult, my baby was not sleeping, I avoided mirrors and tried to ignore the constant pain in my back and knees. Six months later, I was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. I was strictly forbidden from exercising because certain movements are good, but heavy loads and impact are not. I stopped running, squats and strength training as well. I fell into depression and eventually I was 25 kilos overweight.
When I had been overweight for three years, a friend mentioned weight loss surgery, but since I am not an overeater but rather a frequent snacker, I was sure that it would not help me… eating less would not matter when a bag of chips or a Snickers bar would still fit. So I was aware of the option but did not really consider it. I tried dieting, but I always fell back into the trap of cravings. I learned to love my fat body and made peace with myself. I found that if others loved me regardless of my weight, I could learn to do the same.
But life soon changed again, with a new country, a new home, a new job, new worries, etc. By this time I had two children and they were old enough to express themselves in an understandable and thought-provoking way. My oldest child complained that I never bothered to participate in active things with them, that it made her sad. My daughter assured me that I was beautiful but lazy.
It all made me analyse myself and I realised that my weight had trapped me; I had no energy, no stamina, everything hurt when I moved more. My eating habits alternated between being disciplined and completely out of control. Sometimes I starved myself; other times, I ate only sweets.
Something had to change! I started googling options, recipes, workouts. After repeatedly failing and ending up in the EMD to have fluid drained from my knees, I knew I had to find a solution or lose myself completely.
I talked to a friend and she said she wanted to have plastic surgery one day. This reminded me to revisit the idea of bariatric surgery. I started looking for information at every free moment and following people who were either on this journey or had already completed it. I found someone with a similar figure and diet to me who had chosen a mini-bypass surgery for bariatric surgery. I redirected my research to focus on this specific procedure. I read through all the clinics’ introductions and stories about the surgery. I then intensively researched the pros and cons of the surgery and the general effects for half a year.
Based on the recommendations I saw online, I chose Health Clinic and finally made an appointment for a consultation. The surgeon was very nice and professional (Dr Rein Adamson) and I immediately asked for the surgery to be scheduled as soon as possible to avoid second thoughts. Of course, it was also a financially difficult decision, but I found that my health is worth every penny.
On the day of the surgery, I was a little anxious, but it disappeared after speaking with the surgeon.
When I woke up after the surgery, I quickly let my family know that everything was fine. I waited for the abdominal gas pains I had read would occur after surgery. After an hour, I realised that I did not have them. Since I had already started eating things before the surgery that I would need to eat after the surgery, the initial liquid diet period was easy for me.
The only time I had tears in my eyes was when I went grocery shopping and realised how much junk was in everything. I was in the grocery store for two hours reading the ingredients and crying that I could not buy anything. BUT I PROMISE IT ONLY FEELS LIKE THAT AT THE BEGINNING because over time you get to know these things by heart. You will learn to prepare the foods you used to love in a healthier way for yourself.
Now I am 25 kilos lighter; the day I went to the pre-surgery consultation I was 30 kilos overweight. I am active again, cheerful, more mindful about food, healthier and my joints feel lighter. Of course, there is also this special feeling of pride in myself that I can handle anything if I need to! Food is like smoking: if you choose the wrong path with food, you become addicted to quick energy boosts (energy drinks, crisps, sweets). I can say that I am still not 100% perfect with every food, but this very rare ‘sin’ is nothing compared to how I used to eat. I had a strong aversion to warm meals or large portions because chewing and eating slowly were uncomfortable for me.
Now I eat calmly and with a smile. In my opinion, we can only save ourselves and if choosing surgery helps narrow the path and avoid detours, it is ideal. I can say that I got my life back! Speaking of the clinic, I did not consider other clinics because I knew from my research that Health Clinic clients are satisfied and successful in every area, so I recommend them for their attitude, professionalism and support.
Surgery is not an easy decision for anyone, but Health Clinic will support you along the way, like a small child who can walk down a new path holding the hands of mum and dad.
