Kaitlyn's Story
What was your experience like with Dr. Yarbrough and the weight loss center team?
My experience with Dr. Yarbrough and the weight loss team from the very beginning was amazing! From my first initial call for a consultation, even up until now, all of the staff are very attentive, caring, and professional. Whenever I have a question or concern about anything they are awesome about helping as much as they can over the phone, unless it prompts an appointment of course. Dr. Yarbrough is extremely detailed in explaining every step of the process and what to expect. He is also very attentive in listening to any concerns I had and ensuring I had the best care possible throughout the whole process.
What did you like about the weight loss program the most and how has your weight loss journey been?
What I liked most about the program is that I never once felt pressured into anything, I was able to move at my own pace and make my own decisions. Everyone involved in the process from the nutritionist, the psychologist, and physical therapist was phenomenal and very informative.
What lifestyle changes have you made and what is one thing you can do now that you couldn’t do before surgery?
Some lifestyle changes that I have made are my diet and activities. I no longer buy the "convenient" foods that are easy to pop in the microwave. I take the time to read labels, I take the time to prep my foods and cook them. One of the biggest changes is portioning my meals. It took a lot of practice before surgery to control my portions and teach myself not to overeat, I had purchased a food scale and trained myself on how to properly weigh my proteins and portion the sides. Now, I'm 10 months down the road and everything is like second nature at this point. It truly is a learning process of self-discipline and self-control. One thing I struggled with before surgery was my physical endurance and being able to keep up with my three young children. Sure, I'd be able to go outside and play with them, but not without feeling like I couldn't breathe, coughing uncontrollably from my severe acid reflux, or having to stop and take breaks. Since my surgery and weight loss I am happy to say my acid reflux and pain is gone, my physical endurance is back and I am able to run and play with my children. I've gotten back into bike riding around the lake again, I go to the gym regularly to regain my core strength, I feel like I was given my life back and I am forever grateful to Dr. Yarbrough and the team for making it all possible.
Anything else you want to share about your experience?
I want to share some of the parts that sometimes go without being talked about. While my experience with Dr. Yarbrough and the entire team was incredible, I want to tell you that there will be struggles. They will happen, you will question yourself, you will be frustrated, your emotional state will go through some changes, and recovery can be rough at first. All these things you will experience are 100 percent normal. Dr. Yarbrough and the team are there to help and they came through for me every single step of the way. I had some moments of asking myself “what did I do?" and “did I make the right choice?" I can assure you that these questions are valid, and these questions are normal. Following the steps is the easy part, mentally getting yourself through it all is the hard part, because you are literally retraining yourself for a new lifestyle. It's a marathon mentally, but it's so worth it in the end!
