Celebrating Her New Life Following Bariatric Surgery
Wife, Mother and Bariatric Surgery Patient
"Today, I feel like a new person. Best of all, my confidence level is at an all-time high and I no longer have to take blood pressure medication. Bariatric surgery has also taught me to eat better and make healthier choices."
Like so many other people, Tracy Krick was getting tired of trying one fad diet after another, only to lose a bit of weight and then gain it back a short time later. Not only were her overall energy levels and drive decreasing, her blood pressure was steadily increasing. After trying three different blood pressure medications, she finally decided enough was enough.
“I knew I needed to make a change,” said Tracy. “That’s when I began exploring bariatric surgery. I knew I wanted to make permanent change not only for me, but for my family.”
After watching MyMichigan’s online bariatric seminar and talking with a bariatric coordinator and surgeon, Tracy decided to undergo a sleeve gastrectomy on July 8, 2020. During this minimally-invasive, laparoscopic procedure, Bariatric Surgeon Jeffrey Bonacci, M.D., divided her stomach into two portions using staples. He then removed the largest section of her stomach, leaving a long, narrow portion of her stomach resembling the shape of a sleeve.
“A sleeve gastrectomy procedure maintains the basic function of the stomach; however, the volume the stomach can handle is significantly less,” said Dr. Bonacci. “Patients who undergo a sleeve gastrectomy feel full quickly and therefore, consume less food at each meal. On average, patients lose about half of their excess body weight in 12 months.”
“Today, I feel like a new person,” she said. “My starting weight was 220 pounds and I’m now down to 130 pounds. Best of all, my confidence level is at an all-time high and I no longer have to take blood pressure medication. Bariatric surgery is also teaching me to eat better and make healthier choices. I’m even getting back into creating fitness goals which helps a ton mentally. It’s made me a better mom, wife and the best version of myself.”
Tracy’s advice following surgery is to take it easy and give yourself some grace. “Try your best to get in your protein and water,” she added. “The rest will fall into place. Just take tiny steps.”
In addition to the overall health benefits she has experienced, Tracy is also enjoying the little things. “As silly as it sounds, I can sit comfortably now,” she said. “I find myself crossing my legs and thinking to myself, wow I couldn’t do this last year. I can chase my kids around without getting winded, and I’m also starting to get back into running and loving it.”
According to Tracy, MyMichigan was and continues to be amazing through the whole process. “After I watched the online seminar, the bariatric team handled it from there and walked me through the process every step of the way,” she said. “They made it seem flawless. Dr. Bonacci explained everything thoroughly and always made me feel comfortable throughout the whole process. I can’t thank the team enough. They literally changed my life. My advice for someone considering bariatric surgery is simple. Do it, don’t wait!”
MyMichigan Health offers bariatric surgery in both Alma and Midland. Those who would like to watch an information video or take a free weight loss assessment may visit www.mymichigan.org/weightloss.
