Vicki’s Weight Loss Story – Ready to Ride the Rollercoaster Again

By admin on February 15, 2012 at 11:12 am

Just a few months ago, Vicki wanted to make a big change in her life – one that would help her live a healthier lifestyle and be able to do things that she couldn’t do because of her weight. Not long ago, Vicki couldn’t ride on a rollercoaster, or ride down a snowtube because she could not fit inside them. But after weight loss surgery from the Live Life Again Center, plus a diligent commitment to a new diet and significant lifestyle changes – well, take a look for yourself!

Vicki can ride the rollercoaster again, tube down the mountain, and take confidence in the fact that she has made so much progress in reducing health risks and slimming down her physique. We are so proud of Vicki and we look forward to seeing the continuation of this amazing transformation!

Contact Dr. David D. Kim for more information, or to schedule a consultation.

Posted in Vicki - Weight Loss Surgery Contest Winner

Size 14 Jeans!!!

By admin on October 27, 2011 at 1:57 pm

I was so excited I told the lady who gives out dressing room numbers & the cashier at Target!!! hahahahaha

That moment when you hope something will fit and try to zip it up came and went for years with me, until I finally gave up trying things on.

There is NOTHING more fun now than trying on clothes. Hoping to get into a 12 before Christmas. I can see single digits just ahead of me and not too many more pounds until I am under 200. These milestones are keeping me motivated & looking ahead.

Here are the highlights that come to mind right now- sitting with my legs crossed comfortably in a pew at church, sitting indian style on the floor with my students, having my son and daughter tell me I am “getting skinny”.

Life is Good:)
XO

Posted in Vicki - Weight Loss Surgery Contest Winner

One Month Post-Op

By admin on September 12, 2011 at 3:16 pm

I am exactly one month post op and I have never felt more thankful & motivated in my life! I have lost 60 pounds. First, I want to say thank you to my awesome doctor, Dr. David Kim. Giving me the ability to control myself is the best gift in the world. It’s something I could not do alone. Also, to his amazing staff for all their support, encouragement and friendship. If you are considering this, I urge you to stop waiting and dreaming, and just do it!

On Mon.Aug. 8th I weighed in just before my surgery at 40 lbs lighter than when I started my pro-op diet. I couldn’t have lost so much without daily exercise. The hospital was beautiful, the staff was warm & friendly and I felt comfortable going into surgery. I was worried about having an IV put in and it was truly painless. I remember being rolled into surgery and the nurse saying they were going to take good care of me….about an hour later I woke up in my room and I was in just a little bit of pain. I did have a hernia which Dr. Kim repaired and unfortunately I had a bit of a reaction to the anesthesia, which caused some discomfort. It’s nothing I wouldn’t go through again right this minute to get to where I am today. I will say the barium swallow for the leak test before you go home was the yuckiest part for me. It tastes terrible. Thank goodness it only takes a few seconds.

The first week out of surgery I worked on drinking liquids and trying to get protein in. You don’t realize that it will be hard work to sip and get things down. I never imagined I would not want anything to eat or drink! I felt guilty the first week because I was sore and could not work out. After exercising daily for months, I felt lazy and guilty–like I wasn’t trying. I will say I found it difficult to get comfortable in the bed at night, so I didn’t sleep well the first week. I found propping pillows all around me and sleeping on the sofa helped. Lastly, because you are on fluids while you are in the hospital I gained 7 pounds! I started to really enjoy weighing myself daily and I was so upset when I had gained weight.

The first 2 weeks home I started getting used to feeling different. I lost the 7 lbs of fluids plus 5 more the first week and then 5 more the second week. I had my staples removed a week after surgery and that did not hurt one bit (though I was worried it would). I was absolutely thrilled when I got to try cream soup, drinkable yogurt and soft things. Not because I was starving, but just to have a texture and different taste. The smallest sip was so satisfying those first few weeks.

By week 3, I was really feeling back to myself. I went back to work 2 weeks after surgery and still felt a bit tired. I started off slowly in the gym on the treadmill and then moved back to the elliptical (which burns double the calories). I was also happy to swim laps again.I was thrilled when I needed to buy a new bathing suit – 4 sizes smaller than the one I was wearing 3 months earlier! As summer comes to an end, I have now gone down a water-slide and off the diving board. These are things I haven’t done in 10 years!

I am optimistic and excited about what this year will bring for me. I am anxious to get to the 100 pounds lost mark. I can not wait to weigh less than 200. I will most definitely celebrate when I am in the one hundreds (not with something sweet either – I will get a pedicure or massage). I will always remember what it felt like to feel uncomfortable, to know that people were looking at me and thinking I had lost myself. To be filled with worry that my children were embarrassed of me or that I was going to die early. I have enjoyed saying goodbye to plus size clothes and would like to say I will not be a customer of Lane Bryant ever again!

Thank you to everyone who has supported me and followed my weight loss story. No matter where you are in your journey, know that you have the power and ability to change. I know you may think you can’t, but I am proof that you can. There have been so many times where I thought I couldn’t do it and I took each step one at a time and did it. I was sure I couldn’t stop drinking sodas. I was sure I wouldn’t be able to stop eating bread. I was positive people would laugh and stare at me if I went to the gym. Stop worrying, start imagining how feeling thin and healthy will feel and do it!

Gratefully,
Vicki

Posted in Vicki - Weight Loss Surgery Contest Winner

Vicki – 3 Days Prior to Surgery

By admin on September 1, 2011 at 2:35 pm

Vicki 3 days prior to her gastric sleeve resection.

Posted in Vicki - Weight Loss Surgery Contest Winner

Vicki’s Experience 1 Week Before Surgery

By admin on August 17, 2011 at 2:37 pm

It’s now about 1 week before the surgery. I am down 27 lbs from the start of my journey. I think the neatest part is that getting on the scale, is now a positive experience! That has never been the case before.

When I first started thinking about my weight loss goals, and the liquid diet, I was really worried, but now I have realized that I CAN DO THIS. My daily and weekly routines now include the gym and Yoga. I am inspired and excited to see what is in store for me.

Posted in Vicki - Weight Loss Surgery Contest Winner

Dallas Weight Loss Contest Winner Prepares for Surgery

By admin on August 17, 2011 at 12:01 am

Weight Loss Surgery Contest Winner in Dallas Prepares for Gastric Sleeve Surgery

At the Live Life Again Center for Bariatric Surgery, Dr. David Kim and weight loss surgery contest winner Vicki Luna are preparing for her weight loss procedure. Ahead of her gastric sleeve surgery, Vicki is writing blog posts and updating the Facebook community of the Live Life Again Center.

As a bariatric surgeon in Dallas, TX, Dr. David Kim has performed thousands of weight loss procedures at the Live Life Again Center for Bariatric Surgery. Following the practice’s recent weight loss surgery contest, winner Vicki Luna began writing posts for Dr. Kim’s blog and Facebook page as she prepares for her vertical sleeve gastrectomy. Dr. Kim adds that he felt the contest was important because it will allow Vicki the chance to live life again through a complete and healthy transformation. “Not everyone can afford surgery and the personal cost of obesity is devastating. It impacts peoples’ physical and emotional health, and sacrifices the quality of life we all deserve. Each patient contemplating surgery has failed numerous diets and is at the end of their emotional rope. My patients are tired, physically and emotionally tired of dieting.”

One month before her procedure, the first post Vicki wrote described her excitement and outlined her struggles with the significant life changes that were required ahead of her weight loss surgery. In addition to being concerned about quitting her soda habit and heading to the gym, Vicki says she was most concerned about losing the comfort that food provided her in the past. However, after a short period of time she writes she is experiencing some steady weight loss and is constantly motivated by her children.

In her most recent post on the Live Life Again Center for Bariatric Surgery Facebook page, Vicki says she has lost 25 pounds, and works out everyday. She adds that the period after dinner and before she goes to sleep are the hardest. With her surgery date fast-approaching, Vicki says she remains anxious about the long-term, but optimistic and excited. Dr. Kim says each patient experiences similar feelings, adding that remaining positive as Vicki has can have a tremendous impact on the success of a bariatric procedure. “Medical science has proven that once a patient develops a BMI of just 35 (which typically means a woman gaining 60 lbs) they will fail 98% of the time. We do not measure success at the end of a diet because all of my patients can lose weight, but they can’t keep it off. It is the long term success that’s important and that’s where diets fail. For a patient with a severe weight problem to succeed, they need good surgery and an attitude towards a healthy lifestyle change.”

About David Kim, MD

Dr. David Kim earned his medical degree from Northeastern Ohio University College of Medicine. He then completed his general surgery residency at Case Western Reserve University, and his peripheral vascular surgery fellowship at Ohio State University. Dr. Kim has also completed fellowships in advanced laparoscopic bariatric surgery at the Medical College of Virginia and Washington University in St. Louis. He is a fellow of the American College of Surgeons, and a member of the American Society for Bariatric Surgery, the Tarrant County Medical Society, and the American Society of General Surgeons.

The Live Life Again Center for Bariatric Surgery is located at 35 Varanda Lane Ste 100 Colleyville, TX 76034, and can be found online at drdkim.net or mylapbanddallas.com. Fort Worth patients can reach the practice at (817) 717-7447, and Dallas patients can contact the practice at (214) 614-7036.

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Posted in In the media, Vicki - Weight Loss Surgery Contest Winner

Dallas, TX Bariatric Surgeon Announces Weight Loss Contest Winner

By admin on July 20, 2011 at 12:01 am

Dallas, TX Weight Loss Surgery Contest Winner Announced

After receiving thousands of votes for the nine finalists, Dr. David Kim and the Live Life Again Center for Bariatric Surgery have announced the winner of the weight loss surgery giveaway. Vicki Luna, the music teacher at Castle Montessori School, relied on an outpouring of support from the local community that resulted in her being selected as the winner. She will now undergo weight loss surgery with Dr. Kim, and allow fans of the Dallas practice to follow her journey as she makes a healthy transformation.

The Live Life Again Center for Bariatric Surgery and Dr. David Kim are announcing the winner of their weight loss surgery contest. Vicki Luna was one of nine finalists selected from the initial round of video entries, in which patients explained how weight loss surgery would change their lives. Following an online voting period, Vicki was declared the winner. She will now undergo bariatric surgery at the Live Life Again Center, and provide an inside-look at the entire weight loss process.

After conducting a massive networking campaign in which she enlisted the help of her entire community, Vicki received thousands of votes in the weight loss surgery contest. She created flyers and wristbands, handed out flyers and goodie bags, and spoke to family, friends, coworkers, the local police department, recital attendees, and church parishioners. Once selected as a finalist, she says she spoke to anyone and everyone willing to listen because of the magnitude of this opportunity and her passion for making a healthy change as she strives to life the life she desires.

As the Dallas bariatric practice and Dr. Kim prepare Vicki for the weight loss procedure, they have expressed their excitement for the results of the contest as well. Dr. Kim says the entire Live Life Again staff anxiously await the next step for Vicki, and believe she will act as a source of inspiration for many people considering a healthy transformation and a new chapter in their lives.

About Dr. Kim

Dr. David Kim earned his medical degree from Northeastern Ohio Universities College of Medicine. He then completed his general surgery residency at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, where he also served as Chief Resident of general surgery. Dr. Kim completed a peripheral vascular surgery fellowship at Park Medical Center, and a laparoscopic gastric bypass fellowship at the Medical College of Virginia. He is a fellow of the American College of Surgeons, and a member of the American Society for Bariatric Surgery and the American Society of General Surgeons. Dr. Kim specializes in a range of bariatric procedures, including the LAP-BAND System, gastric banding, and the gastric sleeve surgery.

The Live Life Again Center for Bariatric Surgery is located at 35 Veranda Lane Suite 100 in Colleyville, TX 76034. Fort Worth patients can reach the practice at (817) 717-7447, and Dallas patients can call (214) 614-7036. The practice can also be found online at drdkim.net, mylapbanddallas.com, or the Live Life Again Center for Bariatric Surgery Facebook page.

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Posted in In the media, Lap Band, Vicki - Weight Loss Surgery Contest Winner

Dallas Weight Loss Surgery Contest Winner Vicki L. Pre-Surgery

By admin on July 13, 2011 at 8:26 am

Friday, July 8th – exactly one month until my surgery
I still can not believe I won this generous gift of a free surgery from Dr. Kim. I have never won anything in my life! Since my husband’s employer excludes weight loss surgery, this made this dream possible for me and I appreciate everyone who voted for me and helped me win this. I feel extremely lucky to have Dr. Kim as my surgeon. Even as I sit and talk with him about my struggles with weight, I feel like he is an old friend- a great listener and really cares.

When I found out I won, I immediately started working on not drinking sodas. In any given day I would have at least 6-8 Cokes. It was difficult, but after a few weeks I had completely stopped. I started going to the gym (which I had been paying for over a year on, but had never gone to) and started walking, riding the bike and taking yoga. While my body is too large for many of the yoga poses, there are many ways to adjust by using your knees. Yoga has helped me become more centered and while I am doing it, I am able to think a lot about the changes I will be making, which has motivated me. I also started swimming laps almost everyday. My children are now swimming laps with me. Making all these changes has opened the door for me to talk with my son and daughter about making smart choices and being healthy. My parents never did that with me.
I start my liquid diet this Tuesday and I admit I am scared about it. Obviously, I like to eat so I feel like I am going to lose a close friend. I have put many things in place in our home to be ready for this. We not longer have the pantry stocked with chips and the freezer full of ice cream. We have flavored water and sugar free popsicle. The thought of being thin is so exciting that I am focusing on that and not the challenge of the diet. I really hope I can stay focused and committed through July and lose even more weight than I did in June.

I am filled gratitude for being given this opportunity and I want to make Dr. Kim proud of me. In know peer pressure is usually thought of as negative, but in this instance, the pressure of everyone watching is helping me.

Gratefully,

Vicki

Posted in Vicki - Weight Loss Surgery Contest Winner