Ohio Woman Changes Her Life with Weight Loss Surgery Program at Riverside Methodist Hospital

    COLUMBUS, OH, February 01, 2010 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Teri Knedler, 35, of Greenfield, Ohio, made the life-changing decision to receive weight loss surgery with Fresh Start Bariatrics at Riverside Methodist Hosptial in September of 2008. A wife, mother of three, legal secretary and part-time server, Knedler really began living her life after her gastric band surgery.

Weight loss surgeries, such as the gastric band procedure, allow patients to achieve substantial lifestyle changes that many feel are out of reach. While not intended as a replacement for diet and exercise or as a quick way to drop a few extra pounds, bariatric surgery can help chronically obese patients achieve a lifestyle change with healthy weight levels, while lowering the risk of weight-related medical problems - including diabetes and heart conditions.

Knedler's ah-ha moment came while listening to a radio clip for Fresh Start Bariatrics at Riverside Methodist Hospital. Surgery had been in the back of her mind for years, but hearing about the hands-on, comprehensive program at Fresh Start Bariatrics moved Knedler to act. She attended an initial seminar with Dr. Stephen Myers to see if weight loss surgery was a good option for her.

"At the initial seminar I just knew this was what I needed to do; I was finally to the point where I could see other people doing it successfully, and I realized bariatric surgery is a great tool," Knedler said. "Hearing the success stories from people who had been through the Fresh Start Bariatrics program, as well as understanding the entire process, from meeting with a nutritionist to surgery-day details, made me realize this was the program for me. I understood that it would be really hard, but it would be a great tool for me to utilize."

For Knedler, after making the decision to get surgery, the hardest part of the weight loss surgery process was the week before surgery when patients must remain on a strict, liquid diet. "I thought if I could make it through that, both the physical and mental stress, I could handle everything else - and I did!" Knedler said.

Comfort with a weight loss program's staff is an essential factor for most patients when determining if weight loss surgery is the best option. "Everyone was very personable and honest; Dr. Myers would tell you if you were messing up or slacking," Knedler said. "The support staff was wonderful, too. I dealt with them the majority of time and they are all wonderful - not just one or two people, but the whole family."

Along with the support of the Fresh Start staff, Knedler found an online support partner from Kentucky. Coincedentally, Knedler and her friend had surgery the same day. They were able to share their experiences, goals and struggles with each other. Although Knedler has never met her friend in-person, their similar experiences with weight loss surgery allowed them to be great support partners.

"It keeps you accountable to have someone to talk to," Knedler said. "The monthly meetings with Dr. Myers are also extremely helpful to your success post-surgery - you can't cheat!"

The difference in Knedler's daily life after surgery is drastic. "I wish I'd done it 10 years ago!" Knedler said. She has more energy, does more with her family, and no longer lives to eat. Small changes make a huge impact on her happiness, including the ability to bend over and tie her shoes and breathe at the same time, sleep more soundly and wear a bikini for the first time since she was six.

"I've noticed how differently people treat me now," Knedler said. "It's amazing how people wouldn't look me in the eye before, but now smile back at me."

For more information about Fresh Start Bariatrics, and to hear other stories like Knedler's, visit www.freshstartbariatrics.com.

About Fresh Start Bariatrics
What makes Fresh Start Bariatrics so unique is our compassion for each patient as an individual. In fact, our highly personalized care is the reason Fresh Start Bariatrics at Riverside Methodist Hospital stands out from other bariatric surgery programs in Ohio. Our team approach means you will have support every step of the way throughout this life-changing and life-saving procedure and every one of our operations is performed at Riverside Methodist Hospital, respected nationwide for exceptional patient care and outstanding results. That is why so many people from all over Ohio choose Fresh Start Bariatrics. If you think you may be a candidate for weight-loss surgery, sign up for one of our free seminars or visit www.freshstartbariatrics.com.

# # #