Kirstie had battled with her weight for most of her life, and after years of struggle, she reached a breaking point. In 2010, she underwent gastric band surgery, but complications led to its removal in 2015. Unfortunately, she found herself facing a relentless cycle of weight gain, and by the time she reached almost 29 stone, Kirstie felt her health was in grave danger.
“It was literally do or die,” she recalls. “I knew I had no choice. If I didn’t act, I wouldn’t survive.”
Kirstie turned to bariatric surgery once again, this time under the care of Dr. Tuna Bilecik. The decision was a life-altering one, and the journey ahead would prove to be both challenging and incredibly rewarding.
Before the surgery, everyday tasks felt like insurmountable obstacles. “I couldn’t walk or exercise, play with my kids, or even walk up the stairs without being out of breath,” she says. “Cleaning myself was difficult, and every movement hurt. I had no life – just an existence.”
Her goal was clear: she wanted to be ‘normal’. Kirstie longed to experience the simple joys that many take for granted. “I wanted to buy clothes in a shop instead of online,” she explains. “I wanted to be able to chase my kids around and run with them without feeling like I was going to collapse.”
Today, Kirstie has lost an incredible 16st 4lbs. “The transformation is beyond anything I could have imagined,” she says. “I’ve done things I never thought possible, like the Couch to 5k programme. I’ve always hated exercise, but now I can run for over 35 minutes! When I started, I couldn’t even walk for a minute on the treadmill.”
Her physical ability has drastically improved. “I can clean the house without breaking into a sweat. I can run around with my kids, and I don’t get out of breath. It’s incredible!” Her newfound energy has allowed her to embrace life in ways she never could before.
The changes aren’t just physical. Kirstie feels a profound sense of emotional freedom. “I’m so much more confident now. I don’t mind going out, doing things, or sitting in chairs without worrying about fitting. I can fit into booths in restaurants and even airplane seats. It’s such a relief.”
Kirstie’s health has improved dramatically too. “I’m no longer pre-diabetic, my blood pressure is perfect, and I feel healthier than I ever have.” Her diet is healthier, and she enjoys food without guilt. “I eat what I need to fuel my body, and I still enjoy every bite.”
Perhaps one of Kirstie’s greatest achievements is the emotional freedom she now feels. “I no longer feel like an embarrassment to my kids. I can keep up with them, play with them, and be the active parent I always wanted to be.”
Looking back, Kirstie is filled with gratitude for the life-changing surgery that has completely transformed her. “I wish I had done this years ago,” she says. “It’s changed my life beyond recognition. It’s finally my turn to be a success story.”
When asked what advice she would give others who are considering bariatric surgery, her response is simple but powerful: “DO IT. Don’t waste time, life is too short. There are no regrets for me – I’ve loved every minute of this journey.”
Kirstie’s transformation is nothing short of inspiring. She is living proof that with the right help, determination, and support, anything is possible.
