10/20/2026
Pamela's Transformation
Before surgery I still did things, but it was a lot more difficult and exhausting. For example, tying my shoes, bending over, getting winded going up the stairs, and at one point not being able to cross my legs which is my favorite sitting position. I was so tired of just not feeling good in my body. Exercise felt terrible because of all the weight. My cholesterol was starting to get high. I also felt like I couldn't control my impulsiveness when eating.
I have struggled with my weight all of my life. I lost 50lbs in 2018-2019 and gained it back, then went up and down throughout the years. I have tried a lot of diets and exercise. When I first asked for a referral for surgery it was because I wanted a solution that was permanent and addressed what I knew was my problem - overeating. I had a few family members make comments about the surgery that ultimately scared me away from proceeding with it. I remember feeling super anxious about having surgery. Fast forward a few years, I met a man who told me about his surgery, and I told him about my consideration of having it and my anxiety about it, and he told me his only regret was not having it sooner. After talking to him that weekend I called GHP to schedule
Everyone has been kind from start to finish. Dr K made me feel so comfortable from the first time I met him. He was cracking jokes, and one of the nurses told me to tell him something specific because it was an inside joke, so I did, and he went right along with it and it was so great because I was so anxious about everything. This whole process has truly changed my life, and I get emotional talking about it.
Now, I don't feel winded after jumping on the trampoline with my niece and nephew. I feel better exercising, almost like my body is more capable of anything I want it to be. I'm fitting into my old favorite jeans again. I'm able to go on amusement park rides again. My last follow up Dr. Kemmeter asked me about my whys, He told me to remember these throughout my journey, and after that appointment I cried in the parking lot, happy tears because I remembered my whys and how I over came my fears and am so excited for whats to come. Dr. Kemmeter is truly the embodiment of what a surgeon/doctor should be, someone who truly cares about their patient, but also going just above and beyond with humor, kindness, and care. I am truly thankful for him being my surgeon. I hope that whoever is reading this that may be debating on proceeding with their weight loss journey, reads this and gets that courage to push through and do it. I promise you it is so worth it, and soon your only regret will be not doing it sooner.
