Christine Weller and her husband Scott have recently begun enjoying something new together – running. However, that was not Christine’s plan when Scott started training for his first race as part of the “Fab Five,” Bailey Bariatrics Route 66 
Relay Team, in 2013. “When he was starting to run, I didn’t go, because I didn’t want to be by myself,” she admits. Scott had bariatric weight loss surgery earlier that year and as his weight dropped, his transformation became as apparent as his new love of running. Scott signed up for just about every running event Team Bailey Bariatrics joined, and then several more on his own. Meanwhile, Christine stayed at home. By the end of 2014, she decided to make a change. “I thought, ‘I’m turning 50 next year and I can’t do this anymore.’ I came to a point I had to do something about my weight. I want to be there for our kids.”
Christine scheduled her first appointment with Dr. Kirk in October, but she first wanted to try the non-surgical weight loss program. “I’ve got to have help,” she told Dr. Kirk. After initially being successful with the program, her weight loss stalled. She gave bariatric weight loss surgery some more thought. “I decided that I wanted to start working towards that goal.”
After completing the pre-op requirements, Christine lost a total of 53 pounds before her June 3, 2015 surgery date. Since then, she has lost another 39 pounds and gained a new confidence in herself. “I feel good,” she says. “I just love to go do things.” Instead of staying home, Christine says she is now enjoying going out and about with her husband from errands to their favorite weekly stop at the farmer’s market. When she goes to the local track to run, Scott is often there with her.
As far as her new-found joy in running and joining Scott in half marathons, Christine says, “I’m not going to guarantee anything right now.” Christine completed the Tulsa Run 5k both running and walking, last month. Training with a couch-to-5k program, Christine has her sights set on the Ugly Sweater 5k in December – on her 50th birthday as a celebration and gift to herself. It will be her first 5k to run without walking. “Now it is fun. I enjoy it. Knowing Scott’s there, and he knows I’m there, is wonderful. We know we are there to support each other.”