Kevin Richardson was overweight, diabetic, hypertensive and in congestive heart failure. With all of these issues piling up, he was feeling defeated.
“I had pretty much given up on myself,” said Richardson. “My kids were grown, I was single and I didn’t have any other responsibilities. I felt like this was how I was going to go and I had come to terms with the situation.”
After a conversation with his son during one of his hospitals stays, Richardson decided to make a change in his life.
“When I was hospitalized because of my congestive heart failure, my son came to visit me and he asked me what I was doing,” said Richardson. “I didn’t understand what he meant by that question. He then asked me why I wasn’t taking care of myself. I explained to him that he and his sister were grown, I didn’t think they needed me anymore and I had come to terms with my health problems.”
His son’s response would change his entire mindset.
“He told me that he wanted his daughter to know her grandfather personally, not just through stories he tells,” said Richardson. “That was a defining moment for me. I knew right then that I needed to find a way to resolve my medical issues.”
After learning about Bailey Bariatrics, Richardson attended a weight loss surgery seminar.
“During the seminar, Dr. JoeBob Kirk, development director at Bailey Bariatrics, explained how a lot of medical conditions, including the ones I had, were associated with weight,” said Richardson. “I knew that typical weight loss programs would not resolve my health issues like bariatric surgery would, so I decided to start the process at Bailey.”
After the clearance process was completed, Richardson underwent surgery in November of 2017.
“My surgery was very successful,” said Richardson. “As the weight started coming off, the medical conditions started resolving themselves one by one. I’m no longer diabetic or hypertensive, I’m out of the heart failure protocol,l and my overall health has improved greatly.”
More than a year later, Richardson is down 162 pounds from his heaviest weight and doing very well.
“I am still following the program and having regular appointments with the dietitians and exercise specialists,” said Richardson. “They are a big part of my life now.”
The ongoing support from the team at Bailey is something Richardson appreciates.
“At Bailey, they aren’t just done with you after your surgery is over,” said Richardson. “Once you begin the program, you’re a part of the family forever and that’s really inspiring to me. If I feel like I’m losing control or getting off track, I know I can call anyone at Bailey and they’ll be there to help me. My success isn’t just important to me, it’s important to them as well. They’re with you for the long term.”
Richardson has leaned heavily on the power of support throughout his journey.
“Support is a big thing for this to be successful,” said Richardson. “To have the support of not just the team at Bailey, but my friends and family is everything. There are no words that can express how important the team at Bailey is and how much they value you as a patient.”
For anyone considering attending a seminar, Richardson recommends to identify your reason behind learning more about the program.
“It has to be a decision that you make on your own,” said Richardson. “You can’t do it for somebody else. You have to do it for yourself. This is about you and your health.”
Richardson also encourages people to trust the Bailey process.
“Their process really does work,” said Richardson. “I’m living proof that it does. When I first started the process, I’ll admit that I wasn’t fully invested. As I continued, I realized that my success was paramount to them and that I was prepared mentally and physically to be successful. I knew I couldn’t just talk my way through it, I had to show it. In the process of showing it, I began to learn how to do these things that they had taught me. Trust the process that Bailey puts out there. It’s individualized and they know how to help you be successful.”
The improvement in his overall health is what the means the most to Richardson.
“My health is better than it has been in so long thanks to Bailey,” said Richardson. “Your health really is their number one concern. They take it very seriously and are ready to help you make lifestyle changes. If you stay with them, you will be successful.”