‘Loving life’ after weight loss surgery

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Today, Sherretta Kipper has a zest for life she didn’t have when she weighed 242 pounds.

That was in 2016, before she had weight loss surgery. Back then, her expectations were simple. “I wanted not to hurt when I walked and not to have double chins in my photos.”

Eight years later, no double chins anymore. No constant pain in her knees or back.

After losing nearly 50% of her body weight with gastric bypass surgery, Sherretta weighs 127 pounds today. She has completely transformed her mindset -- and life.

A new attitude

“I think in a healthy way,” Sherretta of Des Moines, Iowa explained. “I try new foods. I go to the gym. I join groups that help me learn how to be disciplined and practice mindful eating. Before losing weight, I never would have gone on a cruise.”

Her weight-loss story has many chapters, beginning in 2009. Years later, motherhood would ultimately make her decide to pursue gastric bypass surgery -- for her family. “My grandkids are very active, and I wanted to enjoy running around the park pain-free with them.”

So, the determined mom went to MercyOne Des Moines Bariatric Surgery, where she found hope and support for the pain-free life she wanted. Surgeon Mark Smolik, MD, performed gastric bypass surgery on her in November 2016.  

The hard work continues today, and that’s fine with Sherretta.  “Weight loss surgery is a tool, and you get what you put into it. It’s not easy; you still must work hard for the rest of your life.”

‘You get what you put into it’

While “the rest of your life” may sound daunting, working hard is just what Sherretta has done and accepts she will continue to need to do. She’s rewarded for the fruits of her labor whenever she sees only one chin in the mirror, shops for stylish clothes or keeps up with her children.  

Her health is much improved. Pain is no longer ever-present in her life.

“I’m able to go to physical therapy, go to the gym, walk Grays Lake and dance with friends,” she concluded.  “I’m loving my new life!”

And the rest of her story will just get better.