From Tired to Thriving: Richard Kimball’s Surgical Weight Loss Journey
Richard Kimball, a 47-year-old husband and father of two from Statesville, shares how surgical weight loss at Frye Regional Medical Center helped him reclaim his health, energy and quality of life. After years of struggling with his weight and trying various medications and injectables under the guidance of his nurse practitioner, Richard finally reached a turning point.
“Surgery had been discussed early on,” he recalls, “but it wasn’t until I found myself just tired of being tired that I realized I need a lasting solution.”
Once he committed to the decision, Richard was surprised by how manageable the journey became.
“Recovery wasn’t as painful as I expected,” Richard shared. “I moved through the food stages with ease, and the weight started coming off.”
Richard began his journey at around 336 pounds. By the time he reached the one-year anniversary of his surgery in December 2024, he had dropped to 199 pounds and a life-changing transformation.
The first few weeks after surgery were focused on rest and regaining energy and he experienced little to no discomfort. As his energy returned, so did a sense of normalcy and freedom.
“Now I wake up without aches and pains,” he said. “I have the mobility and stamina to enjoy life again.”
His relationship with food has changed dramatically. Although he still enjoys many of the same types of foods, his portions and pace are different. “It’s not a diet you have to force yourself into,” Richard said. “The surgery helps create the structure you need to succeed.”
Today, 18 months post-surgery, Richard feels like he’s living his healthiest life. He credits not only the procedure but also the continued support from the team at the North Carolina Bariatrics Institute. Attending in-person support groups has helped him stay focused and motivated. “For me, it’s more than just weight loss; it’s a new beginning.”
Led by board-certified, robotically trained bariatric surgeons and certified obesity medicine providers, the North Carolina Bariatric Institute, a department of Frye Regional Medical Center, is dedicated to helping patients achieve long-term weight loss and improved health. Since 2001, the team has partnered with thousands of individuals to overcome obesity and transform their lives.
To learn more about weight loss options, visit northcarolinabariatricinstitute.com or call 828.315.5577. Complete a health risk assessment and take the first step toward a healthier you.