A Murfreesboro woman’s bariatric success

For years, Kristi found herself stuck in a frustrating cycle at her home in Chapel Hill, TN, losing 30 pounds only to gain it right back and hitting an invisible barrier she couldn’t seem to break. 

As she entered her 40s, the physical toll began to mount—her knees were constantly aching, plantar fasciitis (a painful inflammation of the tissue on the bottom of the foot that causes sharp heel pain) made every step a struggle, and she felt completely exhausted by the end of every single day. While she didn't have any major chronic health conditions yet, she knew future complications were just around the corner if she didn't make a change. More than anything, her weight was holding her back from the life she wanted to lead with her seven-year-old daughter.

Worried by the fear that her body couldn't handle everyday activities, Kristi found herself constantly saying "no" to things simply because of her size. Wanting to be more present for her family and protect her long-term health, she reached out to the Ascension Saint Thomas Rutherford Bariatric program to get the process started. 

With the expertise of Dr. Nadine Rampp, bariatric surgeon at Ascension Saint Thomas Rutherford, Kristi underwent gastric bypass surgery on October 23, 2024. For Kristi, the surgery wasn't a quick fix, but a powerful tool to help her break through old barriers and establish a healthy, sustainable lifestyle. A little over a year and a half later, she has lost 100 pounds. “The number on the scale is the least important part of my journey,” said Kristi. “I know it is incredibly easy to get entirely focused on weight loss and the numbers, but for me, this journey has been about how much I have gained. I have gained confidence, a network of amazing friends and complete freedom from my body holding me back.”

Today, her daily life looks completely different. Just recently, she was able to play tag with her daughter, running and playing without giving it a second thought or worrying about her breath or her knees. Her plantar fasciitis has completely disappeared, she can easily buy clothes off the rack, and she has the stamina to work a 12-hour day shooting events for her part-time photography business without feeling dead on her feet at the end of it.

A huge part of Kristi's ongoing success comes from the community she found at Saint Thomas Rutherford. She makes it a priority to attend the program's in-person monthly support groups, which she credits with keeping her accountable to her nutritional and exercise goals. “It has provided a space to connect with people who truly understand both the unique struggles and the victories of the bariatric journey,” Kristi said. 

That newfound love for community and movement has blossomed even further into her local town of Chapel Hill, where she now serves as a co-regional leader for a women's outdoor workout group called Females in Action. It is a leadership role she admits she never would have dreamed of taking on prior to her surgery. By utilizing the bariatric program at Saint Thomas Rutherford, Kristi didn't just alter her weight—she chose a vibrant, active and healthy future for herself and her family.

Don’t let your health goals wait any longer. Reach out to the bariatric care team at Ascension Saint Thomas Rutherford today to discover a path designed for your long-term success. 

Weight loss results may vary depending on the individual. There is no guarantee of specific results.