Kim Wilkerson

A Life of Personality

Kim Wilkerson’s body is half the size it used to be. And her life is bigger, richer, and fuller than she ever imagined.

Before Lap Band surgery she hid her vibrant personality behind her weight. “I didn’t like to go out because I always thought, no matter where I went, I’d be the biggest one there. I thought everyone was watching me,” she recalls. At 303 pounds, Kim says she had little self-esteem, and she kept her opinions to herself. “Well, my husband might not agree with that last statement!” she laughs.

Although she can make light of it now, Kim is quick to point out that being obese was no laughing matter. “My joints ached, I hated how I looked, and I hated leaving my house.” Today, bursting with enthusiasm and confidence, Kim describes the surgery as “the absolute best thing I’ve ever done for myself. If there were something I could do to help others make the decision, I’d do it in a heartbeat.”

As required by her insurance company, Kim spent six months prior to surgery trying to shed weight on a medically supervised diet. “I only lost 15 pounds,” she says, “but the effort really prepared me for the surgery.” While on the diet, Kim learned how to read labels. And she learned to live without her two favorite vices -- coffee and diet soda. “Only losing 15 pounds in six months was frustrating, but without making the effort, the surgery may have overwhelmed me.”

Fourteen months after surgery, a svelte 152 pounds, this happy wife and elementary school cafeteria manager is doing things she had previously only dreamed. “When I told my husband I wanted a vacation at the beach, he couldn’t believe it. Beaches are places you avoid when you’re fat. My husband said he’s been dreaming of a beach vacation since we got married 30 years ago!”

In addition to shopping for a bathing suit, these days Kim has a hard time sitting still. “My knees and ankles don’t hurt so much, so I prefer to be up and doing something instead of watching TV.” She is thrilled to wear pants that zip and button. “I’m actually comfortable in them!” she laughs. “On top of that, I can cross my legs. It’s a joy."