Meet Our Patients: Meet Kendrick and Bernadette

Couple Enjoys Twice the Success

“It has totally changed our lives!” That’s how Bernadette Kiper describes the result of weight loss surgery that she and her husband Kendrick Kiper underwent two years ago at Columbia St. Mary’s Bariatric Center.

The Kipers, both in their mid-thirties at the time of surgery in 2006, shared a problem that was dragging them down both physically and mentally. “I didn’t feel comfortable in my own skin. You know, people treat you differently when you’re overweight,” said Bernadette, a teacher with Milwaukee Public Schools.

Kendrick felt the same way. “I didn’t want to look in the mirror. I tried different diets. I didn’t have the energy to stick to an exercise program,” he said. “I was just tired of being fat.” The couple has two young children, and they wanted to be healthier for them, too.

The daughter of one of Bernadette’s friends had bariatric surgery at Columbia St. Mary’s and the Kipers saw firsthand how well the procedure worked for her. And, while the Kipers did not have hypertension or other metabolic health issues related to their weight, they did not want to wait until serious problems developed. Both of them experienced knee and foot pain, however.

Dr. Craig Siverhus of Columbia St. Mary’s Bariatric Center performed surgery on Kendrick in June of 2006 and on Bernadette in August of 2006. The couple lost a combined total of about 300 pounds and they have been successful in keeping off those pounds for more than two years.

“I weighed 248 pounds and I’m now at 122,” Bernadette said. “I’m feeling good – no knee or foot pain any longer.”

Kendrick’s weight was approaching 400 pounds at one time and has dropped all the way down to 218 pounds. “I never want to go back to where I was,” he said.

Losing the weight was not easy, however! “You still have certain challenges. After surgery, your body has gone through a big change and you have to change your habits,” Kendrick said.

Bernadette agreed. “You have to completely change the way you eat and drink, eating small amounts of food. No more going to Burger King,” she said.

The Kipers are enthusiastic about what weight loss surgery at Columbia St. Mary’s has done for them. “If people are thinking about it, I recommend it,” Kendrick said. In fact, the Kendricks think so highly of the CSM Bariatric Center, they have referred several people.

“The doctors and nurses, everyone at Columbia St. Mary’s were great. They would answer any questions we had,” said Bernadette. “We didn’t feel like patients; we felt like we were part of a family. Even after the surgery, they called and checked in with us. We just love them.”

Two years post-surgery, exercise has become a regular part of Kendrick’s routine. “I am doing cardio and also lifting weights,” he said. “And, it’s enjoyable to go to the mall now. I can actually buy clothes in regular stores. I feel great.”

Bernadette has a new appreciation for life. “My self esteem has shot up. Before, I was a ‘yes person,’ but now I’m a risk taker. My friends tell me how much I have changed,” Bernadette said. “I’m not a super model, but I feel like it!”