Catching Up with Crystal: Gaining Mental & Physical Strength While Losing Weight

Old habits may die hard, but the right tools can help you form fresh and healthier habits out of old ones. For Crystal Messick, weight loss surgery helped her form new habits that have been life changing. And she’s having great success three years after her weight loss surgery.

In December 2020, Messick began her weight loss surgery journey after learning she was a candidate. At the end of February 2021, Theodoros Katsichtis, MD, performed Messick’s laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy. In the laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy, the stomach is divided along its vertical length in order to create a slender pouch, about the size and shape of a banana. The excess stomach is removed. The purpose is to limit the amount of food ingested at any given time, without altering the normal absorption of the vitamins and minerals.

Committed to the long-term health of the community he serves, Dr. Katsichtis likes to build strong and lasting relationships with his patients. He performs endoscopic and laparoscopic surgery and has clinical interests in robotic surgery and bariatrics, including vertical sleeve gastrectomy, gastric bypass, and duodenal switch, as well as abdominal hernias.

Messick’s motivation stems from her supporting husband and adoring son. “My husband has been really good, but my son is number one. I want to be a good role model for my son and a healthy mother,” Messick stated.

The tools that Messick received throughout her surgical weight-loss journey have helped to shift her outlook on life. “I like to live more in the moment. Before I would be so obsessed with eating and eating healthy. Surgery is a great tool - I’m able to eat the same things I loved to eat but in moderation,” said Messick.

When making major life-changing decisions, the urge to overthink or dwell on your decision can become overwhelming; especially when it involves something essential for everyday life - food.

“I have a healthier view on food. I always think about how much the food I am about to eat will satisfy me and how healthy it is,” Messick continued.

Protein shakes have proven to be very beneficial for Messick throughout her journey—she has even created a couple of recipes using protein shakes. “I like to make overnight oats and protein pudding with the shakes. I combine sugar free pudding mix and a shake to create a thick, pudding-like treat that is packed with protein,” Messick said.

Messick now navigates holidays and holiday eating with a new approach. She always uses the smallest plate but still has a little bit of everything so she can celebrate with her loved ones.

New recipes and smaller portions are not the only helpful tools Messick has used throughout her journey. Walking and using her son’s Oculus VR headset have proven to be good physical activity throughout her journey.

“When the weather gets nice, my son and I enjoy going on walks. Even while I am shopping, I like to make laps around the store to get my steps in,” continued Messick.

Support from loved ones is key when it comes to finding motivation, especially after a life-altering surgery. In Messick’s case, she has found comfort and motivation through the support of her family and Bayhealth’s Bariatric Surgery team. “The surgery was definitely worth it and it is a helpful tool for leading a healthier lifestyle. I have a lot of support,” Messick said.

Start your weight loss journey by visiting Bayhealth.org/Surgical-Weight-Loss to watch a webinar today.