In this episode I bring you Kelley Gunter. As you are about to hear, Kelley is many things including a woman with a history of obesity who underwent bariatric surgery, specifically Biliopancreatic Diversion with Duodenal Switch in 2002; She is also a writer and author of the autobiography, "You have such a pretty face: A Memoir of trauma, hope, and the joy that follows survival;” She is a motivational speaker; A social media influencer; A music video creative director; A mother to her son Alec; And she is a survivor of childhood sexual abuse whose mission is now to offer hope in times of darkness and healing no matter how deep the scars.
In this episode Kelley shares the story of her life before her bariatric surgery and her life since. For many reasons, this is a story that helps us understand the very meaning of the expression “to call on ones courage.”
Although we do not discuss sex or sexual abuse in detail, the realities of the sexual violence that was perpetrated against Kelley are a painful but important part of her truth and are central to her healing journey. Therefore this topic does come up as she shares her story. As a result, I want to acknowledge that this episode may be upsetting for some and may not be appropriate for young listeners. Listener discretion is advised.
Discussed in this episode:
Listener Support at either Patreon or Paypal Kelley’s early adult life as a person affected by obesity The backhanded compliment of being told, “You have such a pretty face.” The impact of external and internal pressure to lose weight. Kelley’s dieting history. Sadness of not being able to actively join in her young son’s life because of her weight. Making the decision to have bariatric surgery, despite what others thought. Calling on her courage. Finding a way to have bariatric surgery despite the odds working against her. Kelley’s surgery was the Biliopancreatic Diversion with the Doudenal Switch in 2002. The role of faith in Kelley’s life. The story of Pandora’s Box. What problems did Kelley hope bariatric surgery and weight loss would help her resolve and did losing weight make those problems go away? Weight loss and getting the body she always wanted did not equal peace and happiness. You cannot outrun your unhappiness Transfer addiction: Shopping, pain medications, and gambling. Losing everything enabled her to find herself. Speaking about the unspeakable, her deepest secret- sexual abuse Releasing the strangle-hold of shame Adverse Childhood Experiences TED Talk by Dr Nadine Burke Harris Healing is a lifetime Journey What living in the truth looks like. The metaphor of the unhealthy tree. What healing might look like The music video “I will Fight For You” Facebook group: Trauma Tribe Blog: Ramblings From The Homecoming Queen of Crazy Town Considering all she has gone through, was Kelley an appropriate bariatric surgery candidate? What more can and should bariatric surgery programs do to support their patients? Reeger’s concluding thoughts and the importance of resiliencySupport for victims of rape, abuse & incest at RAINNConnecting with Kelley Gunter
Website Facebook Instagram Youtube Purchase her book “You have such a pretty face: A Memoir of trauma, hope, and the joy that follows survival” HEREConnecting with Reeger
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