Okay, it wasn’t the easiest conversation for me to have with anyone, let alone Dr. Jack. But who else was I going to ask? And I am not all that comfy with putting it all out there, but I have been totally honest about my journey and this is part of it… So deep breath, and here we go.
Having lost over seventy pounds, I started to notice that things were getting kind of “loose.” I also noticed that loose does not just magically go away, nor can you wish it away. I tried firming lotions, no result. I wasn’t too sure how to approach the whole subject, but Dr. Jack has helped thousands of people, I couldn’t be the first person to ask, right? So one day when we were talking, I decided to just come right out with it. I realize that given my age, the weight I had lost, I kind expected that things would start being more loose looking. I am not a vain person, but it still is difficult to look at and not want to fix it. I try to have a good mental attitude about the whole thing. I told him I like to to remind myself that it’s kind of like a badge! It’s like the scar running down my back from my surgery. It’s sort of like my battle scar from the battle with Hashimoto’s disease, and my weight, so I can learn to live with it.
Dr. Jack listened patiently to me go on about it and as always, had answers for me. He explained to me that some of that loose skin may not go away, and since there is no way I will discuss surgery for it, he told me there were less invasive options to try, things I could do to help it. He told me that his office has an a Aesthetician who works there named, Kelly Kuechler. He explained to me that Kelly offers all kinds of services through her business, www.naturalbeautywny.com. and her Facebook page. He told me I should reach out to her for what she could do to help. He said he knows she has helped so many people with exactly the same problem.
He explained that one of things he would recommend to me was the wraps that Kelly uses in her business. Dr. Jack knows me very well, and kept telling me how professional Kelly was. I was holding the phone thinking how well he knows my reactions before they even occur, because if he could have seen me, he would see me covering my face which had turned a beautiful shade of crimson. I explained my lack of comfort with this as it involves minimal clothing and I have a hard time even getting fitted for a bra with my shirt off. He reminded me that she has worked with all kinds of people, all shapes, all sizes. I know so much of my embarrassment is in my own head, but it’s hard to shake.
I decided to reach out to her to find out more, and bless her sweet nature, she kept reaching back out to me to try to alleviate my concerns in a very gentle way. She described the process, what she would do and all I kept envisioning was that I would look like a large dinner leftover in Saran Wrap and have no result.
I asked her her a lot of questions and she replied very honestly. I did my research and I thought there was no way I could ever do it. I found a video online that showed the process on a cute 105 pound girl, and thought that there was no way. Now anyone who knows me well, knows that I am easily embarrassed. And I mean extremely easily. Of course, my first thought was, “Are you people crazy?? There is no way I could do such a thing!!” In that embarrassment, that evil little monster jumps up in my head telling me how I can’t do it, no way can I do it.
So, I kind of tabled the idea, but one day on Easter break, I had gone for my Pilates instruction, and I always had wanted to see Dr. Jack’s office which was nearby. When I arrived, unannounced, he was very gracious and showed me around. We started on his side of the office and worked our way to Kelly’s side. I think by now he has learned my quirky traits and knew I would be more open to the idea if I had a chance to see. As it turned out, Kelly was there that day, so I had a chance to meet her. As with all people, my gut tells me who to trust and I liked her immediately. She had her rooms set up so nice and inviting. But that wasn’t as important to me as how she was. She smiled warmly, was very nice and I just knew I would like her.
When I got home, I kept thinking about how kind she was and her sweet nature, so I contacted her again. We talked some more via email and she promised me that she would explain things as she went along and it would all be fine. And if you can believe it, I actually did it! Those that know me well will be shocked! Heck, I shocked myself!
Well, it turns out that despite all my concerns which ranged from embarrassment to feeling badly about myself, that Kelly was truly a professional in every sense of the word. She measured and honored my request not to read me numbers that might upset me, she explained everything to me in detail, and was extremely reassuring every step of the way. During the whole process she kept talking to me and every time I looked to her, she talked to my face. She didn’t so much as flinch at all the loose skin that concerned me. She acted as though it was just the same as everyone else. Her kind and sweet ways, gentle explanations and excellent rapport helped me to understand the process and to relax. The more she talked about the process and how she came to work there, the more relaxed I got. When I laid down with the wrap on she put on some gentle relaxation and motivational music and tapes. She turned off the lights and put on a blanket for me and helped me to be comfy. I got so intensely comfortable there I nearly fell asleep, and I never get that relaxed anywhere.
When she remeasured, it turned out I had lost eight inches in the process, which was unbelievable to me! I actually got all welled up, and I hugged her telling her, I really didn’t think it would work for me. She hugged me back, and said, “Don’t cry or you will make me cry.” Then I got brave and asked her about my face and my terrible skin, that has improved dramatically with nutrition, but that still needs work, and she recommended some better products for me. Again, she took time to explain everything so that when I left, I totally understood everything we had discussed. She ordered me some products that she carries, and when I got them, after just one use, my skin feels so much better!! Everything she recommended was natural and gentle. She wrote down all the directions for me and when to use them.
I texted Dr. Jack after I left that day, to tell him about my experience with Kelly, to say how sorry I was that it takes me so long to get on board, and to share the result. As always, he remain gracious, and he sent back smiley faces and said, “I knew it!! “Then I smiled, too.. He really does know me so well. He knows that once my comfort level is met, it all gets easier. I felt safe there, safe with her and safe that it’s his office. Maybe I just needed to hear all the benefits from both of them. Maybe I needed his reassurance. Maybe I just needed to meet her face to face. I don’t really know….maybe I needed it all.
I went home and slept great. The next day, after I showered I realized that my skin looked different. It was smoother and more firm. All the loose spots looked just a little different, I followed her advice about what to do and I noticed even its texture was different. Just one day had improved everything. Dr. Jack explained to me that the wraps help to detoxify my skin much like how I am trying to detoxify my body from the inside. He told me that in ridding those toxins things will firm up some.
I made more appointments with Kelly. The second time was much easier and although my embarrassment will probably never go away, she certainly does everything she can go make her clients feel safe, accepted and comfortable. I am so grateful to her for her kindness. She has such a welcoming nature and gentleness about her. She almost senses your discomfort and starts talking about every day things that make you feel relaxed. She is not pushy, she just explain what she offers, and gives her best advice. She offers all kinds of services and who knows? Maybe one day I will get brave and try something else! It definitely was another hurdle for me on this road and I am so grateful to Dr. Jack for introducing me to Kelly, and to Kelly for being the epitome of professional, but mostly for being such a sweet and kind person, and so extremely patient.