Weighing more than 600 pounds, Nic Hendriks couldn’t work, couldn’t walk and suffered from excruciating pain whenever standing or sitting. He had no other option but to be transported in the back of a pickup.
Due to his physical limitations, he had to leave the job he loved as a youth and worship pastor.
Through a journey alongside the Avera Bariatrics Institute, Hendriks has lost almost 300 pounds. Now he’s walking with the help of a walker and swimming as he continues his recovery.
“Getting Nic healthy was our priority,” said his wife, Ally, who cared for Nic through the difficult times along with daughters Chloe, Hope and Kadynce. “We remained faithful to that goal throughout, and we turned the corner with Avera.”
“For years, my wife and daughters took care of me. Now I can walk my daughters to work. I look forward to taking care of them for a while,” Hendriks said. “So many people have helped me – the kindness has been overwhelming.”
Hendriks works as a writer and photographer with the Renville County Register in Olivia, MN.
Weight-Loss Surgery and Lifestyle Changes
Avera’s first recommendation for Hendriks was weight-loss surgery. This option is for people who have failed other weight-loss methods, or for whom obesity poses health risks.
Hendriks was asked to lose at least 45 pounds before the operation; he actually lost 80. In February 2021, he underwent a gastric sleeve procedure where more than two-thirds of his stomach was removed; what remained is roughly the same size and shape as a banana.
Surgeon Bradley Thaemert, MD, said Hendriks was likely the heaviest patient he’s treated. Yet he was also among the most motivated to begin a new life.
“In 26 years of my career, I have done thousands of these procedures,” Thaemert said. “Nic is a great example of the potential that comes with changing your life after the surgery.”
“Without changing your lifestyle, the surgery is not enough,” Thaemert said.
Continued Services After Bariatric Surgery
Avera Bariatrics Institute aided Hendricks with:
- Diet and lifestyle-change education
- Registered dietitians to customize approaches
- A dedicated weight-loss clinical team
- A bariatric navigator, usually a registered nurse, to answer any questions
- Health coaches
- Support groups for all patients
- Behavioral health support
- A sleep study
“Surgery was a starting point,” Hendriks said. He had a second surgery, this time orthopedic, to treat chronic spinal problems. Then inpatient rehabilitation helped him regain mobility; later plastic and reconstructive surgery professionals removed loose skin.
New Life After Bariatric Surgery
Hendriks’ favorite film, “The Martian,” where a single stranded astronaut strives to overcome long odds, reminds him of his own life. “There are many people rooting for me, but I have to do the work alone,” he said. “I have to do it, but God helps me.” He looks to the spiritual discipline he developed after many years of explaining the Gospel to young people.
His commitment to swimming is one example. Each morning, he makes the 45-minute drive from his family’s home in Renville, MN, to swim a mile or more. Even subzero temperatures don’t faze him; he talked of mornings when ice crusted on his face post-workout while walking back to his truck.
“Swimming has been a lifesaver, because of my back pain and falls,” Hendriks said. “You have to make yourself go, in order for the weight to come off.” For now, Hendriks is using a walker to get around and stand. “My goal is to get past using it.” He’s made strides, taking stairs and pushing himself every day.
Brittany Huenink, RN, director of the Avera Bariatric Institute, said Hendriks has a rare dedication. “He was suffering, and now he’s thriving.”
With his improving mobility, Hendriks hopes to gain full-time employment. He knows there are miles to go, but he keeps working, planning and improving. His success so far has improved his perspective, too.
“While I do hope to return to the ministry, I’ll keep doing whatever I can to take care of my wife and daughters,” Hendriks said. “It feels good to make more contributions to our life, day by day.”
He’ll likely have another spinal surgery in the fall. He said he’s listening, as God’s plan may include working soon or waiting – he’s not sure.
“I’ll keep faith,” Hendriks added. “I’ll let him guide me.”
Learn about Avera Bariatrics Institute services.
