Life’s biggest victories often hide within small, quiet moments — the ones easily overlooked, but deeply meaningful. For Jenna Kemp and Spencer Matthews, bariatric surgery at UNC Health Rex opened doors beyond improved health, transforming everyday experiences into life-changing triumphs.
Jenna Kemp’s Newfound Freedom
For mother of three, Jenna Kemp, life had become a relentless chase: fad diets, exhausting gym routines and the constant cycle of weight loss and regain. After welcoming her triplets, balancing her health and motherhood felt nearly impossible.
Eventually, the demands of motherhood took their toll. Sleep deprivation made healthy eating difficult, and she found herself exhausted and demoralized following an additional 75-pound weight gain. Soon, Jenna realized her lifestyle wasn’t sustainable for herself or her children.
In July 2021, Jenna underwent bariatric surgery at UNC Health, and her entire world shifted. Gone was the high blood pressure, 230 excess pounds and constant exhaustion; in their place emerged energy, ease and, most importantly, freedom.
“My entire life has changed completely, from not having to wear a seatbelt extender to fitting into booths at restaurants and seats at the movie theater,” Jenna says. “I can ride roller coasters with my kids instead of … crying when we got home because I couldn’t be with them.”
Today, Jenna doesn’t just watch her children grow. She’s growing alongside them, even returning to the workforce after taking time off. What once felt out of reach now feels possible. Surgery gave her the quiet, powerful freedom to live fully, without constant self-consciousness.
Spencer Matthews’ Reconnection and Rediscovery
Spencer Matthews, an artist at heart, finds creativity everywhere — in illustrations, cooking and new ways to care for his family. Driven by his love for his wife and their two young children, he chose bariatric surgery at UNC Health in July 2020 to reclaim his health and ensure he’d always be there for them.
Since then, Spencer is 250 pounds lighter. Yet, his transformation runs deeper. Travel, movement, and preparing healthy meals for his family have become expressions of creativity and connection. Spencer’s artistic energy now fuels a new kind of masterpiece: a life shaped by strength, not setbacks.
“My biggest win is having my family,” he says. “They were a big part of my decision to do it.”
With those old limitations behind him, Spencer explores new passions and a fuller life.
Finding Life in the Small Moments
Jenna and Spencer’s journeys aren’t just personal. They’re shared wins for their families, too. Choosing bariatric surgery at UNC Health meant more than undergoing a procedure. It meant partnering with a team that saw the full picture: their health, their hopes and the lives they wanted to return to. Lives that surgeons like Lindsey Sharp, M.D. understand profoundly.
To Dr. Sharp, bariatric surgery is more than clinical. It’s relational.
“It’s that relationship that motivates me,” he says. “We learn things from our patients all the time — no two come with the same needs.”
It’s this philosophy that earned UNC Health Rex national recognition as a Comprehensive Accredited Center by Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP) and as an Optum Center of Excellence. These honors reflect not just surgical excellence, but a lifelong, deeply personal approach to care.
The Power of a Health Partner
At UNC Health, bariatric care is a partnership. Expertise, combined with lifelong support, delivers care that restores health, renews possibility and gives people more time — and more joyful moments.
Interactive Quiz: What’s Driving Your Health Journey?
Quiz Intro: Inspired by Jenna and Spencer? Take this quick quiz to uncover your motivators.
1. When you think about yourself at your healthiest, what stands out the most?
a. Having consistent daily energy
b. Feeling comfortable and confident in your body
c. Keeping up with loved ones
d. Achieving freedom from physical limits
2. What’s your biggest reason for wanting change right now?
a. I’m tired of needing a nap just to make it through the day
b. I want to stop avoiding mirrors and photos
c. I want to be around and active for the people I love
d. I’m ready to stop planning life around my limitations
3. What frustrates you the most about your current health challenges?
a. I power through the day, but it wipes me out
b. I feel like I’m always hiding or shrinking myself
c. I cancel plans with people more than I’d like
d. I have to think about chairs, stairs and walking distances everywhere I go
4. What would feel like a true win for you right now?
a. Waking up ready for the day, not dreading it
b. Wearing something I love and feeling good about it
c. Saying “yes” to plans without hesitation
d. Going somewhere new without worrying about my body keeping up
5. What support would help you most in your health journey currently?
a. Practical tips for boosting daily energy
b. Guidance for building self-esteem and confidence
c. Health strategies that include my loved ones
d. Tools for overcoming physical barriers to everyday activities
Results:
Energy Driven (Mostly A’s)
Your primary motivation is reclaiming your energy and vitality. You seek consistent strength and enthusiasm for daily life.
Confidence Builder (Mostly B’s)
Your journey revolves around building confidence and feeling comfortable in your skin, so you can live confidently and fully.
Family Focused (Mostly C’s)
Family motivates your health journey. You aim to actively participate and be fully present for every family moment.
Freedom Seeker (Mostly D’s)
Your journey is about achieving freedom from limitations and barriers. You value the ability to move, travel and engage without restrictions or worry.
Ready to turn your motivations into action?
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