How a Daytona Beach mom transformed her life through bariatric surgery

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — When Kayla Tufariello looked at her young son, Frankie, she wanted to keep up. But at nearly 300 pounds, she struggled to match the pace of her energetic toddler.

“I was exhausted halfway through the day,” Tufariello said. “I felt like I was robbing him of fun experiences because I couldn’t keep up.”

Her weight struggles began in childhood, but they became harder to ignore after giving birth in 2022.

“These surgeries are turning points, but the real story is what comes after.”

The following year, she attempted to run the Walt Disney World® Half Marathon — an experience she had envisioned for years – but couldn’t finish it.

The disappointment was crushing. That moment, paired with the realization she was missing out on precious time with her son, pushed her to look for help.

“Something had to give, something had to change,” she said.

With guidance from her primary care doctor, she discovered AdventHealth Daytona Beach’s bariatric program, which has five clinics across Daytona Beach, New Smyrna Beach, Orange City, Palm Coast and Tavares.

Backed by nationally recognized quality standards, including The Joint Commission and the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program, the program provides nutrition counseling, mental health support and education to help patients prepare for lasting lifestyle changes.

In December 2023, under the care of Dr. Christian Birkedal, medical director of Bariatric Services, she had gastric bypass surgery.

“There were moments I wondered, ‘Did I make the right choice?’” Tufariello said. “Recovery was tough, especially during the holidays.”

But soon the victories began to stack up.

A year later, she had lost 130 pounds, became a fitness kickboxing coach, and completed the Walt Disney World ® Half Marathon – this time, crossing the finish line with Frankie cheering from the sidelines.

Tufariello said surgery was only part of the work.

“Surgery is a tool, not a magic fix,” she said. “It’s like chopping down a tree – you still have to swing the ax, put in the effort, and earn the results – but I am so blessed to be where I am today. I thank Dr. Birkedal and his team for giving me my life back and my spark.”

For Birkedal, Tufariello’s story reflects both the science and the soul of bariatric care.

“These surgeries are turning points, but the real story is what comes after,” he said. “The best part is watching patients stop surviving and start living again. Seeing Kayla run alongside her son shows what’s possible – not just for her, but for so many others in our community who may be looking for hope.”