Dave and Jen both struggled with weight for most of their lives, trying different diets, losing weight only to regain it. At their heaviest Jen was just under 300 pounds, Dave was 350.
Ten years ago, Jen decided it was time to explore other options.
“I struggled with obesity most of my life. I became a high school athlete, and I did lose some weight and got in shape. But then once I went away to college, I gained the freshman 15 and struggled with my weight from my early 20s to my late 30s.”
When Jen developed Type 2 diabetes, her endocrinologist suggested she consider gastric bypass. Jen attended a bariatric information seminar at Mather Hospital and brought Dave with her to a consultation. They decided surgery was her best option.
Jen lost 148 pounds as a result of the surgery. “I’m healthier overall. I have more energy. I can shop wherever I want,” Jen said. “When we go to Disney, I don’t have to second guess whether I can fit on a ride. I lead a much healthier life and I’ll be around a lot longer.”
Ten years after Jen’s surgery, Dave decided it was his turn. “The moment I realized I needed surgery was when I looked at the scale one day and realized I had surpassed the number that I always had in my head as the point of no return,” he said. “When I was at my heaviest, I felt like I was a bystander rather than a participant in life.”
“The biggest thing that changed for me after my surgery was my confidence. At 170 pounds I’m literally half the person I was. I’m 52 now and I feel better than I did in my 20s. I’ve been a volunteer firefighter EMT most of my life. The weight loss has been a blessing for me in that I’m more confident that I’m not going to be a risk to my fellow firefighters. When I go to a call today, I’m not exhausted when I’m done.”
The couple has since run 5ks together and have found a new passion for boating. They no longer worry about being able to keep up with their two boys and they act as each other’s support. “Since Dave has joined the journey we look out for one another and remind each other if one of us is eating too fast. We guide one another to make healthier choices,” Jen said.
“My biggest challenge was always portion control,” Dave said. “The surgery was the tool I needed to manage my portion control. I can’t eat large portions because I won’t feel great. When I get to that point where I shouldn’t eat any more, my body tells me it’s time to stop.”
“The program at Mather Hospital is a wonderful route to go,” Jen said. “They walk you through every step of the process and you get care I don’t think you’d get anywhere else. They make you feel comfortable and answer all your questions. It will be a life-changing decision you make.”