Joe and Tammy, bariatric surgery patients
Two summers ago, Joe and Tammy would not have been able to sit together on their Harley-Davidson motorcycle. Back then, Joe tipped the scales at 348 and had such terrible sleep apnea he needed a machine to help him breathe at night. His joints hurt and he grew winded even when walking a flight of stairs.
In her comfortable marriage, Tammy had grown to 250 pounds, which led to acid reflux, high cholesterol and high blood pressure. Both knew they needed to lose weight – and at times they did, experiencing that phenomenon known as “yo-yo” dieting.
From time to time, Joe suggested they undergo gastric bypass surgery. His mom, who had the procedure at age 69, was able to regain her energy and stop taking half of her medications. Tammy wasn’t ready.
Decision time
That thinking changed when Tammy’s doctor advised her to start taking blood pressure medication. “I was only 35 and realized my health would only get worse,” she says. Joe’s decision was reinforced when he went boating with his sons. When it was his turn to kneeboard, Joe was unable to pull himself into a kneeling position. “They had to pull me lying on my stomach,” he recalls.
That following winter, the couple attended their first information session on bariatric surgery. They opted for the gastric bypass, the same procedure Joe’s mother had. They prepared for surgery together and had it just weeks apart in summer 2007.
Since then, Joe has lost about 190 pounds and Tammy has lost about 110 pounds, which they have successfully maintained. “This was the best thing we could have done for ourselves, our relationship and our family,” Tammy says. “It was especially helpful to go through this procedure together because we motivate each other.”
Feeling younger, healthier
Joe and Tammy say they feel younger than their years and proudly report their weight-related health conditions have greatly improved. “Even after work, we both have more energy then we ever thought possible,” Tammy says.
In the past, Joe and Tammy had enjoyed an “on-the-run” lifestyle, grabbing frozen pizzas and other convenience foods. Now they take the time to prepare healthy meals that focus on fresh fruits and vegetables. “We have rethought our portion sizes and, when we feel full, we stop eating. We also eat more carefully. Eating too fast makes it hard to swallow. Eating too much can be uncomfortable,” she says.
Exercise is just as important as their diet. Within the past few months, they’ve joined a gym and now work out together at least four or five times a week. They also got another dog, so they each have one to walk.
And ever since celebrating their 13th wedding anniversary, they enjoy “date night” every Tuesday by going out for dinner. “But instead of ordering burgers, we eat a salad or split an entrée,” Tammy says. “We haven’t had any fast food since having our surgeries.”
They also appreciate the unexpected pleasures their weight loss brings. “It’s the little things that most people take for granted, like being able to sit comfortably on an airplane or get on an amusement park ride,” Tammy adds.
To read more personal stories or to sign up online for an information session (the first step to a healthier life), visit parknicollet.com/bariatric, or call 952-993-3180.
