At more than 300 pounds, a stress test revealed that Korey may not have many quality years ahead of him. Gastric bypass surgery at the Bariatric & Metabolic Institute (BMI) at Arkansas Heart Hospital (AHH) changed that uncertainty to hope for the future. Read his story.

A Step to Save His Life

I was having chest pains, and my wife took me AHH where they performed a stress test, and I didn’t pass. My doctor said with the condition I was in, I didn’t have quality years ahead of me. I was 53 at the time, and he said I would be lucky to see 60. He referred me to BMI where I met Dr. J.J. Tucker.

During my first visit with Dr. Tucker, we hit it off really well. I felt like he understood me and the position I was in. I wanted to be a family man and have a life with my kids and grandchildren. Together, we made a plan and after speaking with my wife, I decided I would have the gastric bypass.

Before surgery, I had to prepare myself for a complete lifestyle change. Once you make those changes, it becomes every day and not so bad. You find out healthy food is good food. I still love food; I just eat smaller portions now.

On the Other Side

I started losing weight faster than I would have imagined and started feeling better than I ever thought I could. I tell my friends that before I was 53 but felt like I was going on about 85. Now at 54 and 180 pounds, I feel like I’m 30 again.

Prior to surgery I went through some mental problems, and I think a lot of that was associated with the way I felt. I was facing a life of difficulty getting up and making it through the day like a person should be able to. Now that I’ve gone through the gastric bypass, every day I wake up ready to go. I’m a much happier person and I feel like my life is such more fulfilling.

As a grandfather, my new granddaughter is one of the reasons I had my bypass. I need to be around for a long time for this beautiful little girl. My heart is filled with love!

Unmatched Support

My dietitian, Courtney, has become the angel that I needed. She kindly listens, understands and leads me in the best direction. She’s not only my nutritionist, she’s also my friend.

The private patient support group is very encouraging. I respond to fellow members questions and photos, because I remember how much that support meant to me. When I first started, I wanted what other patients had. Now, people will tell me that I’m an inspiration to them – it’s all well worth it.

Grateful

Thank you so much to Dr. Tucker, Courtney, Jenny, Maleah, Nick and all the wonderful doctors, nurses and staff who are there for me. You have added so many wonderful years to my life and most of all truly gave me a new lease on life. I would do it again in a heartbeat.

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Our nationally recognized team of surgeons, dietitians, nurses and therapists are here to guide you to a longer, healthier, more fulfilling life through bariatric surgery. Go to bmi.arheart.com for surgery qualifications, options, process, and to watch our free online on-demand seminar.

Read 11 tips to avoid weight regain after weight loss surgery.