Winning at Weight Loss Together

Jeanne and Bill Garber of Poolesville, Maryland, had tried diet after diet yet still struggled to lose weight. After years with little or no results, the husband and wife decided to take a new approach and undergo bariatric surgery together at Adventist HealthCare Shady Grove Medical Center.

Bariatric surgery reduces the size of the stomach, helping people decrease the amount of food they eat and feel full longer. Jeanne underwent the procedure in January 2016 with Tuesday Cook, MD, bariatric surgeon at Shady Grove Medical Center. Bill had surgery with Dr. Cook two months later.

According to Dr. Cook, it is common for couples to undergo this surgery together.

"I have many couples who desire to lose weight in order to improve their health and their lifestyle," Dr. Cook said. "Having your lifetime partner by your side throughout the entire process, supporting you every step of the way, usually leads to better compliance and outcomes."

She said pairing up for weight loss can have a positive impact on the whole family. Grocery trips become healthier, and cooking nutritious meals become a family affair.

If a couple is considering undergoing weight-loss surgery together, Dr. Cook recommends staggering the procedure dates. Separating the surgeries allows for the postoperative spouse to be in great shape to take care of the spouse who has surgery next while balancing any household responsibilities.

STRONG RESULTS

Nearly two years after surgery, Jeanne has lost 145 pounds and Bill has lost 225 pounds.

“We enjoy so much more today, and I’m amazed how many things I took for granted that I didn’t even realize I couldn’t do,” Jeanne said. “We are actually living.”

The couple exercises and travels regularly these days — activities that were nearly impossible a few years ago.

“I wish I had had this surgery earlier because I feel like I’ve missed out on so much,” Jeanne said. “What would I say to someone considering this? Do it. Take the leap.”

According to Shady Grove Medical Center’s Bariatric Program medical director, Barry Greene, MD, anyone who is 60 pounds or more overweight can benefit from the procedure.

“Weight-loss surgery has been shown to be safer than obesity,” Dr. Greene said. “Significant, long-term weight loss often cures diseases like diabetes, hypertension and sleep apnea and allows patients to enjoy their [lives] again.