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Surgeon: Dr. Kenneth Welker, OHSU Hospital, Portland OR
Surgery date: May 5, 2000
Pre-op weight/BMI: 489/66.7

Site administrator’s note: We are saddened to report that our dear friend Mac passed away, due to a sudden and unexpected heart arrhythmia, a few days after his otherwise successful surgery. His patient page will remain here, not only as a tribute to Mac, but as a reminder of the seriousness of the decision to opt for weight loss surgery. In spite of the fact that the mortality rate following WLS is no worse than for other major surgeries, we must always remember that the risks must be considered along with the benefits as we research our options. Our deepest sympathies go out to all who loved Mac.

Pre-op, 489 pounds

by Mac:

I have decided to have Weight Loss Surgery (WLS). I have chosen WLS for many reasons:

1. Family history. In my family, there is a history of obesity and morbid obesity. There is also a history of co-morbidities (complications that are worsened by obesity) such as high blood pressure, cancer, diabetes, sleep apnea (a discontinuation of breathing during the night), joint pain/replacement/removal, back pain.

2. Personal Diet History. I have dieted and exercised many times, and have a calculated loss of fat of over 2300 lbs in my lifetime. But, as I have learned that obesity is likely to be genetic, dieting and exercising won't do the trick all by itself.

3. Current Status. Currently, I am the heaviest I have ever been. I weigh 478 lbs. as of 1/26/2K. To diet and exercise at this point is a very daunting prospect. Especially since it has such a high failure rate. And due to joint pain, lung pain/capacity, and slight depression, exercise is difficult at best.

4. Current Information of WLS. There are many successful surgeries for weight loss. I have chosen the one that is recommended for the 'Super Morbidly Obese'... that's my classification. Also called 'Clinical Morbid Obesity.'

Basically, a gastric bypass is done, making the stomach smaller and bypassing much or all of the small intestine where food is absorbed. The combination of smaller stomach and bypass means that you are not able to eat as much (for the rest of your life) and the food you do eat does not absorb as easily.

I've always thought it was a pretty drastic thing to consider surgery for my fat. But, at 500 (??) pounds, I need to do something.

I have learned that WLS is a tool. It will assist me in reaching my goal. My goal is to reduce my body size greatly (by almost 300 lbs) so that maintaining a healthy diet and a well-needed exercise plan is feasible. WLS is not a “fix” or a “cure” for obesity. I must also change my diet and exercise plan to go along with it. But, at nearly 500 (??) lbs, the chance that I can do it on sheer willpower is not likely. WLS will assist me in reaching this goal.

Using WLS as a tool, my surgeon will surgically alter my digestive system to induce high-volume weight loss (which will happen rather quickly) and create an altered digestive system maintenance program in which food will be absorbed differently in my body than it is now. Long term, it means I must make better food choices to provide my body the nutrition it needs in order for me to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Why do I put “??” after my weight? Because I don't know what it is. Since I am so obese (68.2 on the BMI- 35 is considered “Morbidly Obese”) I have not been able to find a scale that can weigh me. I went to a truck weigh station hoping I would have success there, but the scales only go in 50 lb. increments. So, the scale said 500 lbs. But, it could be anywhere from 475 to 525, and I just don't know. I want to know closer than that.

I have only begun the journey. I have read many web pages (personal and medical) about the topic and I don't see it as a “wacko” thing anymore.

I used to think that surgery was a weenie way out. “Why can’t you just eat less and move around more?”... Well... I have come to a place in my life that realizes that those things are just not going to work for me. I have tried... I have tried... I have tried...

It always returns. And it brings friends. I am ready to win this battle now.

In my head... all my life... I always think of myself as thin. I don't see myself as a fat guy. My conscience tells me “I'm a fat guy” every time I have to walk... sit in a chair... drive my car... concentrate on my breathing... every time I look in a mirror... my brain tells me I'm a fat guy.

But, my subconscious mind tells me different. He thinks I am thin. He thinks I am active, a leader, a positive person who doesn't have a weight problem. He still thinks this is all a dream. He still thinks that one day I am going to wake up and be thin, and never will have had to deal with the troubles of being “Fat Guy”.

Many people have fantasies... I really only have one. To wake up one day, and be thin.

I hope this is the first step towards that dream... that fantasy.

My Primary Care Physician (PCP) is Dr. Michael Booker with Family Medical Group. My chosen surgeon is Dr. Kenneth Welker with OHSU. He has perfected the surgery I have chosen (Biliopancreatic Diversion with Duodenal Switch (BPD/DS) or more commonly known as a Gastric Bypass with Duodenal Switch (GB/DS). He is also a leader in the field of BPD/DS-GB/DS all over the country. Dr. Welker is also a strong advocate for obese people everywhere. He works hard at bringing obesity issues to insurance companies and doctors, fighting for the rights and health of the obese.

Each day I learn more... and more and more...

WLS is a tool... a tool to gain the goal that I am shooting for. It will still be a lifelong battle to maintain what I want. But, by the time I am ready for that battle, my body will have caught up to my mind... that is an exciting thing to me.

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