News From Parkwest Health & Lifestyles
Jordan Casey has always struggled with his weight. Two years ago, Casey weighed in at 556 pounds. Nearing the age of 30 and realizing he was approaching the 600-pound mark and obesity-related diseases, he knew something had to change.
In October 2019, Casey underwent bariatric surgery at Parkwest Medical Center. His physician, bariatric surgeon K. Robert Williams, MD, of New Life Center for Bariatric Surgery, performed a biliary pancreatic diversion with duodenal switch, which involves a sleeve gastrectomy (removal of part of the stomach) paired with an intestinal bypass.
Jordan was almost 600 pounds when he made the life-changing decision to have weight loss surgery.
Leading up to the decision to have bariatric surgery, Casey says, “Mentally, I felt it was life or death. It was this or continue to live on the couch, and it would not be long before I was bedridden. They saved my life.”
Dr. Williams says this operation is for those who start out with a much higher-than-average BMI (e.g., 200 pounds or more over their ideal body weight) and who are unlikely to reach their goal with other methods. Chances of regaining the weight after the surgery are as low as five percent.
In the five months leading up to his procedure, Casey lost 100 pounds by his own efforts. “Dr. Williams told me any weight I could lose beforehand would be easier on me after surgery,” reports Casey. “It was at my discretion, so I pushed myself.”
What’s at Risk?
Before surgery, Casey was on medication for high blood pressure and suffered from sleep apnea. Both conditions have resolved themselves with losing weight. He also feared developing diabetes because of family history.
Dr. Williams considers diabetes to be one disease that wreaks havoc on almost all areas of our bodies. “Diabetes can lead to kidney disease, peripheral vascular disease and coronary artery disease,” he says. “It affects vision, nerves, bones and joints. Weight-loss surgery can lower the risk of developing diabetes and other comorbidities.”
Casey now weighs 230 pounds and went from a size 60 pant to a size 34. “I can walk, even run, without having trouble breathing,” he says. “I feel better now than when I was a kid.”
About his patient’s success, Dr. Williams shares, “He is a good example of a patient who went into this procedure with the right mindset. He did everything that was asked of him and then some. He’s doing great.”
Follow the Guidelines
Steadfastly following his post-operative diet and guidelines, Casey continues to have success in keeping the weight off.
“The past year has been a blur,” shares Casey. “I feel that I have lived in a way I haven’t lived for 30 years. I have done things I would never have done before, or even dreamed of.”
Jordan is enjoying his more active lifestyle after losing more than half his body weight!
Biggest Challenge
“I’d say the biggest challenge has been filling the spot mentally that food once filled,” reflects Casey. “When I’m bored, sad, or mad, going to food is still my first instinct. I don’t go through with it, but I think it.”
Casey advises others who are considering weight-loss surgery, “Make sure you’re
ready. It’s not just an easy way out. It’s a lifelong journey, and you have to maintain habits to keep it up.”
If you’re considering weight loss surgery, Dr. K. Robert Williams and the team at New Life Center for Bariatric Surgery in Knoxville can help. To get started – watch or attend our free informational seminar. Visit https://www.newlifebariatricsurgery.com/info-sessions/ or call our office at (865) 694-9676 to sign up today!.