St. Luke's Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Clinic

Lost: 165 pounds
Gained: A New Lease on Life

At his heaviest, Reuben weighed 458 pounds. He had been a “big guy” his whole life.

His weight really limited him, Reuben says. He didn’t want to go out, and avoided family get-togethers. On vacations, he couldn’t get out of the car to look at the sights. He tried to diet and would lose some weight, but would gain it all back, and then some.

Reuben was borderline diabetic and had high blood pressure. He was so tired and depressed he didn’t want to get out of bed. And he was in terrible pain from severe arthritis in his knees. He walked with a cane, and even then could only go about 15 feet before he had to sit down and rest.

He says there were times he thought “Why go on living? Just take me. I’m done.” He felt useless, his positive attitude was gone.

Reuben’s doctor told him he needed both knees replaced, but he hated to do the surgery because Reuben was so young. He encouraged Reuben to lose weight, and Reuben did – about 80 pounds. But he still had a lot to lose – over 100 more. His knee doctor referred him to Dr. Christian Oakley for bariatric surgery.

Reuben had been interested in weight loss surgery for 15 years, and had done some research on the web. He thought about it a lot, but put it off due to financial reasons. But this time he had some money saved, and his insurance would cover some of the cost. His wife told him, “Let’s do it. We’ll find a way.”

Reuben weighed 375 on the day of surgery, and is now down to 210. He went from a 54-inch waist to a 34. His life has totally changed, but it wasn’t automatic, he says.

“You have to put effort into it. You have to exercise, and change how you eat.”

He can wear normal size clothes now, saving on the cost of clothes that are two to three times higher than average sizes. He rides his bike to work every day. And his knees are stronger. The pain that used to be a 15 on a scale of 1 to 10, is now a 1. He has so much energy that when he mows his lawn, he mows the neighbors’ lawn too.

“I was practically a shut-in, but now I’m always up for going somewhere, always rarin’ to go,” he says. “I’m ready to see the world.”

Reuben is supported by the experienced physicians and bariatrics team at St. Luke’s Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Clinic. Our proven track record of favorable outcomes for weight loss surgery, and our comprehensive commitment to high quality bariatric care are why we are an American Society for Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence.

Considering weight loss surgery?
If you are 100 or more pounds over your ideal body weight, and are thinking about weight loss – or bariatric – surgery, join us for a free seminar to learn more about how we can help you.

Read more stories from St. Luke's patients