Physician Loses 100+ Pounds, Gains Life

Bruce Sachais, MD, PhD, is an associate professor of pathology and laboratory medicine at Penn Medicine. In December 2010, he attended an informational session and decided to have weight-loss surgery. Last March, at the age of 44, his Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery was performed at Penn by Noel Williams, MD.

Here, he talks about why he chose to have weight loss surgery at Penn, and how the Penn Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Program team helped him lose 108 pounds.

I have struggled with weight ever since I was a toddler. As a child, I was never particularly athletic and every year I put on more and more weight. I tried everything under the sun to lose weight, but would often gain it right back – plus some.

I began to suffer from a variety of weight-related health problems. I had high blood pressure, severe gastric reflux disease, high cholesterol and sleep apnea.

As my weight increased, my activity level steadily decreased. I couldn’t walk more than a few minutes without resting. I avoided stairs at all costs, and frequently had to stop walking due to back pain.

I couldn’t even wear my wedding band as my fingers were too big for the ring.

The weight was winning, but I was not ready to stop fighting.

Taking Control

Realizing the increasing impact my weight problems were having on my life, I decided to explore surgical options and attend one of the free, educational sessions at Penn Medicine.

The education provided at this information session, along with my own research, led me to conclude that bariatric surgery at Penn was my best option for a happier, healthier future.

In March 2011, I underwent Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery and my experience with the Penn Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Program team has been wonderful.

My team members have always treated me as person — with respect, compassion and professionalism. They are very responsive to my concerns, issues and needs. Their approach to weight loss and weight control goes far beyond surgery: it encompasses nutritional and behavioral aspects of weight loss as well, which is critical for long-term success in weight control.

Life After Weight-loss Surgery

Since my surgery I’ve lost 115 pounds, and I am still losing.

Today, I am able to walk without difficulty and for long periods of time. I now opt for the stairs, and I can even jog.

I feel like I am back to my normal self, because my weight doesn’t affect my energy levels and sleep. My blood pressure is back to normal, my cholesterol is much improved, and my sleep apnea has improved as well. My reflux disease is gone and I can wear my wedding band again.

My energy level is so much better than before the surgery. I don’t become short of breath nor do I feel aching in my back anymore. As a result of the surgery, everything I do throughout the day is better; more fulfilling. I have more energy for everything that I do.

I actually enjoy food more now, since I eat more slowly and taste all the wonderful flavors.

For the first time in my life, I truly control food…it does not control me.

That is a wonderful feeling.

Advice for Others

I encourage anyone thinking about weight-loss surgery to take the first step and attend an information session at Penn Medicine. For me, learning about my options and the program at Penn was an eye-opening experience. I learned the benefits, potential risks and what I would need to do to be successful and healthy after surgery.

And think about what you want for yourself: define your own health and weight loss goals.

Attend a support group at Penn Medicine. These meetings allow you to hear from and ask questions of a variety of people that have had one of these surgeries. It also allows you more opportunities to speak with members of the bariatric team.

It is important to understand that surgery is not the easy way out or a choice for someone who is weak. On the contrary, it takes commitment and work to be successful after surgery, but it is possible and my experience is a testament to that.

Get more information about weight loss surgery at Penn

Learn if bariatric surgery is right for you and attend a free information session about the Penn Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Program.

At this free session, you will learn more about weight-loss surgery at Penn, and meet physicians and team members from the Penn Metabolic & Bariatric Surgery Program.

Register for this free event here.