Joe has been married to his wife Carol for 36 years. It made him feel wonderful when after his weight-loss surgery Carol was ask if it felt like she had a new man. Her reply was, “I have my husband back.”

Joe was in the military for 20 years. After retiring from the military he had a work related accident and ended up having 13 surgeries on his left ankle, which contributed, to his weight gain. At his peak, Joe weighed 400 lbs. He was on medication for high blood pressure and cholesterol. He slept with a machine for sleep apnea. He tried every diet imaginable and nothing worked.

Joe has two grandchildren, at the time of his surgery the granddaughter was 10 and grandson was 7. He really enjoys spending time with them.

“I hated the fact that I could not even get on the floor and play with my grandkids. I wanted to make sure I would be around to see them grow up. Overall, it was a real struggle to do the things I wanted. Just getting up a flight of stairs winded and exhausted me.”

Since the surgery and weight loss he has been able to take hikes, go fishing, and does just about anything he sets his mind to with his grandchildren. He even went to amusement park and was able to go on any of the rides including the front seat of a roller coaster with his grandson.

Joe did a great deal of research on the Internet for about 6-8 months before making the decision to have bariatric surgery. Since his surgery, Joe has lost a total of 247 lbs and has gained back his life. He had lost so much that it was recommended that he actually gain a bit back. He has stabilized at 200 lbs. This was half of what he had weighed at his highest weight. His health has improved substantially and he has a newfound confidence and improved self-esteem. He started volunteering in his community. Recently he and Carol were recognized as Volunteers of the Year for the Columbus Arts Council.

“The staff at Columbus Regional Health was responsive and compassionate. They are definitely there for you for the duration. They wanted me to succeed as much as I did.  My wife says she got her husband back, and I feel like a kid again. I finally have my life back.”