The unexpected procedure delayed Eddie’s weight-loss surgery by a year, but he was determined to go through with it.
In preparation for the procedure, Eddie’s care team helped him change his eating patterns, which helped him lose 30 pounds. And they provided him with care and attention.
“They always called me: ‘Hey, Ed, how are you doing? How’s the weight loss going?’ It was so refreshing and very old-school,” Eddie says.
And when it came time for his gastric bypass procedure, the care he received exceeded his expectations.
After the surgery, Temple’s bariatric team educated Eddie about proper lifelong nutrition, and Dr. Thomas routinely checked on him to make sure he was healing well. But her compassionate care extended beyond Eddie’s clinical status.
“Dr. Thomas also asked how my wife and family were reacting to this change,” Eddie recalls. “She wanted my wife to be a part of the process and to come with me to my follow-up exams. That was completely unexpected. My wife and I really appreciated it, and that helped keep me on course.”
Eddie lost 135 pounds thanks to his bariatric surgery. And he didn’t forget what Dr. Thomas told him about his weight-loss journey being a long-term commitment.
“She was absolutely right,” says Eddie. “The surgery completely changed my lifestyle.”
Enjoying the good life
Eddie played football for Penn State 47 years ago. Today, he’s back down to his collegiate playing weight. In addition to feeling more confident about his appearance, he also feels healthier.
“I don’t take medication for type 2 diabetes or use a CPAP machine for sleep apnea anymore,” he says. I used to be on three medications for my hypertension, but now I take only one. And all my vital signs are within the normal range.”
Although the weight-loss surgery relieved some of the pressure on his joints, Eddie couldn’t ignore the pain in his right knee any longer.
“My knee was completely blown out,” he says. “There was no cartilage left; it was just bone on bone.”
Eddie had knee-replacement surgery with Jeffrey Vakil, MD, an orthopaedic surgeon at Temple Health - Chestnut Hill Hospital. Shortly afterward, he noticed a night-and-day difference in his ability to perform daily activities.
“The surgery made such a difference in getting dressed, getting around the house and the neighborhood, and going to church,” Eddie says. “Before surgery, I had to get up at least one-and-a-half hours before church on Sunday morning to get ready. Now I can get ready in less than 30 minutes.”
Eddie’s weight loss and knee replacement have renewed his excitement and optimism about life.
“Before I had the surgery, I did not believe I could attain the kind of health I have now,” Eddie says. “I am just so very happy.”
He goes to the beach now. He’s preparing for a 5K. And he’s finally looking forward to traveling.
“I thought international travel wasn’t going to happen for me,” he says. “Now my wife and I are going to the Greek islands next year.”
Eddie says he is extremely grateful to Temple Health - Chestnut Hill Hospital for the care they have provided.
“It has been such a journey,” he says. “Being with Temple has changed my life for the better.”
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