Russel was taking eight pills a day, and 100 units of insulin. Additionally, Russel had been told that he was a good candidate for a heart attack or stroke, and he would probably would need a knee replacement within five years.

Bariatric surgeon, Thomas Brown, MD, explained the risks of the stomach surgery to Russel: bowel or stomach leaks, ulcers, gallstones, and other possibilities related to any major abdominal operation, such as blood clots or infection.

“The risk of not doing it – dying from this weight – is far greater than any risks of doing it,” says Russell.

Just two months after first inquiring about gastric bypass, Russel had his surgery on July 1, 2003. Prior to his surgery, he received all the necessary testing and medical work-ups.

His wife was very supportive, while his immediate family voiced their concerns, asking him, “Are you crazy?” Still, Russel pressed on. “I was ready to make a life change."

All looked well immediately after surgery. But two days later, concerns of a stomach leak took Russel back in for surgery. Although no leak was found, his post-operative course was complicated by pneumonia and a blood clot to the lung – common risks associated with obese patients and their already severely compromised health.”

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After two solid weeks of intensive care, Russel started improving, but remained at the hospital for four more long weeks. Still, trouble seemed to follow him when, after going home, he was forced to return after becoming severely dehydrated and anemic.

Finally, although tired and weak, Russel seemed to be out of the woods. Today, Russel is 96 pounds lighter and still losing.

He has gone through two wardrobes, reducing from a size 54 to a size 40. The majority of his medical problems have disappeared as well – he only takes one pill a day now for high blood pressure. “I have more energy than I ever thought I’d have,” stated Russel. “I’m so happy.”

But would he have the surgery again, knowing the severity of complications that are possible? “I would do it again for the same results,” declares Russel. “Even with the complications."

Now, when Russel sees an obese person, "I just want to hand them the doctor's card and say, 'You don't have to suffer, you don't have to go through that.'" Russel also wants others to know that the success of the surgery is not guaranteed.

"The surgery really requires a mental adjustment that you must be prepared to make," he said.

The support groups offered through the Bariatric Surgery Program at Presbyterian/St. Luke's Medical Center help Russel maintain this mental adjustment. "They are well worth attending," and allow participants to talk with people about their experiences.