From 360 Pounds to a Healthier Future: A Gastric Bypass Success Story

by George Ellenberger

I’ve always considered myself a “big guy.” In my 40s, the weight really started to add up. At work, I was sweating profusely and struggling to keep up with what I needed to do. Every time I needed new clothes, I was searching for brands that carried larger sizes. Simple physical activities were becoming more difficult. During an annual family trip to Hershey Park, I couldn’t fit on some of the rides. I was reduced to holding everyone else’s things while they enjoyed the rides. That was hard for me and yet another moment that made me realize my weight was affecting everyday life. I wish I could say that these moments were wake-up calls, but I admit that I did not make a change right away. I continued the eating habits that I had developed over my lifetime. It was just something I had always done: ate what I wanted when I wanted, and portion sizes didn’t matter. Looking back, I reached a point where I disgusted myself.

Eventually, I simply said, “Okay. That’s it. I’m done with this.”

And I was. My highest weight was around 360 lbs.

In May 2025, I attended Dr. Waked’s seminar. After learning more about what bariatric surgery could do for my health, I opted for a gastric bypass. That decision introduced me to my dietitian, Kim Hyatt, who became an extremely important part of my journey. Kim not only explained what I needed to do nutritionally to have the best outcome from surgery, but more importantly, she explained the why behind it. That makes a huge difference for me. For example, there is a specific diet that we follow just before surgery, and I understood that the purpose was to reduce fatty liver and give Dr. Waked better visual access during surgery. Once I understood the reason, it became a no-brainer for me. I wanted to give him the best possible conditions for my surgery, and that was something I could control. Further, the support group that they offer has been an incredible resource. Both virtual and in-person support meetings give me the opportunity to interact with people who have gone through many of the same struggles. Knowing that you’re not the only person dealing with these things is incredibly valuable.

I’m now 46 years old and I’ve lost approximately 120 pounds from my highest weight. The number on the scale isn’t even what I’m most proud of. For the first time in my life, I truly believe I have a healthy relationship with food. For me, it’s about habits. My habit now is eating quality, whole foods in normal portions. Do I occasionally eat something that doesn’t fit perfectly into that category? Of course I do, but the difference now is that I don’t let one meal send me back into my old lifestyle. I simply go right back to my new normal habit of eating quality food in reasonable portions. Food isn’t stressful for me anymore. I don’t constantly worry, “Can I eat this? Should I eat this? Am I allowed to have that?” I understand food now. I understand portions. I understand what my body needs. And I understand that this isn’t a temporary diet—it’s the way I choose to live. That is what this surgery has given me.

The bariatric team isn’t simply helping people lose weight. For me, they are helping me change the habits that got me here in the first place. They are literally helping save my life. I am incredibly grateful that I finally decided to search for “bariatric surgery near me.”