Bariatric Surgery Results in a 300-Pound Weight Loss and a New Perspective on Life
Patient Mark Collier Reflects Back on His Lifesaving Care Experience
Mark Collier started gaining weight during his teen years. And he never stopped. As the number on the scale kept climbing, he suffered from a wide range of health issues often associated with obesity – from hypertension and high cholesterol to acid reflux, sleep apnea, and diabetes. Along the way, Mark learned to accept that his health was limiting where he could go, what he could do, and how much he could enjoy his life.
Then Mark got married and became a dad, and having a little girl in his arms shifted his perspective. In 2020, he decided it was time to get his weight - and his life - under control. He scheduled an appointment with a bariatric surgeon in Wilmington, close to where he lives. But, at 614 pounds, Mark was considered super morbidly obese, and was told that he required a level of high-risk care that was not available in Wilmington. The doctor recommended that Mark schedule a consultation with Tarek Waked, MD, a surgeon with Beebe Healthcare, who offers advanced bariatric procedures for patients with highly-specialized care needs.
“As soon as I met Dr. Waked and his team, I felt seen, heard, valued, and cared for as a person,” recalls Mark. “They took the time to listen to my story, understand my health challenges and goals, and explain the options they felt would give me the best chance for long-term success.”
Dr. Waked is a trusted resource for patients like Mark, who turn to the Beebe Center for Weight Loss Surgery in search of comprehensive, patient-centered care, and solutions that can be lifechanging. The Center offers a number of minimally invasive surgical weight loss procedures including the gastric bypass, the gastric sleeve, the biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch, and revision procedures. Of equal importance is its focus on equipping patients with knowledge and tools to choose a much different and healthier lifestyle, following surgery.
“Every patient who comes to see us at the Beebe Center for Weight Loss Surgery is unique, with challenges and goals that are very personal,” said Dr. Waked. “We take an incredibly thoughtful and thorough approach as we are evaluating patients and helping them understand the process of care, including what they will need to do both before and after surgery to successfully lose weight and maintain that loss, over time. This requires a commitment that goes far beyond what happens in the operating room. This is about the patient making a lifelong commitment to good health, with our team guiding them and supporting them every step of the way.”
For Mark, long-term success required significant effort up front and before surgery could take place. With guidance from Dr. Waked and Kimberly Hyatt, MPH, RN, LDN, CSOWN, Bariatric Program Manager and Dietitian, he embarked on a journey that centered around preparing for surgery and ensuring he could safely undergo the procedure. Mark took the steps necessary to improve his heart health, cleanse his body, and educate himself about the lifelong commitment he was making to get and stay healthy.
In September 2022, Mark underwent the duodenal switch procedure, which involves removal of a large portion of the stomach and a re-route of the intestines to ultimately limit how much food can be consumed and how many calories can be absorbed. Two weeks after surgery, Mark saw Dr. Waked for his first follow-up appointment and was down 22 pounds. By Thanksgiving, he had lost 90 pounds, and by March of the following year, he had shed a whopping 114 pounds.
“There were moments when I felt overwhelmed. There were times when the journey seemed impossible. There were days when I questioned if real change could happen. Yet step-by-step, day-by-day, progress happened,” said Mark. “As the weight continued to come off, I realized that no matter what obstacle stood in front of me, I could overcome it.”
A lot of little changes added up to a big difference as Mark adapted to and began to love his new lifestyle. He made it a daily habit to have breakfast, but traded the pancakes, eggs, bacon, and potatoes that once filled his plate for turkey sausage and fresh orange slices, instead. He cut out soda and juice, finding ways to add flavor to his beverages through infusing water with watermelon and cucumbers. He made healthy proteins a key priority; choosing fish, shrimp, and chicken at dinner time and being keenly aware of his portions.
“I became very, very intentional about what I was putting into my body, with a constant reminder that I was eating to live – not living to eat,” said Mark.
Mark’s choices have resulted in a newfound way of life for not just him, but also for his family. To date, he has lost more than 300 pounds. His journey has inspired countless family members to prioritize their health, with many following in his footsteps and pursuing bariatric surgery, too. Collectively, he, his wife, two sisters, brother-in-law, and cousin have lost more than 1,500 pounds. Of equal importance to Mark is that his journey is setting a positive example for a lot of little ones who are looking up to him; he and his wife Ashley are now parents to five children, ranging in age from one to seven.
“One of the greatest gifts this journey has given me is the ability to be fully present with my children,” said Mark. “We travel together, visit holiday fairs, explore new cities, and enjoy experiences that I once only dreamed about. One thing that is especially exciting is visiting amusement parks. Being able to get on rides, buckle in safely and comfortably, and enjoy those moments alongside my kids and seeing their faces light up with happiness…it has been absolutely incredible. I feel like I have been given access to life again.”
As he reflects back on how far he has come, Mark will forever be grateful for the lifechanging and lifesaving care he received at the Beebe Center for Weight Loss Surgery.
“Dr. Waked and his team are genuinely committed to changing lives,” said Mark. “They helped me understand that surgery is not the finish line. Instead, it’s a tool that can help create a new beginning. Because of their guidance, support, and expertise, I have regained my life and have completely transformed my perspective on the value of good health. You only get one life. I know now how important it is to take care of it, invest in it, and make the most of every opportunity to live each day to the fullest.”
