Couple Has Weight-Loss Surgery Together

She's Lost 100 Pounds In Three Months, He's Shed 81, And Counting

(CBS)  Married couples do lots of things together.

Sometimes, that involves activities designed to get healthier, such as exercising and eating better.

Trish and Jeff Tryon decided to take that one step further: They had gastric bypass operations on the same day.

In Part Three of The Early Showseries "HeartScore" on Wednesday, correspondent Debbye Turner Bell introduced viewers to the couple from Poughkeepsie, in upstate New York, determined to lose large amounts of weight to improve their health and up their odds of living long lives.

It used to Jeff, a take volunteer firefighter, four minutes to get into his gear. Now, he can do in half that time.

Trish, an EMT instructor, also struggled. "I would walk down the hallway and I'd have to sit," she told Turner.

They were both morbidly obese, medically defined as more than 100 pounds overweight. Jeff was 440 pounds. Trish weighed in at 399.

For her, it was a life threatening situation. She suffered from high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and heart problems.

After several failed diets, they explored weight loss surgery and decided to have gastric bypass procedures together.

"Without this operation," says Dr. Laura Choi, a surgeon at Danbury Hospital, in Connecticut, "it was very difficult for them to change their lifestyle."

An emotional Jeff recalled that Choi said, "You have a choice. Sign a contract to have the surgery and add 25 years to your life. Or sign a contract with a funeral home."

The Tryons had their operations in November. A small pouch was created in their stomachs, and their small intestines re-routed to the new, smaller stomachs. It's "worked out beautifully" for them, Choi says, because they have instant support with each other, and they both they recovered very quickly. "You can see it in their faces," she adds. "You can see how excited they are about shedding the pounds, being able to do those everyday things they love to do."

Since the surgery, they eat very small portions. No more sweets or fried foods.

In just three months, Trish has a hundred pounds and Jeff, 81.

His legs don't hurt anymore and now, when he drives the firehouse ambulance, he no longer worries about his belly getting in the way. And she can walk much better.

They've lost weight and gained a whole new life. "It made our love bond very close," Jeff says.

"I know now that I am going to be around to see my son get married and have kids," Trish said, beginning to cry, "and I didn't think I was going to do that before."

Before the surgery, she was taking 14 pills every day for the long list of health issues her weight was causing. She's now off all her medications.

"Contrary to what a lot of people believe about gastric bypass surgery and other types of surgery, it's not the easy way out," Choi observes. "The long-term success essentially depends on how well a person is able to change their lifestyle, and their outlook and relationship with food."

[lk0621]

This story really touched me. As I was on my way out, I recognized Jeff on the TV. I stopped and listened to the story. I was very excited as Jeff's sister was in my wedding and we have lost touch (Jeff-please pass this along to Jane for me!)Jeff and Trish, best of luck to you both. Leanne

[schwepgirl03]

Morbid obesity does not happen just because people are lazy and just like to eat. Most of the time there are underlying psychological issues that need to be addressed in order for ANY diet or surgical procedure to be truly successful. Unfortunately, most of the time, that doesn't happen. Yes, the weight does come off for the most part, however, unless the psychological reasons are addressed, the chances of the weight being regained are extremely high. Surgical invention is only a tool. It is not meant to be the only tool though. Another key component is the plastic surgery that might be needed. Unfortunately, since it is considered cosmetic, most insurance companies will not pay for it so you're stuck with a lot of hanging skin which leads to skin infections (due to skin breakdown and bacteria growth in the breast and groin areas, back pain (from sagging breasts), and sometimes lymphedema or other issues too numerous to mention. This also leads to feelings of looking "freakish" as a result. In case you're wondering why I would know, I've been through it and continue to live through the "demons" of my food obsessions every day of my life much like an addict deals with alcohol or drugs. This is very serious and should not be thought of lightly or people criticized for being "lazy" just for overeating. I wish the Tryons all the best and would welcome an opportunity to help them on their journey in any way I can.

[mssinnia]

Some people just have to point out all the negativity. Get a Life! These 2 did and are looking forward to leading Happy Lives. Too bad the pestimistic arses are not doing the same.

[fush2]

hooray!!!! i hope they are very happy with their new weight and they lose a lot more

[rational_1]

You don't see many morbidly obese old people do you? Probably a wise, if expensive, decision on their part. But I wonder, how do you get to 400 pounds BEFORE thinking that there might be a problem developing? This could and should have been nipped in the bud much earlier. It's not rocket science folks - calories in less than calories out and you'll lose weight. A sensible diet and moderate exercise programme and you can avoid potentially life-threatening surgery like these two folks had. Good luck to the two of them!

[andie52]

Unfortunately after morbidly obese individuals have weigh loss surgery they will at some point need all that excess skin removed by expensive and painful plastic surgery. Good luck to them though.

[rushlimpdrug]

This is a nice story. Did anyone proof read it?
Posted by lj881 at 11:49 AM


I think you meant to say:

"Did anyone proof eat it?"

[indptex]

This is a nice story. Did anyone proof read it?

Posted by lj881

Now why would they do that? Like our legislators, no need to proof it, just sign the stimulus as it is...................

[rushlimpdrug]

This is a really touching story.

It touched me so much,
I''d like to send them a dozen donuts each.

[lj881]

This is a nice story. Did anyone proof read it?