Here is a picture of me on vacation in 2006. I weighed in at 340 pounds. As you can see, I was not the picture of health. Being a surgeon, I know the harmful effects obesity can have on a person’s health and well-being. Our surgical practice has been performing obesity surgery for years trying to offer our patient’s the ability to live longer, happier and healthier lives. My partner, Dr. Britt and I conduct seminars on a regular basis educating potential patients on the health dangers and long-term, life-threatening effects of morbid obesity.

Knowing all these facts was one thing, trying to “practice what I preached”, so to speak, was another. Sure, I had tried. Like most of my patients, I had been on more diets then I can count. I lost weight on a few of those diets, but it always came back….usually with a few extra pounds for good measure! I’ve always been a “big guy”. Starting in junior high all the way through to college, I had football to keep my weight in check. But after graduating college and going to medical school, the muscle slowly turned to fat. I wasn’t eating right and didn’t take care of myself and over the next 15 years, I ballooned to 340 pounds. I decided it was time to do something about my weight. I wanted to life a healthier life, so I would grow old and watch my children grow up and share in all of their life experiences.

In March of 2007, my partner, Dr. Stephen Britt, performed a Lap-Band procedure on me at Marshall Medical Center. After one year, I had lost 105 pounds. As I said earlier, I know all the facts about how morbid obesity can affect your life……..but going through this process has made me appreciate and understand how much healthier and happier you can truly be. I have more energy than I ever had before, which in turn puts me in a better mood as I start off each and every day. I simply feel better about myself and that makes for better interaction and communication with my patients, my family and every one that touches my life. I don’t get as tired as I use to and that means I can spend more time with my family. My wife, Ayme and I have four children who are always going in different directions. I finally feel like I can keep up with them.

I could go on and on about the benefits and how having this procedure has truly changed my life. I am writing this because I feel like I have a unique insight into what some of you may be going through in your struggles with obesity. I want you to know that all of us at Surgical Associates of Marshall County are here to help you in any way we can. We have monthly seminars that Dr. Britt and I attend to explain the surgical weight loss procedures we do and the benefits of each procedure. We are there to educate you and answer any questions that you might have.

If you would like to register for a seminar or find out more information, you can call our office at 256-840-5547 or log onto our new web site: www.mydestinationweightloss.com. Our team will do everything we can to assist you in your weight loss journey.

Lose the Weight. Find Yourself.
I DID!

John Groves, MD, FACS