Couple Planning To Get Even Closer After Same-Day Bariatric Surgery

DANBURY — After 13 years of marriage, Trish and Jeff Tryon have another annual milestone to celebrate besides their wedding date — the anniversary of the day they both had bariatric surgery at the Center for Weight Loss Surgery at Danbury Hospital.

The Poughkeepsie, N.Y., couple became the first husband-and-wife team to have gastric bypass surgery on the same day (November 10) at Danbury Hospital, under the care of Laura Choi, MD, medical director of the Center for Weight Loss Surgery.

“We both feel like a million dollars,” said Ms Tryon, 42, less than a week after the surgery. Her husband agreed. “It was a beautiful experience,” said Jeff, 43, referring to the practical and emotional support the couple received before, during, and after surgery. “I would highly recommend Danbury Hospital to anyone considering bariatric surgery.”

Now the two are on the path to wellness thanks to the surgical intervention.

“We usually wait a few months between operating members of the same family,” said Dr Choi, who performed both laparoscopic procedures. “But Trish and Jeff were so well prepared and had such a good support network of family and friends that we decided to go ahead with the two surgeries on the same day.”

The Center for Weight Loss Surgery provides seriously overweight patients with a surgical solution for long-term weight loss and extensive support services.

“Most procedures are done laparoscopically using minimally invasive surgical techniques that involve smaller incisions, less pain and a quicker recovery,” explained Dr Choi. Morbid obesity is a dangerous disease that puts people at risk for developing serious medical conditions and decreases life expectancy.

At 399 pounds, Ms Tryon’s wake up call came when she saw a picture of herself at a formal dance.

“I looked terrible. The dress showed every bulge,” she said. Ms Tryon also struggled with high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, and cardiac problems due to her weight. “I felt it was time to take action.”

At 430 pounds, Mr Tryon decided to make a lifestyle change when he could no longer perform his duties as a volunteer firefighter, a post he has held for more than two decades.

“I couldn’t go out on calls because of my weight,” he said. “It was tearing my heart out that I couldn’t help the community.”

Like his wife, Mr Tryon faced myriad health issues, including lymphedema plus a history of chest pain and a mild stroke.

Although eager to make lasting changes, Ms Tryon remained hesitant following an unpleasant experience at a bariatric seminar at a New York hospital. “They were cold,” she said. “I felt like a number.”

But, she said, her hesitation melted away upon meeting Dr Choi and other members of the bariatric team during an informational seminar at Danbury Hospital.

“Everyone was friendly,” said Ms Tryon. “It felt like I was walking into somebody’s home. Dr Choi makes you feel like family. She has a wonderful bedside manner. I looked at my husband and he looked at me and we said, ‘Where do we sign.’”

The two felt strongly about going through the experience together. “It’s the only way we’re going to succeed,” said Ms Tryon. “We can support and help each other.”

The surgery and postoperative recovery went well.

“I have five tiny scars that you can barely see from the laparoscopic surgery,” said Ms Tryon. “I didn’t feel any pain.” Staying in separate hospital rooms during their two-night stay provided incentive to get out of bed.

“It forced us to walk to see each other,” said Mr Tryon. “It was good exercise.”

Back home, things continue to proceed smoothly. Ms Tryon no longer needs any medication now that her blood pressure and sugar levels are back to normal.

“I’ve gone from taking 10 to 13 pills a day to taking a single multivitamin,” she said. Her husband expects to see similar improvements with his health as he loses weight.

The Tryons recognize they will encounter many challenges in the weeks and months ahead. But knowing they have the support of Dr Choi and the bariatric team at Danbury Hospital is expected to play an important role in their mutual success. “It’s a new beginning for us,” said Ms Tryon. “We couldn’t be happier.”

For more information about the Center for Weight Loss Surgery at Danbury Hospital, visit www.danburyhospital.org.