How Gastric Bypass Transformed Roger Whisnant

“Super Morbidly Obese”- the term used to describe Roger Whisnant on the medical record given to him by his family doctor. As weeks passed Roger found himself still haunted by those words and decided to discuss it with his doctor. Weighing 488 lbs, Roger was at high risk of death. He knew it was time to take control of his life.

Roger’s next step: “weighing his options”. Wanting to make an informed decision, he extensively researched the various types of surgical weight loss procedures. After several hospital consultations, he found the surgical weight loss team at Catawba Valley Medical Center to be not only experienced professionals, but also welcoming and invested in the comfort and well being of their patients.

He feels blessed to have had his family for support during his recovery. Following his lead, Roger’s wife decided to have gastric bypass ten days after his surgery. “It was such a comfort to have someone who understood the physical and emotional journey I was embarking on. Together we have undergone a complete transformation.”

Roger has transformed, so much so that a highway patrolman accused him of giving false identification (ID). The now 220 lb Roger no longer looked like the guy pictured on the ID. After showing proof that he was a bariatric surgery patient, she finally let him go, suggesting that he get an updated license picture.

Life after surgery has proven to be full of adventure and accomplishments. To celebrate their successful weight loss the Whisnant family took a trip to Disneyworld. Roger felt like a little kid experiencing Disney for the first time. He was now able to ride every ride and not only could he walk around without having to rest, he was at the front of the pack urging his family to keep up.

He attributes the decision to continue his education to his weight loss. “At the weight I was at, I really don’t think I would have had the confidence to go back to school and walk around campus.”. Roger is proud to say that he graduated from Wilkes Community College with an Associates of Science in Human Services, while remaining in the Honor Society with a 3.8 GPA.

Roger strives to be a positive influence in his community whether it’s through his work at Alexander County Department of Social Services or by inspiring and advising others who are contemplating weight loss surgery. He continues to be an advocate for gastric bypass and encourages people to take control of their life now.

If you are interested in bariatric surgery, we encourage you to attend a free information seminar to learn more about the Catawba Valley Medical Center Surgical Weight Management Program. You will meet members of the bariatric program team as they walk you through the details of the weight loss surgery and the lifestyle changes necessary for success. Most importantly, you will have the opportunity to ask questions and hear honest answers from our experts. Visit us online to register and view the schedule of our upcoming seminars or call 828.326.2082 and speak to the program coordinator.

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