James Barany was a football player, swimmer, diver and threw discus and shot for track. But after his athletic career ended, his struggle with weight began.
“Poor habits and rituals with food took over my life,” he explained. “Over the years, I steadily gained weight, my overall health declined, and I developed problems with my knees because of the pressure and strain of the extra weight.”
The breaking point came in the fall of 2021 on a day that was supposed to be about family and fun.
“We’d gone to a Brewers game, and it took me almost an hour and a half to walk back to our car. I told my wife I was done. I had to do something about what was happening to my body.”
James reached out to the bariatric surgery program at Aurora Medical Center – Summit and scheduled a consultation.
“I felt very positive about their approach. There was an entire team led by Dr. Peter Garza, and they would all work together to help me,” he said. “It was a whole web of support, and it seemed like the program was built for exactly what I needed.”
James had to meet a list of requirements to become a candidate for bariatric surgery, including passing psychological evaluations and making modifications to his diet prior to having the procedure.
“With the dietary modifications alone, I lost 50 pounds. I was extremely motivated to change my life and took Dr. Garza's and the team’s directions and suggestions very seriously.”
Aurora Summit offers two types of bariatric surgery: gastric bypass or gastric sleeve surgery. James opted for gastric sleeve surgery, which removes a large portion of the stomach and leaves behind a narrow section referred to as a sleeve. Gastric sleeve surgery permanently reduces the size of the stomach to help a person lose weight.
“I never felt I was being pushed in one direction or another. They gave me all the facts, and I chose what was best for me,” said James. “I appreciated getting all the data and information so I could make the right decision.”
Surgery was successful, but the recovery process was lengthy with multiple restrictions. James had to start with a liquid diet before graduating to soft foods. After several weeks, he could finally try solids again. Each step is only taken after certain benchmarks have been met, and it’s all done with the support and guidance of the bariatric team.
“In the weeks and months after surgery, the weight just fell off. Because my stomach is so much smaller, I can’t physically eat as much as I could before. It’s also producing less of the enzyme that causes the feeling of hunger, so I don’t have to urge to eat as often.”
Support beyond surgery
After surgery, James joined a support group through the hospital, which he attended regularly. He also became a mentor for others.
“Everyone’s journey is different, but there’s usually someone there who shares a common experience. There are also those who want to know what kind of magic elixir I’m taking, but of course, that’s not the case. I’m always happy to share my experience, but I tell people they have to trust the process,” said James. “The surgery is just a tool that you have to learn how to use. It’s about changing your relationship with food. If you’re not controlling what you eat, it will all go south. There’s no easy button; you have to commit to doing the work and doing it for the rest of your life.”
Today, James is back to doing most of the things he enjoyed before his surgery.
“I was recently in Europe hiking with my family. I rekindled my love for Zumba. I no longer worry about whether I’ll tip a canoe, which has happened. I don’t need special accommodations when I fly. Each moment is a victory. My knees have improved from the weight loss, and now I’m taking measures to strengthen and re-fortify them for future physical activities. My goal is to be able to run a sprint triathlon.”
His health is also back on track.
“Before surgery, I was on the cliff looking over the edge. My blood pressure was elevated, and I was pre-diabetic,” said James. “Six months after the procedure, my bloodwork was the same as a healthy person in their 20s, and my blood pressure and blood sugar came down considerably.”
How you can help
The bariatric medicine program and the support group at Aurora Summit are supported by philanthropy. James credits the group, Dr. Garza and his care team for his continued success.
“I found the group to be extremely helpful. I always get something out of it, and I’m glad I can help others too,” said James. “And I’m so grateful to my care team. At my heaviest, I weighed over 500 pounds. Now I’m down to 300, and I haven’t regained any of the weight I’ve lost. It’s mind numbing to me that I’ve fit in the same clothes for a year and a half. It’s literally a huge weight off my shoulders.”
To help people like James on their transformative weight loss journeys, make a gift today.