Martin Health System | Focused On Exceptional Care | Spring 2019

martinhealth.org 9 JIM FARRELL faced many challenges as a Boston police detective. Now in retirement, he can be proud of another achievement—overcoming excessive weight gain. “I’ve always been heavy, and I’ve tried lots of different diets,” Farrell said. “I’d lose the weight and then gain it all back again.” Farrell faced that personal challenge once more when he needed a hip replacement—his surgeon wanted him to lose weight prior to the surgery. At the age of 73, Farrell thought he was too old to have bariatric surgery. But after he learned more about it, he decided it was just the help he needed. Six months after having a sleeve gastrectomy—performed by Richard Follwell, DO—Farrell feels that this time his weight loss will be a lasting success. Since his bariatric surgery at Cleveland Clinic Martin North Hospital, Farrell has lost 72 pounds. He’d like to lose about 15 more. A new way of living Farrell gave up snacking at night and eliminated fast foods from his diet. As the result of a life-changing surgeries FIVE STEPS TO A HEALTHIER YOU. Learn how our Center for Bariatric and Metabolic Surgery can help you take off excess weight and feel great! Visit martinhealth.org/bariatrics . Never too late to get healthy—for good consultation with Elizabeth Mills, bariatric dietitian, and sticking to a high protein diet, he has not only lost significant weight—his waist measurement dropped by 10 inches!—but his blood pressure is now in a healthy range. “I’ve made a complete change in my lifestyle and eating habits,” Farrell said. “I know all about portion control and what I can and can’t eat.” He also credits his wife, Diane, for supporting him during his weight-loss experience. “She attended the meetings with me, prepped and cooked meals, and has been following the same diet with me,” he said. “I couldn’t have done this without her.” On Dec. 4, 2018, Farrell went into surgery for a new hip feeling lighter and healthier than he had in a long time. As he begins to walk more with the new hip, he expects to feel even better. When asked if there were any downsides to the weight- loss experience, Farrell men- tions just one thing with a smile: “I had to replace my wardrobe twice since the surgery!” Jim Farrell’s decision to undergo bariatric surgery had a big payoff: He’s now 72 pounds lighter (as shown in the photo above) than before (at left) and was cleared for a successful hip replacement.