Weight loss surgery is often viewed with skepticism, seen as an easy way out rather than a genuine commitment to health. However, the story of the Phelps family of Topeka demonstrates that bariatric surgery is not a shortcut, but a powerful tool that, when combined with dedication and support, can lead to profound life changes. Spouses Helen and Christopher Phelps, who have collectively lost over 350 pounds since undergoing weight loss surgery, are living proof of this transformative potential. Their journey, guided by Dr. Roger de la Torre and Dr. J. Stephen Scott at Bariatric and Metabolic Specialists, a part of HCA Midwest Health in Overland Park, Kansas, highlights the challenges, triumphs, and unwavering commitment required for lasting success.
Hitting Rock Bottom and Finding a Solution
Like many individuals who choose bariatric surgery, Chris Phelps had reached a point where his weight significantly impacted his quality of life. His turning point came after a series of embarrassing and disheartening experiences. One such incident occurred during a visit to Worlds of Fun, where he was asked to get off a roller coaster because the seatbelt wouldn't fit. "My most embarrassing day ever was going to Worlds of Fun and getting on a roller coaster just to find out the seatbelt didn’t fit," says Chris. "I was asked to get off of the ride. I just decided at that time (his late 20’s) that amusement parks weren’t for me anymore."
Over time, Chris accumulated a growing list of activities he could no longer participate in comfortably or required special accommodations to complete. These included needing a seatbelt extender on airplanes and the discomfort of requiring a table instead of a booth when dining at restaurants. However, the pivotal moment that solidified his decision to seek help occurred during a trip to the Bahamas. "I earned a trip to the Bahamas, and while I was there, two significant things happened," Chris says. "First, when I went scuba diving the equipment didn’t fit because of my size, making it unsafe. I had a panic attack while attempting to dive. Then, at the end of the trip, I had an extreme medical issue. When I flew back to Kansas City I went straight to the hospital and spent seven days there. That was the start of my decision to do something."
Determined to make a change but unsure of the best path forward, Chris spent six months researching his options. Fate intervened when he changed jobs and discovered that his new employer's medical insurance covered weight loss surgery. This led him to Dr. De La Torre, who performed gastric sleeve surgery in May 2018.
Gastric Sleeve Surgery: A New Beginning
Dr. de la Torre and his team provided Chris with detailed explanations of the surgery and recovery process, making his decision much easier. "I have spent my life being uncomfortable everywhere," Chris says. "Chairs are not designed for big people. But the chairs at Dr. de la Torre’s office are wide, so they fit someone like me. That set the tone."
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In gastric sleeve surgery, a significant portion of the stomach is removed, leaving a tubular-shaped section resembling a shirtsleeve with a French cuff, hence the name. "In gastric sleeve surgery, we remove part of the stomach and leave a tubular shaped portion. What is left has the appearance of a shirtsleeve with a French cuff - hence the name,” says Dr. de la Torre. “Having less stomach means that it will take a smaller volume of food to feel full. In addition, the part of the stomach that is removed is where a hormone that boosts appetite is produced. You should expect to lose 60 to 65% of excess body weight, and this occurs usually within the first year postoperatively." This smaller stomach capacity leads to a feeling of fullness with less food, and the removal of the portion of the stomach that produces appetite-stimulating hormones further aids in weight loss.
Since his surgery, Chris has lost an impressive 241 pounds and, more importantly, has regained his life. "Dr. de la Torre took me from hiding in the back and feeling like a nobody to uncovering who and what I really am," Chris says. "I have reclaimed my life. I’m able to be the husband and father that God intended me to be."
In 2020, Chris also underwent a panniculectomy performed by Dr. Scott to remove excess skin that had developed due to his significant weight loss. "Dr. Scott made the process go very smoothly," he says. "The surgery wasn’t really on my radar, but he showed me how we could get it done.”
Helen's Journey: Inspired by Success
Witnessing Chris's remarkable transformation inspired Helen to consider weight loss surgery for herself. At her highest weight, she weighed 311 pounds on a 4-foot-11-inch frame. Although she had already lost some weight, she needed assistance to lose the remaining 50 pounds. "My husband had surgery with Dr. Scott, and he was doing phenomenal," she says. "The support he received after his surgery was beyond what I had expected, so it was obvious that if I was going to have something done, this was who was doing it."
Dr. Scott determined that Helen was a good candidate for the procedure, noting that "She was a good candidate because her BMI was relatively high, but she had no other significant medical problems,” Dr. Scott says. “She wasn’t diabetic. She didn’t have acid reflux."
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Before undergoing weight loss surgery, Dr. Scott requires patients to complete a comprehensive, multidisciplinary program. This program covers various aspects of the surgery, including what to expect before and after, and the necessary lifestyle changes. Patients also consult with specialists such as psychologists and dietitians and receive a booklet containing reference information to guide them throughout their weight loss journey.
Shared Experience, Unwavering Support
Having both undergone gastric sleeve surgery, Helen and Chris possessed a unique understanding of the recovery process and the dedication required for success. Unlike most weight loss surgery patients, they had each other for support, providing insights and empathy that no one else could offer. Open communication, free from judgment, has been crucial to their success. They openly discuss the challenges they face and avoid criticizing or policing each other's food choices. Most importantly, they celebrate each other's achievements, both on and off the scale.
"Emotionally, it has been very, very hard for me at times," Helen says. "There have been times when I wished I hadn’t done it. Most of my frustration has come when the weight hasn’t come of as quickly as I think it should have for the amount I’ve been working. That is where the support of my husband and my office have really kept me going."
A Transformed Life
Both Helen and Chris are incredibly proud of the progress they have made on their weight loss journeys and the new opportunities that have emerged as a result of their improved health. Some of the changes have even surprised them. "I’m surprised that I am a very tiny person," Helen says. "I didn’t know how little I was because I always had so much weight on my body. Eating less has given me more time and money to do other things I enjoy. I can walk, and I even did my first 5K."
Chris echoes this sentiment, stating, "My life has changed in so many ways," says Chris. "I won a swimming competition. I ride my bike and go up and down stairs without pain. I’ve even fulfilled a childhood dream of going skydiving, which I couldn’t do before because I had too much weight. I wanted to get that one off my bucket list, and now I’ve done 140 jumps!"