Marc Soffe – Gastric Bypass – September 2008

 

Marc Soffe has been a truck driver for 28 years, often working 16 hours a day and through the night. Although he enjoys his job, it was having a detrimental effect on his health. When Marc turned 53, he was 30 stone.

 

With no set eating pattern, Marc confesses he was a ‘serial snacker’ and never found the time to exercise. Although he didn’t binge on junk food, he had no set times for meals and often ate on the go. When he came home after a nights work, he would eat a full meal, then go to bed and sleep through the day.

 

In February 2008, Marc had a wake up call. He experienced chest pains and collapsed in his kitchen. He was rushed to hospital and soon discovered he had a life-threatening pulmonary embolism. When Marc’s cardiologist told him in a year he would be completely insulin-dependent, and more shockingly in two years he would be dead, he realised he needed to lose weight.

 

Marc’s cardiologist and GP advised that weight loss surgery was the best route for him to get his health and his life back on track. In August 2008, he met Wendy from The Weight Loss Surgery Group (WLS) for a consultation in Harley Street. After physical and mental testing, WLS found Marc to be a suitable candidate for a Gastric Bypass.

 

On Wednesday 10th September 2008, Marc flew to Belgium for his procedure. He said: “I was nervous, but WLS and my doctor were very honest and professional with me. They thoroughly explained the procedure and gave me the opportunity to air any worries or questions I had.

 

“I had my surgery the following Friday. It went very well, and before I knew it I was out of the theatre and back in my hospital room recovering.”

 

Marc was only kept in the hospital for four days post-op and was discharged on Monday. By Wednesday, he was free to travel home back to his wife and daughter in the Isle of Wight.

Marc continued: “Having surgery is not the easy option. I have worked hard to lose the weight and keep it off. It’s very difficult going out for dinner with friends and not being able to eat and drink all the foods I used to enjoy. There are occasional low points, but the amazing improvement to my health makes it all worthwhile.”

 

Now, 12 months on, Marc has lost an incredible 14 stone 7lbs, reaching his target weight and leading a much healthier lifestyle. Before his operation he struggled to walk any distance, but he now takes his dog on two to three mile walks most weekends. He swims three times a week and uses his exercise bike at every opportunity.

Marc’s relationship with his wife is now stronger than ever, as they can do more things together as a couple. He can now happily go shopping and is able to help her out with the gardening and household chores.

 

Marc still receives help and advice from WLS as part of his two year aftercare package. He visits Wendy from WLS team at Harley Street every 10 weeks and speaks to Colleen Campbell, the nutritionist, every week for support and guidance with his diet.

Colleen said: “Marc had a lot of weight to lose, but in a case such as this, it is important to lose weight in a controlled manner. Marc has followed a healthy diet and has worked hard to turn his life round for the better.”

 

Following his health scare, Marc is now back at work and thoroughly enjoying his job. While waiting at delivery points, Marc now chooses to go for a walk to keep himself active where possible, instead of sitting to wait for deliveries.

 

Marc puts his successful weight loss not only down to the procedure and great service he received from WLS, but also the support of the people close to him, particularly his wife Mo, daughter Lisa and parents Jean and Roy. He was also lucky enough to have the backing of his employer and colleagues at work, as well as forming a special network of friends with other patients undergoing bariatric surgery on the same day.