Arlington, VA resident drops 190 pounds with surgery (and education) from Inova

In it to win it

A local Navy veteran and I.T. specialist turns to Inova Fair Oaks Hospital for the medical intervention, education and support he needs to transform his weight loss battle

Two summers ago, when John George’s weight reached 470 pounds, the 6’4″ information technology specialist knew he had to do something about his health. Having struggled with weight issues since he was a child, at 44 he was having regular bouts of atrial fibrillation, suffering from sleep apnea and was frequently taking sick days from work.

“I tried everything in the book — a liquid diet, the Atkins diet, working out — but none of it worked. My biggest issue was I didn’t have an off switch so I was never full,” says John.

The most he had ever lost was 100 pounds during a six-year tour of duty with the U.S. Navy, but the weight came roaring back.

After he received his heart diagnosis, the Arlington resident decided to watch an online seminar provided by the Inova Weight Loss Surgery Program. Then he made the trip from his home in Arlington to meet with Medical Director (and bariatric surgeon) Amir Moazzez, MD.

“We have patients go through a general educational process to start off with, so they’re ready for this life-changing experience. We want to be sure they’re addressing all aspects of this lifestyle change and they’re ready for this lifelong commitment,” says Dr. Moazzez.

A weight-loss plan that helps transform your life

Since his surgery in July 2015, John has lost 190 pounds and the weight loss has been transformative. “It’s a life-changer,” says John. “I’m not sweating anymore, I’m not out of breath when I climb stairs, I can touch my toes, I can cross my legs, and when I go out to eat with friends, I don’t need a table; I can sit in a booth.” These days, John looks forward to biking, hiking and starting to scuba dive again. He attributes his success to Dr. Moazzez and the support he received at Inova.

“At Inova Fair Oaks Hospital, they have a plan to help you be successful with your weight loss surgery,” says John. “For six months before the surgery, they teach you about the foods you’re eating, portion control, exercise, and then they continue counseling and support after the surgery. Just fixing your stomach is not going to help you. You have to be in it to win it. It’s not an easy road, but you can do it.”

Is weight loss surgery right for me?

To learn more about Inova’s Weight Loss Surgery Program, call 703-348-4716 or visit  inova.org/weightloss.

It’s not just pounds: weight loss may improve chronic conditions

In addition to boosting weight loss, bariatric surgery can reverse chronic conditions associated with obesity.

“Obesity is a common denominator for many comorbidities including hypertension, diabetes, esophageal reflux and sleep apnea,” says Dr. Moazzez. “When we treat that underlying common denominator, we see a significant improvement, if not a resolution of these chronic conditions.”

Patients in the Inova Weight Loss Surgery Program visit with a dietitian, an exercise specialist, a behavioral specialist and, if necessary, physicians from other departments to personalize the approach based on their health status. “The commitment by Inova Fair Oaks Hospital and the bariatric surgery team to provide this multifaceted approach really helps patients get the help that they need to be successful,” he adds.