Profile: Wayne Bryant
Last updated: 11/03/2006
Wayne before and after surgery.
In high school, Wayne Bryant weighed 200 pounds. Today, at 66, he weighs 242 pounds, which is quite an accomplishment for someone who has struggled with obesity for a good part of his life. In December 2004, Wayne had laparoscopic gastric bypass surgery.
"When I had the surgery I weighed about 380 pounds," he said. "I had diabetes and high blood pressure. I was always out of breath. I was too big to get around. It was scary just to walk to the mailbox."
"I had thought about the surgery for a couple of years, and I decided to attend one of Dr. Nease's meetings," he continued. "He explained everything, the pros and the cons, which I appreciated. I decided it was now or never."
"Although I had some complications, I've never felt better than I have since the surgery," Wayne said. "I feel 150 per cent better. I can exercise, use the treadmill, the ab machine and the elliptical. I've gone from a size 60 waist to 44 and from a 4X to an XL in my shirt size. I haven't needed diabetes medication since I left the hospital, and my blood pressure is normal. I'm living my life now and enjoying every day."
His wife and family appreciate the new, healthier Wayne.
"We can enjoy doing things together again," Wayne said. "My wife is happier than a coon in a sugar corn patch."