We did it together: How bariatric surgery helped Tom and Brent transform their health

When Tom and Brent met in 2009, they quickly discovered a shared passion for great food. Whether exploring new restaurants or cooking together at home, meals were often at the center of their relationship. Over time, though, that love of food brought challenges for their health.  

Their weight fluctuated for years. Tom typically lost and regained 20 to 30 pounds and Brent cycled through losses and gains of 70 to 80 pounds. In 2023, Brent decided to make a significant change and underwent gastric sleeve surgery with Dr. Matt Metz, a bariatric surgeon at HCA HealthONE Denver Center for Weight Loss and Bariatric Surgery. This surgery reduces the size of the stomach, helping patients feel full faster. While the procedure initially worked well, old habits crept back in and some of the weight returned.  

In the meantime, Tom was facing increasing health issues, including high blood pressure, prediabetes and sleep apnea. Approaching 60 with a BMI just over the qualification threshold, he knew it was time to take action. 

This time, the couple decided they wouldn’t go for it alone — they would tackle the journey together.  

“The first time Brent had surgery, I didn’t,” Tom said. “I think that was one of the reasons he struggled. It’s easier to change your relationship with food when you’re doing it together.” 

In late 2024, Brent underwent a revision surgery with Dr. Metz, a duodenal switch that combines a sleeve gastrectomy with rerouting of the intestines to limit calorie absorption. This time, the outcome was dramatically different.  

“With the duodenal switch, I can’t overeat without feeling sick,” Brent said. “And having Tom go through it too made a huge difference.” 

One week later, Tom had a gastric sleeve procedure.  

“The whole process at the hospital was wonderful,” Tom said. “Everyone was so supportive. I had a great recovery and it’s really changed my life. I’ve learned that a small amount of food satisfies me now.” 

In just a few months, Tom went from 220 to 160 pounds. His blood pressure dropped to 115/75 on a low dose of medication, and he is wearing clothes he hasn’t worn in 15 years. Even patients at his optometry practice sometimes didn’t recognize him.  

“One patient said, ‘No the guy last time was fat,’ I said, ‘That was me.’” 

Brent went from 292 pounds on the day of his second surgery to 192 pounds. 

 “They tell you it can take a year or more to hit your goal weight,” he said. “But with exercise, we sped it up.”  

Brent walks as many as 30,000 steps a day, sometimes hitting 40,000. Tom prefers high-intensity training and stays active with home projects and managing their rental properties.  

While they don’t workout together, they share a commitment to their new lifestyle. They’ve also developed strategies for travel, which they both love. Cruises to Alaska, visits to Texas, and hiking trips to Colorado now come with a ‘vacation rule’: enjoy food within reason, then come home and reset. 

 “We often split meals and even then, rarely finish them,” Tom said.  

For couples considering bariatric surgery, Tom recommends counseling and nutritional support for both partners — even if only one qualifies for surgery.  

“You both have to change how you eat or one partner might fail,” he said.  

Brent added, “Follow your doctor’s instructions and don’t expect the weight to fall off instantly. Surgery is a tool, not magic.” 

Both credit Dr. Metz and his team for their success.  

“He’s straightforward, puts you at ease and is never judgmental,” Tom said. They also value the monthly guidance from their nutritionist, who has helped them adjust their diets and stay on track.  

Looking back, both say their shared journey strengthened their relationship. 

 “We’ve been able to support each other through the process,” Tom said. “We’re healthier, more active and living life in a way we couldn’t before.” 

Considering bariatric surgery? 

If you've struggled to lose weight and keep it off, there’s hope! You may be a candidate for weight loss surgery. Take our quick weight loss surgery health risk assessment to see if it’s right for you. Your journey to a healthier you begins today.