Surgical Weight Loss
Willpower to Lose the Weight and Gain Even More Beyond the Scale
Glenn Ruse was the ideal candidate for the Bayhealth bariatric program. At 35 years old, Ruse was ready for a change and began his endeavor with Bayhealth General and Bariatric Surgeon Theodoros Katsichtis, MD, FACS, DABOM, known as “Dr. Theo” and his team in January 2022.
Ruse knew that bariatric surgery was not just a quick fix. He worked very diligently to lose the weight before surgery to help jumpstart the process. At his initial consultation with Dr. Theo, Ruse began at 497 pounds and he decided to set a personal goal to lose 70 pounds before his laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy surgery. He excelled through the pre-surgery process, always keeping an upbeat, positive outlook. He was willing to make the little changes that lead to big results.
Along the way there was a bit of a setback that might have deterred others. This unexpected delay was due to Ruse awaiting for clearance from the sleep study specialist due to a shortage of equipment at that time. “The delay actually let me do more the groundwork that set me up for success,” said Ruse. “I had the time to try out new recipes and establish a better exercise routine, creating muscle memory for post-operation.”
Ruse continued to follow the program and put in the extra effort to see transformation that wasn’t only on the scale. “The program is so well established, it was an advantage to helping me cruise through the almost 5-month delay,” shared Ruse. “I had such an incredible support system, both at home and with the team.” Ruse had another form of motivation as well—he was preparing for his wedding in November 2023.
Overall pre-surgery prep was a ten-month process for Ruse and he ended up losing 100 pounds before the surgery, exceeding his 70-pound goal. “I looked at it like my down payment for the surgery,” joked Ruse. Beyond the scale, Ruse shared that his mindset and mental strength were honed during this journey as well.
“Vertical sleeve gastrectomy is an ideal procedure for weight loss, especially in young, motivated patients like Glenn. His determination and effort before as well as after surgery led to excellent results,” said Dr. Theo. “Both vertical sleeve gastrectomy and gastric bypass are offered at Bayhealth. They are safe and effective procedures against obesity.”
Bayhealth Hospital, Kent Campus is nationally accredited as a comprehensive bariatric program by the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP®). It also earned a Blue Distinction® Center for Bariatric Surgery designation as part of Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield’s Blue Distinction Specialty Care program.
“I owe so much to this incredible program and I’m happy to share my story if it helps someone else to get the support they need,” Ruse said. “My quality of life has improved tenfold, and it felt so empowering to take it on.”
Visit Bayhealth.org/Surgical-Weight-Loss to learn more about our program and how to get started.
Ruse knew that bariatric surgery was not just a quick fix. He worked very diligently to lose the weight before surgery to help jumpstart the process. At his initial consultation with Dr. Theo, Ruse began at 497 pounds and he decided to set a personal goal to lose 70 pounds before his laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy surgery. He excelled through the pre-surgery process, always keeping an upbeat, positive outlook. He was willing to make the little changes that lead to big results.
Along the way there was a bit of a setback that might have deterred others. This unexpected delay was due to Ruse awaiting for clearance from the sleep study specialist due to a shortage of equipment at that time. “The delay actually let me do more the groundwork that set me up for success,” said Ruse. “I had the time to try out new recipes and establish a better exercise routine, creating muscle memory for post-operation.”
Ruse continued to follow the program and put in the extra effort to see transformation that wasn’t only on the scale. “The program is so well established, it was an advantage to helping me cruise through the almost 5-month delay,” shared Ruse. “I had such an incredible support system, both at home and with the team.” Ruse had another form of motivation as well—he was preparing for his wedding in November 2023.
Overall pre-surgery prep was a ten-month process for Ruse and he ended up losing 100 pounds before the surgery, exceeding his 70-pound goal. “I looked at it like my down payment for the surgery,” joked Ruse. Beyond the scale, Ruse shared that his mindset and mental strength were honed during this journey as well.
“Vertical sleeve gastrectomy is an ideal procedure for weight loss, especially in young, motivated patients like Glenn. His determination and effort before as well as after surgery led to excellent results,” said Dr. Theo. “Both vertical sleeve gastrectomy and gastric bypass are offered at Bayhealth. They are safe and effective procedures against obesity.”
Bayhealth Hospital, Kent Campus is nationally accredited as a comprehensive bariatric program by the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP®). It also earned a Blue Distinction® Center for Bariatric Surgery designation as part of Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield’s Blue Distinction Specialty Care program.
“I owe so much to this incredible program and I’m happy to share my story if it helps someone else to get the support they need,” Ruse said. “My quality of life has improved tenfold, and it felt so empowering to take it on.”
Visit Bayhealth.org/Surgical-Weight-Loss to learn more about our program and how to get started.