Meet Rhett

What was life like before bariatric surgery?
Before surgery, I was 314 lbs at my heaviest. As a teacher and coach, I was lethargic and could not demonstrate anything I asked of my athletes. It was frustrating on the field and in the classroom, just not being able to bring the energy the kids deserved. My blood pressure was not critically high, but was much higher than it had ever been in my life.

If you put off the decision to come in for a long time, why was that? What kept you from booking a consultation?
I had considered it for about a year, but never thought I would be able to afford it and never thought my insurance would cover it. Panhandle Weight Loss Center was a bit of a trip for me, but they had everything online where I could check to see if my insurance would cover it before ever making an appointment. Once the approval came back, my mind was made up.

What was it like to work with the team from the start of your journey to today?
I have a few friends who have had bariatric surgery and non have received the amount of post-surgery support that I’ve gotten from PWLC. The post-surgery education has been super valuable and timely in all of the releases. Every time I seem to have a struggle or be frustrated, a video or lesson is released that seems to address that frustration. They’ve also been super helpful, friendly, and responsive to any questions I may have had through this journey.

What is your life like now? What’s the #1 thing you love being able to do now?
I love being able to go for a run, actively participate in baseball practice and demonstrate skills I’m asking my athletes to perform. Before, I was too unsure of my bodily control to have the confidence to demonstrate anything. I feel like an athlete again and I love it.