In 2018, Tucker Chorjel was 780 pounds and living in his car to save money. He had high blood pressure, was prediabetic and mentally forced himself to get up and move throughout the day, even though physically it felt nearly impossible.
"The 'check engine' lights were really coming on," he said, referring to his poor health.
But eventually he decided to prioritize his health: He closed out 2023 down 480 pounds. He also successfully walked 13 5K races.
Chorjel is living a reality he never imagined possible, thanks to bariatric surgery at UC Davis Health. He's also one of 10 patients who will walk the runway later this week at a fashion show to celebrate their success and demonstrate to others that weight loss and improved health are possible with bariatric surgery.
Bariatric surgery is about improving health
More than one-third of Americans resolved to lose weight in 2024. But bridging the intention to lose — and the behavioral changes required to lose — can feel wider than the Grand Canyon.
For some of these people, bariatric (or metabolic) surgery can make all the difference to manage obesity and obesity-related conditions that improve not only weight but also metabolism health. Gastric bypass and vertical sleeve gastrectomy, two of the most common surgical approaches, are very effective in treating metabolic conditions like diabetes, high blood, pressure, sleep apnea and high cholesterol. Patients opt for surgery in close consultation with their doctors when diet and exercise alone are unsuccessful or when they face serious health problems because of weight.
We want people to know that although surgery seems like a big deal - and it is a big deal - it is the only effective and durable treatment for obesity that exists today.-Mohamed Ali, Chief of Bariatric Surgery
