“ AHN Jefferson Hospital is one of the best facilities for weight loss in the nation . They ’ ll take good care of you , and help you succeed . You just have to take the first step .”
Shedding excess pounds , and the challenges that came with them .
As a world traveler who has been to 25 countries , Ron Tardivo knows a thing or two about journeys . So when he started experiencing health challenges related to his weight , he was ready to embark on a different kind of journey . During his last two years as a sergeant with the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police , Ron ’ s diabetes worsened , along with his sleep apnea . “ They had to keep increasing the dose of my medication to manage my diabetes , which my father also struggled with , and I was constantly tired . You can ’ t have a lapse in concentration on this job . That was my ‘ I ’ m done ’ moment . It wasn ’ t just my weight , it was my overall health .” After sharing his concerns with his primary care physicians and expressing interest in bariatric surgery , Ron was cleared as a candidate . “ My doctors were fantastic in looking out for me . They ran all kinds of tests to uncover any unknown factors that could be contributing to my health .”
On April 4 , 2022 , Ron underwent laparoscopic gastric bypass . “ Every patient is unique , and a personalized plan is essential with obesity . In Ron ’ s case , he was a better candidate for gastric bypass over gastric sleeve due to his diabetes . He did excellent with his post-surgery follow-up care ,” said Tunc Aksehirli , MD , AHN bariatric surgeon . In total , Ron has lost nearly 80 pounds . “ I ’ m back to my high school weight . My knee and shoulder pain is gone , and I ’ m off all my medications for diabetes and cholesterol . My whole diet and lifestyle is completely different now . I walk twice a day and mow my 3 acres of land .” His advice to anyone in the community considering weight loss surgery ? “ Just go for it . Follow their program and you ’ ll succeed .”
SEVERAL FACTORS PLAY A ROLE IN GAINING AND CARRYING EXCESS WEIGHT , INCLUDING DIET , LACK OF EXERCISE , ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS , AND GENETICS .
Source : National Institutes of Health
“ AHN Jefferson Hospital is one of the best facilities for weight loss in the nation . They ’ ll take good care of you , and help you succeed . You just have to take the first step .”
Ron Tardivo