Bariatric surgery helps local barber restore his health and energy
Alvin Tippett Jr. is no stranger to weight loss. At one time, with the help of a weight loss support program, Alvin, 53, had dropped 150 pounds. But through the years, the weight had crept back on and in 2022, suffering from severe sleep apnea, he knew it was time for a change.
“I was overweight and struggling to get through every day. My knees were killing me from standing up at work cutting hair as a barber,” said Alvin.
Diagnosed with severe sleep apnea, Alvin’s doctor prescribed a CPAP machine, but Alvin couldn’t find a mask that fit him. He returned to his doctor for additional advice worried the sleep apnea could someday be fatal if he couldn’t find a solution. Alvin’s doctor quickly gave him an answer: lose 100 pounds.
“He asked if I had ever considered weight loss surgery, and I said, ‘No, but if it means living on and not dying, it’s a no-brainer,' ” said Alvin.
Alvin was referred to the bariatric program at MedStar St. Mary’s Hospital where he met with bariatric surgeon Sameer Alrefai, MD.
“I met with Alvin and could sense how concerned he was about his health and his sleep apnea,” said Dr. Alrefai. “We talked about the surgical options and what he needed to do to qualify for surgery. He was a perfect candidate.”
Before bariatric surgery, patients must complete several tests including blood work, an endoscopy, an EKG, and undergo a psychological evaluation, plus meet with a dietitian. During gastric sleeve, the surgeon removes 80% percent of the stomach reducing the size to a small pouch. Many insurance companies require surgery be performed through an accredited bariatric program like the one at MedStar St. Mary’s Hospital.
“I took all of my classes and did my part with the hopes of getting insurance approval,” said Alvin. “I got the call and the news I wanted, and my surgery was scheduled for Jan. 17, 2023.”
Alvin was excited for the surgery, but a little nervous, not about the gastric sleeve he was about to receive, but about the IV he needed for the surgery. “I hate needles,” said Alvin. “My blood pressure was high that morning and I said it would go down after that IV was in and it did. My surgery went perfectly. Dr. Alrefai has a great bedside manner, and I was well informed.”
Alvin was in the hospital for two nights and had four small incisions. He said he never experienced pain and was back to work at the barbershop in a week.
“Using the da Vinci robotic surgical system, we can create very small incisions which means less pain for the patient and faster healing,” said Dr. Alrefai. “Many of my patients report little discomfort after surgery and return to normal activities very quickly.”
Alvin made the necessary changes to his diet, making sure to get enough protein and not drink too close to a meal, which would fill up his stomach and make eating uncomfortable.
“I am used to eating and drinking, you know a bite or two and then take a drink, but now I have to wait 30 minutes after eating before I drink,” said Alvin, who lost 100 pounds in three months. “And you fill up quickly, so when you feel your stomach getting full, you have to stop eating.”
“I am used to eating and drinking, you know a bite or two and then take a drink, but now I have to wait 30 minutes after eating before I drink,” said Alvin, who lost 100 pounds in three months. “And you fill up quickly, so when you feel your stomach getting full, you have to stop eating.”
Alvin still enjoys all of his favorite foods, just in much smaller quantities and he admits he does sneak in a fountain soda occasionally, one of his favorite treats. After almost a year, Alvin has lost 192 pounds and shrunk down from a size 50 pants to a size 36-inch waist. Although his new eating patterns had to change, he was amazed to find he was no longer hungry.
“After the procedure, the patient’s body produces less ghrelin, which is known as the hunger hormone,” said Dr. Alrefai. “Patients like Alvin often find it easier to stick to their new eating habits because they simply aren’t as hungry.”
Alvin is no longer worried about his sleep apnea and is enjoying a newfound energy.
“My sleep is so much better now that I am not waking up anymore at night,” said Alvin. “I feel well rested in the morning, and my knees are better, too.”
For anyone thinking about bariatric surgery, Alvin would not hesitate to recommend the procedure and Dr. Alrefai.
“People ask me what my goal is—my goal is to keep the weight off. If I never lost another pound, I am satisfied,” said Alvin. “This surgery works—it has changed my life. And Dr. Alrefai is the nicest doctor ever. He really cares about his patients. He’s not just my doctor, he’s my friend."