Over the last few years, Glenn Sutton of Hope Mills, N.C., experienced a decline in his health due to his increasing weight. Five extra pounds turned into 10, then 20, and soon he felt completely out of control. Diabetes, high cholesterol and high blood pressure became his constant companions.
As a dedicated teacher for 33 years, the turning point came one day while walking the school halls, greeting his students. Glenn found himself extremely tired and winded. He knew then that something had to change.
Glenn started exploring weight-loss options online and came across a patient testimony about weight-loss surgery. Weight loss-surgery wasn’t something Glenn had considered before, but he was intrigued and began to research his options. Knowing the excellent reputation of the providers and hospital in Pinehurst, where his wife had recently undergone surgery, Glenn decided to meet with the team at the Metabolic & Weight Management Center.
The Metabolic & Weight Management Center offers both surgical and non-surgical medical weight management services and a comprehensive approach to weight loss that is tailored to each patient’s specific goals. A collaborative effort by Pinehurst Surgical Clinic, FirstHealth of the Carolinas and Pinehurst Medical Clinic, the Center is unique to the area and one of the few comprehensive metabolic centers in North Carolina.
From the moment he met general and bariatric surgeon David Grantham, M.D., and the caring team at the Metabolic Center, Glenn felt like he was part of their family.
"I felt like they showed more care and concern for me than I had for myself," he said. "I know they treat all patients this way, but they made me feel like I was their only patient. That's how dedicated and passionate they are about what they do."
On June 18, 2024, Glenn underwent gastric bypass surgery. In under two months, he lost 46 pounds. His wife, family and church community noticed the change in his physical appearance almost immediately, but it took Glenn a bit longer to recognize the new him. One day, he looked in the mirror and barely recognized the person staring back. He was astonished.
The transformation for Glenn has been more than just physical. He now has so much more energy and goes to the gym nearly every day. His blood pressure and cholesterol levels are now within normal ranges. He is full of life and happiness, living every day to the fullest. "I really believe this surgery saved my life," he said.
Glenn is using his experience to encourage and inspire others on their weight-loss journeys. He believes that if there is something out there that can help others take control of their lives and truly live life to the fullest, they should pursue it. For Glenn, that something was weight-loss surgery.
To celebrate his journey, Glenn recently bought T-shirts featuring his before and after surgery pictures with the words, "I got the bypass." He hopes these shirts will spark conversations and allow him to share his story and inspire others.
His vibrant personality and cheerful nature shines brighter than ever, proving that with determination and support, a healthy, fulfilling life is within reach.
To learn more about the Metabolic & Weight Management Center, visit WeightLossNC.org or call (910) 725-7966.
