ST. LOUIS - Brad Berry lost his wife in 2020 and his granddaughter just three years later. For Berry, who always struggled with weight, emotional responses to the grieving process led to even more issues. His losses led Berry, a self-proclaimed compulsive eater, to a top weight of 368 pounds.
“I tried diets, shots, Atkins and more,” Berry said. “I would lose and then gain more back.”
A retired teacher with three part-time jobs, Berry was on blood thinners and had heart problems. After his wife died, he was in and out of the hospital every few weeks.
He knew something needed to change.
That’s when he found Mercy Bariatric and General Surgeon Dr. Katelin Mirkin and her support team, who he credits with changing his life.
“When I met Dr. Mirkin, she was very honest with me,” Berry said. “She challenged me in a positive way. I had to lose 20 pounds before surgery, but I lost 50. She knew I was serious.”
To make sure he could manage the diet prescribed after bariatric surgery, Berry said he tried it before the surgery. He wanted to know what he was getting into.
After his bariatric sleeve procedure, Berry lost an additional 90 pounds. He admits he still fluctuates a bit but is still down 120 pounds from his heaviest weight.
“I’ll always be working on it. I go to the monthly meetings through Dr. Mirkin’s office with a dietician and nurse practitioner who have been wonderful coaches,” Berry said. “The support group has been amazing. We learn how to deal with parties, exercise, how to stay on track. It helps to see people and interact, to hear about their journeys.”
Mercy Clinic Bariatrics provides each patient a comprehensive program that includes a support group before and after surgery. Each patient is required to attend the monthly group at least once prior to surgery and for as long as they want after.
“Brad has done tremendous work recapturing his health. It has been so rewarding watching his success,” Dr. Mirkin said. “He is an inspiration to our team and many in our program.”
Berry is proud to say he’s off all his medication and his heart is 100% back to normal, with no scarring or permanent damage.
“My cardiologist, Dr. Vogel, was surprised. He even said I probably had a broken heart,” Berry said.
After only one night in the hospital for the minimally invasive procedure, Berry said the aftercare was easy to follow.
“I started with a liquid diet for a couple weeks and progressively added solids,” Berry said. “I drink lots of water. The main thing is my mindset shift. I introduced one food at a time and had an epiphany. It can happen!”
Berry learned strategies to handle daily challenges, such as going out to eat. He now asks for a to-go box at the start of the meal and puts half his plate away to avoid picking at it.
“There are not enough words to say how wonderful Dr. Mirkin and her staff are,” Berry said. “They are always available for questions, big or small. I truly hold them on a pedestal.”
