Kevan and Trisha Tucker of Seaside Heights, New Jersey, were once among the millions of Americans who were managing obesity-related Type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure. But in May 2021, at 338 pounds and 243 pounds, respectively, Kevan and Trisha decided they wanted to be done with health problems and medications for good. 

When Kevan’s primary care provider Bernard Wayman, M.D., recommended he consider bariatric surgery, Kevan scheduled a consultation with James P. Nangeroni, D.O., bariatric and general surgeon at Hackensack Meridian Southern Ocean Medical Center. Motivated by her husband’s decision and wanting to provide as much support as possible, Trisha decided to schedule a bariatric surgery consultation for herself as well. 

Exploring Their Weight-Loss Options 

When Kevan and Trisha first came to see Dr. Nangeroni, they were curious about their options for weight loss surgery.

“Ninety-eight percent of the bariatric surgeries we perform are robotic sleeve gastrectomy procedures, and that’s the approach I recommended for Kevan and Trisha,” says Dr. Nangeroni. “Because robotic surgery is performed through several small incisions, it provides patients with benefits including reduced blood loss, a shorter hospital stay, a faster recovery, less pain and better surgical outcomes.”

After their initial consultation and during the months leading up to their surgeries, Kevan and Trisha attended nutrition classes and appointments with other medical specialists — including primary care, cardiology, gastroenterology and psychiatry.

“Throughout the process, the bariatric surgery team was fabulous,” says Trisha. “They explained everything and were so supportive.”

Kevan and Trisha also found creative ways to support each other. For example, they combined what they learned in nutrition class with Kevan’s expertise and skill as a professional chef to create their own family cookbook of favorite recipes.

“It was just easier to do everything together,” says Trisha. “I couldn’t imagine doing it any other way.”

Heading Toward Health — Together

On August 24, 2021 — the day after Trisha’s birthday — Dr. Nangeroni performed robotic gastric sleeve procedures for Kevan and Trisha on the same day, with outstanding results. 

Both were discharged from the hospital the next day to begin their recovery at home.

Approximately two weeks after surgery, Trisha was able to return to her job in a medical office. Kevan was able to return to his job as a chef after about three weeks. 

And soon, the weight began falling off. 

“We typically see patients lose 10-15 percent of their starting weight in the first four weeks after surgery,” says Dr. Nangeroni. “By their six-month follow up appointment, Kevan and Trisha had both experienced significant weight loss.”

Trisha lost 78 pounds and weighs 165. Kevan lost 122 pounds, weighing in at 216. Together, the couple lost 200 pounds.

“I haven’t been in the 160s since I was a teenager,” says Trisha. “Now, we take no medications at all and have the energy to participate in activities with our three daughters.”

And although looking and feeling great are definite advantages of bariatric surgery, Dr. Nangeroni says the procedure comes with benefits aside from aesthetics.

“Like Kevan and Trisha, many patients are able to reduce or eliminate the need for medications for high blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes and other conditions,” said Dr. Nangeroni. “If someone is struggling with their weight and the health problems that come with it, they should talk to a doctor about bariatric surgery.”

After realizing the benefits for themselves, Kevan and Trisha said they would “100 percent recommend” weight-loss surgery.

“The only regret I have is not doing it sooner,” says Trisha. 

“Dr. Nangeroni was the most outstanding doctor, and there is no doubt that bariatric surgery was the right choice for me,” says Kevan.

Next Steps & Resources:

• Meet our Experts: James P. Nangeroni, D.O.
• To make an appointment with Dr. Nangeroni, or a doctor near you, call 800-822-8905 or visit our website.
• Take our Bariatric Surgery Health Risk Assessment 
• Learn about weight-loss surgery at Hackensack Meridian Health.

The material provided through HealthU is intended to be used as general information only and should not replace the advice of your physician. Always consult your physician for individual care.