Ruby, a long-time Missouri resident, underwent mini gastric bypass surgery more than a decade ago. Now in her mid-70s, she reflects on a journey that changed the trajectory of her life. At the time of surgery, Ruby weighed 275 pounds and faced serious health challenges, including high blood pressure that had escalated despite years of medication. With a history of multiple surgeries and increasing physical limitations, she knew it was time to act.
Choosing mini gastric bypass was not a decision she took lightly. She had reached a point where mobility was difficult, her medications were increasing, and the prospect of lifelong health complications felt inevitable. After extensive research and learning about the advantages of mini gastric bypass surgery—including fewer risks, shorter recovery time, and a higher long-term success rate—she committed to the procedure with Dr. David Hargroder.
Since her surgery, Ruby has lost over 100 pounds and maintained that loss for nearly eleven years. The benefits extended far beyond weight reduction. Her blood pressure normalized, and she was able to walk, move, and live more independently than she had in years. For Ruby, the results were not only physical—they were deeply emotional. She experienced renewed confidence, freedom from food dependency, and a significant improvement in her daily quality of life.
One of the most notable transformations was her relationship with food. Before surgery, emotional eating was a major struggle. Post-operatively, she found that cravings disappeared and smaller portions became satisfying. Meals she once depended on for comfort no longer held the same pull, which supported sustainable weight loss and helped her maintain healthy habits for the long term.
Ruby’s story demonstrates that age is not a barrier to success with weight loss surgery. In fact, for older adults facing comorbidities such as high blood pressure, mini gastric bypass offers a powerful path to lasting change. The surgery’s affordability, minimal invasiveness, and proven track record make it one of the best bariatric surgery options available in Missouri today.
To learn how mini gastric bypass surgery can help you or a loved one achieve similar results, reach out to Dr. Hargroder and take the first step toward a healthier future.
Watch the Interview
Video Transcript
Dr. David Hargroder:
All right, I’m Dr. David Hargroder, and I’m here with Ms. Ruby. You had surgery how long ago?
Ruby:
January 16, 2014—almost 11 years now.
Dr. Hargroder:
Wow. Do you remember your starting weight?
Ruby:
When I first started researching surgery, I was at 285 pounds. By the day of surgery, I had lost 10 pounds and weighed 275.
Dr. Hargroder:
And what’s been your total weight loss?
Ruby:
102 pounds. I’ve stayed within 10 pounds of that ever since.
Dr. Hargroder:
Looking back, what made you choose surgery over other options?
Ruby:
I hated shopping for clothes. I even tried sewing my own, but nothing fit. My biggest fear was hitting 300 pounds. Obesity runs on my mother’s side, and I didn’t want to go down that road.
Dr. Hargroder:
Did you have any comorbidities?
Ruby:
Yes, I had high blood pressure. I’d been on meds for 30 years—started at 5 mg and eventually reached 40. One day, my blood pressure was 210 over 120, and they sent me home from work thinking I might have a stroke. That was the wake-up call. They were going to double my meds, and I said, “Nope. I’m done.”
Dr. Hargroder:
What was your biggest regret?
Ruby:
Not having the surgery 10 years sooner.
Dr. Hargroder:
Did you face any pushback or emotional reactions from family?
Ruby:
Only my husband knew. I didn’t tell anyone else because I didn’t want negativity. He was worried and asked, “Are you sure?” I told him, “It’s this or plan for funeral expenses.” I was nine days shy of turning 65 and couldn’t walk to the mailbox without puffing. I’d had both knees replaced twice, surgeries on my feet, gallbladder out—I practically lived at the hospital.
Dr. Hargroder:
What was your biggest fear going into surgery?
Ruby:
That I wouldn’t wake up. I never shared that with my husband until I handed him the material to read. He was scared too and asked, “What will I do if you don’t wake up?” I just said, “Dr. Hargroder will take care of me.” Obviously, I woke up—and I’m doing great!
Dr. Hargroder:
Do you remember the surgery and recovery?
Ruby:
Yes. You talked to me and Jim beforehand. The anesthesiologist was amazing—calmed me down. They strapped my arms out and had me count backward from 100. I got to 98 and that’s all I remember.
Dr. Hargroder:
And recovery?
Ruby:
Getting up to walk was painful at first, but it wasn’t the surgery—it was the air in my body. I started walking constantly, even in the middle of the night. Nurses were surprised, but walking helped the pain go away. By the day I went home, I felt fine.
Dr. Hargroder:
What surprised you after surgery?
Ruby:
I used to eat like a horse. Food was my comfort. But after surgery, I wasn’t hungry. Two weeks of liquids, and then soft food—my husband made scrambled eggs, and I could only eat three bites. Same thing happened at Wendy’s. I ordered a hamburger and ate three bites. My husband joked, “I kind of like this new diet of yours.”
Dr. Hargroder:
And cravings?
Ruby:
Gone. I used to crave sweets—chocolate, cookies—you name it. Now I can walk past a box of chocolates without a second thought.
Dr. Hargroder:
That’s amazing.
Ruby:
It really is.