Winter Rhodes was worried about living to age 50 when he decided to have bariatric surgery at OHSU. The Navy veteran was carrying more than 100 extra pounds and dealing with diabetes and other health problems.

When he awoke from surgery and needed to start walking, he made a commitment: “This is where I reclaim my life.” See how far he’s come.

At more than 330 pounds and with a range of health problems, Alisa Brewster knew something had to change. Yet she remained convinced that she should lose the weight on her own. “I really beat myself up,” she says.

Finally, she decided to have bariatric surgery: “It was the first time that I had a tool where I felt in control.” Read how surgery changed her life.