Though he was often classified as “overweight,” Derek Tiller didn’t really mind – at least for much of his life. After all, he grew up and became an elite high school and collegiate athlete. His size was an advantage.
But even a once-elite athlete can reach a breaking point, and that’s what happened to Tiller in 2022, when – after he crossed the 330-pound barrier and began to have high blood pressure concerns – he decided he had to make a lasting change.
It was then that Tiller scheduled an appointment with Longstreet Clinic Center for Weight Management surgeon Robert Richard, MD, FACS. That appointment proved life-changing, as Tiller, now 39, a teacher and coach at Cherokee Bluff High School in Flowery Branch, chose to undergo gastric bypass surgery with Dr. Richard.
Today, Tiller’s weight is down approximately 120 pounds and he says feels better than he has since was an offensive lineman at Wofford College or a state champion wrestler at Collins Hill High School.
“This is the longest I’ve ever maintained a healthy weight, ever,” Tiller said. “I’m finally in total control of my health. And I give Dr. Richard and the staff at Longstreet Clinic all the praise for that. I’m eternally grateful.”
Derek chose to undergo Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass precisely because it was aggressive and would force him to stay alert to his diet for the rest of his life.
“Dr. Richard presented me with several choices, but I wanted something with strict parameters that would force me to be disciplined. I didn’t fully trust myself,” Derek said. “It’s not a magic pill; you have to follow instructions and listen to what they tell you. But if you do, you can change your life.”
Learn more about Derek’s journey and how the Center for Weight Management partners with patients throughout their lives to help them discover the best approaches to lose and maintain an healthy weight.
