Bariatric surgery helped Chris overcome food addiction and transform his life

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Chris Berg’s battle with weight and food addiction started at an early age. ”I was the kid in school who the teacher gave up on finishing the mile test,” said Chris. “I was on the diet roller coaster with every coach starting me on a different diet plan, and nothing ever stuck long term.”

Chris’ weight began to take a toll on his health, leading to multiple health scares and hospitalizations. In 2014, just out of college, he was diagnosed with sleep apnea and prescribed a CPAP machine to improve his sleep. Then, in February 2021, he experienced multiple pulmonary emboli in his lungs, and he was admitted to the intensive care unit at MercyOne Des Moines. “Due to my extreme weight, I was not a candidate for the surgical treatment option and instead was prescribed IV medication,” said Chris. “That week-long stay in the hospital was a wake-up call; my health was diminishing quickly, and I needed help to get my weight and health under control.”

Chris had a conversation with his primary care doctor, then scheduled a consultation with MercyOne Des Moines surgeon, Dr. Mark Smolik, to learn more about bariatric surgery and determine if it was the right treatment option for him.

In August 2021, the month he had his bariatric surgery, Chris weighed 525 pounds and had sleep apnea and diabetes. Two years later, Chris weighs 270 pounds, does not need his CPAP machine and no longer has diabetes. “Surgical weight loss is not an easy fix,” said Chris. “Food addiction is real and is a constant struggle. However, being able to participate in activities with my family makes this weight loss journey worthwhile.”

Chris added, “Now I can run a mile in under 10 minutes!”