A few months ago, I blogged on a subject that’s very personal to me: gastric bypass. At the time, I”d been researching the topic for more than a year, and I’m hoping to have the surgery myself.

Though I probably wouldn’t be considered ‘morbidly obese,’ I’ve struggled with my weight all my life. Until the last few years, I was always able to lose the weight through diet and exercise. But due to damage I’ve suffered to two of my heart valves, I haven’t been able to sustain the exercise needed to lose the weight—and I’ve developed more serious, life-threatening health issues as a result. So I’ve decided that, if insurance will have me, I’m gonna go for the bypass.

While discussing these issues on Facebook with some friends from high school that I’ve gotten back in touch with, one of them gave me some news I would never have expected.  A classmate of ours had suffered a horrible injury while in college and been burned over 75 percent of his body.

But he had gone on to beat the odds and not only survive (with only a three percent chance), but become a doctor—and then a practicing bariatric surgeon near our hometown!

I can’t even begin to imagine the pain that Dr. Greg Walton went through following the accident that nearly took his life. But I do remember the truly caring, intelligent guy he was back in high school; the kind of person who, after literally going to hell and back, would turn his misfortune into good by serving his community and the world so that people like me can have another chance at a healthy life.

I don’t live near my hometown anymore, but if I did, I’d want Dr. Walton (I still can’t get used to calling him ‘doctor!’) for my bariatric surgeon. If you ask me, he’s a real inspiration—and someone we’d all like to emulate.

Here’s to you, Dr. Walton!

For More Information:

The Weight Wise Bariatric Program