“I couldn’t fit in a school desk and finally felt: I needed to do something.”
Lou Schopfer is a married father of two who had bariatric surgery at Penn in July 2014. Since then, he has lost 110 pounds and has discovered new activities to keep fit, including a fitness program at Penn Medicine called Fitness Now. In this post, he shares his story and what has made his weight loss a success.
I grew up as the youngest of six kids, in a Christian home filled with the fundamental values of faith, family, fellowship, friends and fun.
Like other families, we had our share of ups and downs, and fitness was never a priority for us. We didn’t have a lot of funds to spend on activities or time discussing a healthy diet.
By the time I was born, my parents were older – they were actually grandparents. My dad didn’t play sports with me outside like he did with my older siblings and, partly as a result, I was much less active. As I grew older, I found myself settling into a sedentary lifestyle that added to weight gain. Rather than playing sports with my kids, I was more of a spectator. I never had enough energy to join them.
Due to my inactivity and unhealthy eating habits, I was heavy. I suffered from high blood pressure, high cholesterol, Type 2 diabetes and sleep apnea. I tried every diet and was in a constant cycle of losing and gaining weight. The quality of my life just started to decline.
One of the turning points for me was when I went to “back to school” night at my daughter’s high school. I couldn’t fit in a school desk and finally felt: I needed to do something.
Coming to Penn
![Lou's "Before" Photo](/-/media/images/head shots and portraits/patients/metabolic and bariatric surgery/lou_s_before_01.ashx?h=264&w=400&la=en)
My brother became very ill with cancer. During that time, we’d talk about my weight often. He told me to “live life like you’re dying.” I had thought about bariatric surgery, but it wasn’t until I went to an informational session in Cherry Hill that I seriously considered the procedure. At the time I was 363 pounds, and I knew I needed to something drastic to change my life.
That was August 28, 2013, and I decided to go through the medical weight management, not knowing if I would have the courage to go through the surgery. By going through the process and being fully prepared on what to expect, I found I did.
In July 2014, at 344 pounds, Dr. Schuricht performed my gastric sleeve procedure . And now, just six months later, I really believe I have a second chance at life. I am more than 100 pounds lighter. I am off all of my diabetes medications. I have ditched my cholesterol medications and significantly lowered the dosage for my blood pressure medications.
What Led to My Success
There are a lot of people and activities that really helped me get to where I am today. Having a surgeon like Dr. Schuricht has been a blessing. He is the best at what he does, and I highly recommend him.
In addition to my surgeon, I had the privilege of training with a personal trainer, Beth Marks, at a local facility in South Jersey. I also trained with Penn physician Dr. Sara Slattery, who ran a study on obese patients under Penn’s Fitness Now Program. Having these women train me in a safe place without mirrors and teach me everything from nutrition to monitoring the number of steps I take, has been pivotal to my success.
I attend monthly support meetings at Penn Medicine, swim four days a week at the local YMCA, take four exercise classes a week and power walk at least five days a week. I keep to a 1,000 calorie diet a day and continue to have the support of my beautiful wife, Jan, of 28 years and my great kids, Elizabeth and Matt.
I want people struggling with their weight to know that you don’t have to live like this. I hope my simple story helps and encourages you.
Tips from Me to You
![Lou's "After" Photo](/-/media/images/head shots and portraits/patients/metabolic and bariatric surgery/lou_s_after_01.ashx?h=380&w=250&la=en)
Find a tool you like and use it. I use apps like “My Fitness Pal” and “Lose it.” All my meals are entered the day before, so I have a plan.
Get enough protein. I don’t eat many carbs, so I like to fill up on protein, which keeps me fuller, longer.
Know portion control. When we go out to eat, I might have half of the meal and take the rest home.
Get organized. At home, I have my own shelf in the pantry for “my” food. I know what I can eat, and it’s easier to make decisions.
Get support. I go to as many support meetings as I can at Penn Medicine. There, you can help others, and they can help you.
Color your plate. At mealtime, I load my plate up with greens first, then protein and whole grains.
Set goals. As a father, I want to be able to walk my daughter down the aisle at her wedding. My biggest goal is just to live a long, healthy life.
Try something new. I always wanted to take a ballet class. I was embarrassed at the thought because I knew I would be the only guy, but now I take a Pure Barre class and guess what? It’s difficult!
Find out if weight-loss surgery is right for you at a free information session.