Lifesaving and Life-changing: Thom Perkins’ Weight Loss Journey

For most, achieving weight loss in the environment of the American food pyramid of sugar and fast, processed foods is a tremendous feat. For Thom Perkins, his weight loss journey was much more than shedding a few pounds for the mirror. It was a lifesaving and life-changing undertaking, one that Thom trusted the team at HCA Florida North Florida Hospital’s Weight Loss Surgery Center with.

After meeting with general and bariatric surgeon Dr. Timothy Hipp of HCA Florida Gainesville Surgery Group, Thom finally began to see the light at the end of the tunnel in his journey to a healthier life. At his heaviest, Thom weighed 535 pounds. Before even meeting with Dr. Hipp, Thom had already worked hard to lose 80 pounds, further demonstrating his commitment towards his weight loss goals. He still had a long way to go---Dr. Hipp supported Thom by prescribing appetite control medication and by placing him on an intensive liver shrinking and intermittent fasting diet. 

In May 2023, Thom underwent a laparoscopic robotic-assisted sleeve gastrectomy and was only hospitalized overnight. Since his initial consultation, he has lost over 200 pounds. Thom says his success is largely due his willingness to embrace change.

“My biggest challenge through this entire process was to change what I thought hunger was versus what hunger actually is,” said Thom. “I find that now, eating healthy and eating less has completely changed my normal routine and has made this experience very rewarding for me.”

Thom’s most recent weight was 242 pounds and notes that he no longer needs an electric wheelchair to move around, is no longer on any diabetic medications and does not require a sleep apnea device. He wishes that he had done the procedure 20 years sooner but knows that his success is largely attributed to his disciplined mindset and the support that he received from the team at HCA Florida North Florida Hospital.

 “Dr. Hipp is amazing, the whole team is amazing. Everybody is so polite and professional. I felt like the team genuinely cared about my success,” said Thom.  

We are extremely appreciative of Thom for telling his inspirational and brave story. If you would like to learn more about the weight-loss facilities and procedures that HCA Florida North Florida Hospital has to offer, please visit our website at HCAFloridaHealthcare.com.