7 Healthcast: Gastric bypass family

After years of struggling with their weight, Kevin and Martha Miller knew it was becoming a dangerous health issue, not only for themselves but also for the whole family.

Kevin Miller, had gastric bypass surgery
"I was 350 pounds, had Type 2 diabetes, I was on an insulin pump, sleep apnea, high blood pressure, high cholesterol."

Martha Miller, had gastric bypass surgery
"I started seeing a decline in my own health, my blood pressure was creeping up."

When conventional weight loss methods didn't work, the Millers decided to undergo gastric bypass surgery.

Kevin Miller, had gastric bypass surgery
"One day I just said enough is enough, I'm not going to be sick anymore."

Dr. Frederick Buckley, Salem Hospital
"All these patients are at least 100 pounds overweight for many years and have struggled with weight and have tried multiple, probably ever diet you can think of."

Kevin had the surgery first, back in September 2006, and the pounds started coming off.

With the help of Salem Hospital's Heart and Wellness program, he also began exercising and eating healthy.

After seeing her husband's success, Martha decided to have the surgery.

Since then, the Millers have lost nearly 300 pounds between them- and Kevin no longer has diabetes.

Kevin Miller, had gastric bypass surgery
"It's a reminder that I don't ever want to go back. It's the only cure for Type 2 diabetes and they're actually calling it a cure now, which is wonderful."

The couple says the surgery changed their lives, and more importantly their healthy new lifestyle is setting a good example for their sons.

Martha Miller, had gastric bypass surgery
"It's never too late to impart healthy eating habits on your kids and I don't think it could have happened for us at a better time."

The Heart and Wellness Program at Salem Hospital is a 12-week program that gets gastric bypass patients on the right track when it comes to eating right and exercising to lose weight.

(Copyright 2008 Sunbeam Television. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)