One Weight-Loss Journey Between Husband and Wife

When BJ and Melissa Hollifield’s youngest son walked across the stage at his high school graduation, BJ was exactly where he wanted to be—there to see it happen. The milestone carried special meaning for him. 

Eight years earlier, the Chillicothe, Missouri, family man feared his health might prevent him from being present for the moments that mattered most. At 587 pounds, a family trip became the turning point.

“On our way to vacation in Florida, I was in pain just walking through the airport. I was carrying light baggage, but my legs were swelling. I remember worrying that if I didn't change my lifestyle, I wasn’t going to be around to see our son graduate,” BJ says.

BJ’s primary care provider Donald Metry, MD, a board-certified internal medicine provider at Hedrick Family Care, referred him to Barbara Nguyen, MD, a board-certified and fellowship-trained general surgeon who has specialized training in bariatric surgery at Saint Luke's Center for Surgical Weight Loss. 

Dr. Nguyen recommended a sleeve gastrectomy, or a gastric sleeve surgery, to BJ. Gastric sleeve surgery restricts food intake, which helps lead to weight loss. Leading up to his surgery, BJ worked closely with a team of specialists at Saint Luke's Center for Surgical Weight Loss who helped him prepare for lasting lifestyle changes. A registered dietitian guided BJ through nutrition education, an exercise physiologist created a personalized fitness plan, and a behavioral health specialist provided support to ensure he was emotionally ready for the journey ahead.

“The dietitian and the exercise physiologist who made my workout program were amazing,” BJ says.

Dr. Nguyen performed a sleeve gastrectomy on BJ at Saint Luke’s Hospital of Kansas City in 2021. As a result of surgery and his lifestyle changes, BJ has lost 264 pounds. BJ now walks 3–4 miles each day, no longer requires blood pressure medication, and enjoys a more active life with his family, from riding rollercoasters and playing on the floor with little ones to parasailing.

Inspired by her husband’s weight-loss journey, Melissa decided to start her own. She had tried weight-loss medications, diet, and exercise in the past, but it never seemed to work long-term.

“I started developing some health issues, was on two different blood pressure medications, and my cholesterol was starting to get out of control,” Melissa says. “I needed to do something different to be able to care of my kids. Ultimately, my decision was to be better for myself and my family.”

Melissa consulted Dr. Nguyen, who recommended gastric bypass surgery, a procedure that creates a smaller stomach and reroutes part of the digestive system to support weight loss.

Dr. Nguyen performed Melissa’s gastric bypass in 2024. She has lost nearly 100 pounds from her starting weight at 240. 

Within six months, she was off her blood pressure medications, and she now has more energy to be active with her loved ones.

“It’s been a huge change being able to do what BJ and I enjoy together, like hunting in the woods for mushrooms, fishing, and swimming,” Melissa says.

Among the many milestones they have been able to enjoy since surgery, one stands out: Watching their youngest son graduate from high school, a day BJ and Melissa will never forget.

The couple pursued weight-loss journeys to be present and healthy for achievements like this—and for those soon to come. 

“It's been a journey, and the best decision I ever made,” BJ says.

Saint Luke’s Center for Surgical Weight Loss is nationally recognized for high-quality and compassionate care. From extensive education upfront, through surgery, and long-term postoperative support, you can trust that our experts will be there with you throughout your journey. Learn more about bariatric surgery and take the first step in your surgical weight-loss journey.