Reviewed by: Callie Morrison
This amazing Smith Lake man’s heart was suffering—until bariatric surgery
Reading time: 4 minutes
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In 2021, John Hurley was 54 years old and weighed 270 pounds, but bariatric surgery had never crossed his mind. He had heart issues, was using a CPAP for sleep apnea and couldn’t walk up and down the steps to Smith Lake, just outside his house.
But then, on the advice of his cardiologist, he made a decision that changed everything. Keep reading to find out about John’s life-changing experience with bariatric surgery at Brookwood Baptist Medical Center.
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Meet John Hurley
(L) John Hurley before + after, (R) With Labradoodles Ashley and Abby
His work as a makeup artist is what originally brought John, a native Californian, to Birmingham.
Although he had “always been bigger,” John began facing some serious health issues—including heart, cholesterol and mobility challenges, as well as sleep apnea—after the pandemic due to his weight, but hadn’t yet been successful in making a change.
One day, his cardiologist, Dr. Anu Rao, asked John if he had ever considered bariatric surgery. Up until that point, he had not, but that changed once he met Dr. Cameron Askew.
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Meet Dr. Cameron Askew, Bariatric Surgeon at Brookwood Baptist Medical Center
From the moment he first met Lisa Griffin, who runs the Bariatric Clinic at Brookwood Medical Center, and Dr. Cameron Askew—who performed his surgery—John felt at ease.
“Dr. Askew is so real. When I go visit her, she lights up the room. She makes you feel like you’re a million dollars. She motivates me and makes me feel like I can do it.”
John Hurley
Dr. Askew has built her own practice from the ground up over the past decade. Married with two grown stepsons and two dogs, she’s very active and loves everything outdoors—hiking, biking, skiing, you name it—as well as working out.
During her medical training, Dr. Askew discovered that she really loved the actual operations involved in obesity surgeries, and explained that “since obesity is the most relevant and undertreated disease we face in the modern world,” it was an area where she knew she could make a lasting impact—both in terms of surgery and patient care.
Dr. Askew loves her patients and loves seeing them have a healthier, happier life.
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For John Hurley, bariatric surgery changed everything
Before surgery, John Hurley couldn’t enjoy Smith Lake or playing with his dogs. Now he has so much energy, he finds himself running around “like a monkey” and credits Dr. Cameron Askew and her team with saving his life.
“In one year I went from 269.8 pounds to 151 pounds, a 2XL shirt to a small, from a size 40 jean to a 28″ waist jean. Some of these numbers and accomplishments blow my mind but I did it—ME! You can do it too. Just start today.”
John Hurley
Want to learn more about bariatric surgery? Reach out to Brookwood Baptist Health today.
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“This testimonial reflects the results achieved by this patient. As each case is different and must be independently evaluated and managed, actual results will vary.” Bariatrics/Surgical Weight Loss Criteria: “Weight loss surgery is generally designed for those with a body mass index (BMI) equal to or greater than 40, or equal to or greater than 35 with serious comorbidities. Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding with the Lap Band® is also FDA-approved for weight loss surgery in people with a BMI of 30 to 35 who have at least one obesity-related condition. Weight loss surgery is considered safe, but like many types of surgery, it does have risks. Consult with your physician about the risks and benefits of weight loss surgery.”
