Salem - Each year, thousands of people undergo gastric bypass surgery to help them slim down to a healthier weight. One local couple says the surgery not only helped them lose weight, it's also helping their whole family live a healthier lifestyle. 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 met with Dr. Frederick Buckley at NSMC and opted for gastric bypass surgery first. "I was 350 pounds, had Type 2 diabetes, I was on an insulin pump, sleep apnea, high blood pressure, high cholesterol. I started seeing a decline in my own health, my blood pressure was creeping up. One day I just said enough is enough, I'm not going to be sick anymore" says Kevin. The weight started coming off, and, with the help of Salem Hospital's Heart and Wellness program, Kevin also began exercising and eating healthy.

After seeing her husband's success, Martha also decided to have the surgery. Since then, the Millers have lost nearly 300 pounds between them--and Kevin no longer has diabetes. "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. As Martha Miller now knows, "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.