Success Stories

Take a look at some of our patients' stories, and how they have made the commitment to living a healthier life.

February 2026

Deborah Jobe

Pounds lost: 92

Choosing Health After Loss: One Woman’s Decision to Finally Prioritize Herself

After losing 92 pounds following her December 2024 weight loss surgery at UK King’s Daughters, 71-year-old Deborah Jobe has just one regret – not focusing on her health sooner. Today, the Huntington, W.Va., resident says she feels better than ever.

“I talked myself out of it two times before, but something just clicked this time,” Jobe said. “I’m not sure why I waited so long. I feel fantastic. I definitely don’t feel my age.”

Jobe had tried everything including a popular weight loss program advertised on television. The weight would come off, but she would hit a plateau and start gaining it back.

“I could do it, but I couldn’t do it,” Jobe noted. “Then, I admit, I let myself go.”

Jobe, 71, was so busy caring for her husband after a debilitating stroke, that she took little time for herself. Her husband’s passing was a wakeup call that she needed to get serious about losing weight.

Jobe met with her primary care provider, Ryan Faulkner, APRN, at King’s Daughters Family Care Center in Catlettsburg to develop a plan including re-starting GLP-1 injections. Unfortunately, the injections had side effects and didn’t produce the weight loss she wanted.

“I was determined to have the surgery this time,” Jobe said. “I’m so glad I finally did it.”

She was referred to UK King’s Daughters general surgeon Rod Tompkins, M.D., and began preparations for gastric sleeve (sleeve gastrectomy) surgery. She met with the team at the UK King’s Daughters Center for Healthy Living. They taught her how to make better food choices and change her eating habits. Jobe lost 11 pounds in the process.

“They made sure that I had the right mindset to make this life-long transition,” Jobe added. The preparation included meetings with a dietitian and behavioral health specialist. “They were so knowledgeable and encouraging.”

Jobe adhered to her post-surgery nutrition plan and for the next year, she steadily lost weight, never plateauing, until she met her goal weight.

Not only has she lost weight, but her overall health has improved. Her sleep apnea vanished, her COPD symptoms became manageable, her chronic back pain finally eased and her indigestion was gone. Most significantly, she was able to reduce her blood pressure medication by half.

“It made me a healthier me,” Jobe said. “Before, I couldn’t walk up my driveway to the car without gasping for air. Now, I can go blocks. I can even run with my three grandchildren.”

Jobe credits the surgery, but most importantly her care team, with giving her a new lease on life.

“I always get great care at King’s Daughters,” she said. “I know I can count on them.”

February 2026

Joe Barnett

Pounds lost: 114

From the Ground Up: How a Day in the Park Led to a Major Life Change

A simple spring photo shoot in Ashland’s Central Park turned into an eye-opening experience for Joe Barnett of Russell, Ky. One that he’s unlikely to repeat since losing 114 pounds after weight loss surgery at UK King’s Daughters in April 2024.

“My daughter was running through the daffodils, and I couldn’t keep up,” Barnett said. “Then, I got down on the ground to take her photo, and I was stuck. She was only 3 at the time, so I had to call my dad to come to the park and help me up.”

Barnett, who has worked in the criminal justice field for more than 20 years, was both embarrassed and frustrated that his weight was keeping him from doing simple things. He realized that if something happened, he might not have the physical ability to help his daughter – a scary thought. As a result, he was prepared to try the latest fad diet, but a friend quickly changed his mind.

“She said, ‘How’s that worked in the past for you?’” Barnett noted. “She made me realize that it wasn’t 10 or 20 pounds. I couldn’t do it on my own.”

Barnett’s friend had sought help not long before. She was going to the UK King’s Daughters Center for Healthy Living in preparation for weight loss surgery and encouraged Barnett to do the same. He made an appointment with weight loss surgeon Timothy Wheeler, M.D., and the pair discussed Barnett’s options. For Barnett, there was no turning back.

“He answered all of my questions thoroughly and honestly,” Barnett said. “Dr. Wheeler was very supportive and reassuring.”

Barnett jumped into the surgical weight loss program with total commitment. From day one, he carefully followed his care team’s instructions with remarkable success.

“If I had known the support and level of education, I would’ve done it sooner,” he said. “By the time we reached the surgery date, it was like a well-rehearsed play. And it went off perfectly.”

Now Barnett, 47, is ready for his next act – one that includes a new script for healthy living, and, of course, a new wardrobe.

“I’ve lost so much weight that my daughter (now age 6) doesn’t recognize photos of me from before,” Barnett added. “I’ve also had people say, ‘You look familiar, but I can’t place you.’ They do a double take.”

Not only is Barnett’s appearance different, but he feels differently. He has renewed energy and finally can keep up with his daughter. The pair have been taking trips together including visiting zoos and amusement parks, requiring a lot of walking. Now, he can buckle the safety belt in an airplane or on a roller coaster without worry. And best of all, he doesn’t need extra luggage to hold his medications – because he no longer needs them.

“I feel like a new person. Even though I was that size most of my adult life, it’s hard to remember what life was like before,” he said. “Occasionally, I’ll come across an old piece of clothing, and it really knocks me back.”

Barnett is appreciative of the compliments he’s received, but more importantly, pleased that he’s been able to bond with others regarding weight loss.

“Now, I tell everyone about it. There’s no shame,” he said. “If I can admit I had a problem and ask for help, everyone can.”