Couple commits to a healthier future with bariatric surgery

Baltimore couple Brett and Kristen Yoh decided to gift each other something far more lasting than flowers this past Valentine’s Day. Nearly 19 years after meeting at a community college in Pennsylvania, the couple decided to plan for a healthier future, by starting their weight-loss journeys together. 

The Yohs married in 2007 and have since built a life full of milestones: moving to Maryland, buying their first home, and welcoming their four-year-old daughter. 

“We balance each other out. If I feel overwhelmed, he keeps me calm, and vice versa,” said Kristen. “We try to play into each other’s strengths and weaknesses.” 

That same partnership is now carrying them through one of the biggest decisions of their lives - weight loss.

Turning a decision into action

After years of working to manage his weight — including losing nearly 250 pounds on his own before regaining weight — Brett knew he needed a sustainable solution through weight-loss surgery.

“We had talked about it before, but it became a reality,” he said. “I really wanted to do it. So I scheduled an appointment at Ascension Saint Agnes.”

Both Brett and Kristen completed months of nutrition counseling and mental health preparation through the Ascension Saint Agnes Weight-Loss Program before moving forward with surgery.

Brett underwent SADI surgery, also known as “single anastomosis duodeno-ileal bypass” surgery, in October 2025. Unlike a traditional gastric bypass, SADI involves removing a portion of the stomach (similar to a sleeve gastrectomy) and connecting the small intestine to the duodenum using a single surgical connection. This treatment both restricts the amount of food that can be eaten and reduces calorie absorption. This helps to maintain a more natural digestive pathway than a standard gastric bypass. Kristen had the surgery just under four months later in January 2026.

“In order to be a good candidate for bariatric surgery, patients must have a body mass index above 40, or above 35 with obesity-related comorbidities,” said bariatric surgeon, Catriona Swift, DO, who performed weight-loss surgery on both Brett and Kristen. “At Ascension Saint Agnes, we offer a variety of weight-loss options and are adding new, innovative procedures that enable us to stay on the cutting edge of the field.”

Support for successful weight-loss results

Both Brett and Kristen are now adjusting to new routines together — from vitamins to meal planning and holding each other accountable along the way.

“I think it’s good we are doing this together because we can support and help each other through[this],” Kristen said. “We make a good team.”

Since surgery, Brett has lost 105 pounds, but the couple share that the journey is about more than numbers.

Family celebrations look different now — less centered around food and more focused on the moment itself. “It has made those milestones more important and special,” Kristen said.

Weight-loss surgery patients at Ascension Saint Agnes have a comprehensive network of support before, during and after surgery. In addition to their bariatric surgeon, patients work closely with a multidisciplinary care team that may include nurse coordinators, dietitians, behavioral health specialists and exercise guidance professionals. The program provides individualized nutrition counseling, educational classes to prepare for lifestyle changes, and ongoing follow-up appointments to monitor progress and overall health. Patients also have access to support groups where they can share experiences, celebrate milestones and learn practical tips from others on a similar journey, helping them build healthy habits and confidence for long-term success.

Weight-loss surgery provides a healthier future

This journey has allowed the Yohs to reflect on the meaning of marriage, and how much stronger it feels today. 

“Whether it’s a couple going through this together or one supporting the other, give your partner grace,” Brett said.

For Kristen, the goal extends far beyond weight loss.

“I’m just looking forward to being healthier,” she said. “Weight loss is an added benefit, but I want a longer life.”

And this year, that commitment to health, to partnership and to their future is the sweetest gift of all.

Learn more about weight-loss surgery and register to attend an online seminar to start your weight-loss journey. Ascension Saint Agnes provides bariatric surgery and nutrition counseling for weight loss.