Paul’s journey: A decade of healing and trust

In 2015, Paul faced a crossroads in his health. Battling severe stomach pain, he was at a critical point, unsure of what his future would hold. 

He was referred to General Surgery and Bariatrics in Darby, where he met Prashanth “Dr. Ram” Ramachandra, MD, and his bariatric team. Their compassionate approach provided immediate comfort from day one. “They felt like family,” Paul recalls.

With Dr. Ram’s guidance, Paul underwent bariatric surgery, beginning a transformative journey to better health. Years later, when he returned to Dr. Ram for an endoscopy, a new challenge arose—an ulcer. After several biopsies determined that the ulcer was precancerous, Paul was scheduled for surgery to remove it.

“I’ve known Paul for about ten years, and it’s been a pleasure to be part of his journey,” Dr. Ram explains. “It’s not just about the surgery, but also the follow-up, aftercare and helping patients return to the activities they love.”

Today, thanks to this holistic, compassionate approach, Paul is back to enjoying life’s simple joys, like playing with his grandson. 

“Dr. Ram and his team saved my life,” Paul says, grateful for the consistent care that’s helped him through each challenge.

Paul’s story illustrates the power of trusted care, resilience, and the unwavering commitment of the Mercy Fitzgerald bariatric team. Through every step, Dr. Ram and his staff have been more than medical professionals—they’ve been a steadfast support system that’s made all the difference.

Hear Paul tell his story in his own words.