MURFREESBORO,  TN  -It was only one year ago when Daniel Anderson had life-changing weight loss surgery. From battling weight issues to overcoming health scares, the Murfreesboro resident has transformed his life through determination, persistence, and a passion for running.

Daniel has always been involved in athletics, particularly baseball during his college years. However, as the years went by, the weight began to accumulate, affecting his overall well-being and limiting his ability to fully enjoy life. “At one point in my life, I was the heaviest I had ever been at 510 pounds,” said Daniel. Over the years, he had experienced significant health scares, including a life-threatening pulmonary embolism in 2016, which later led to the removal of his thyroid in 2019 after additional testing showed growth covering both sides of his thyroid and metastasis to multiple lymph nodes. Daniel also had multiple surgeries on his knees and back. High stress levels while working for his longtime previous employer and concerns about his health prompted him to take action on his health.

“After talking with my wife, Kellie Jo, and really thinking some things through, I decided to seek help from the Ascension Saint Thomas Rutherford Hospital Bariatrics program,” said Daniel. He met with Dr. Stephen Rich, bariatric surgeon at Ascension Saint Thomas Rutherford Hospital, who designed a comprehensive plan for his weight loss journey. On June 15, 2022, Daniel underwent gastric bypass sleeve surgery. Daniel embraced the process and committed to transforming his lifestyle. Since then, he has shed 149 pounds, going from 354 pounds to his current weight of 205 pounds. 

Running became Daniel’s chosen form of physical activity post-surgery. On New Year's Day, he participated in the Boro 5k, marking his first run since the surgery. “It was a challenging experience, but the sense of physical activity and accomplishment it brought me was incomparable,” said Daniel. “It only motivated me to do more.” Daniel later signed up for the Mammoth March at Fall Creek Falls, a strenuous 20-mile trail. Battling through falls and obstacles along the way, he pushed himself to the limits and secured a spot in the top 15 finishers. 

As Daniel celebrates his upcoming one-year anniversary since his surgery, he is preparing himself for another monumental challenge, running his first half-marathon in October. “I am not setting any limitations for myself,” said Daniel. “I am looking at the 30, 50, and 100 mile races. I just want to use my body, pay it back to the body that has fought so hard for me and to see and do things that are good for me and be an inspiration to others.”