FORT WORTH, Texas -- A Missouri man is in Dallas this weekend for a radical surgery, one that will allow him to become an adoptive parent.

Gary Stocklaufer, 34, is just over 550 pounds and not fit, according to a family court in Missouri, to adopt a child.

Stocklaufer and his wife have another child and have been caring for 4-month-old Max since he was only a week old.

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On Friday, Stocklaufer is undergoing gastric bypass surgery, courtesy of a Dallas hospital, and he hopes to lose 250 pounds as a result of the surgery.

Dr. Wade Barker and Renaissance Hospital are donating their services because the believe Stocklaufer and his family have suffered an injustice in a family court.

"Gary's situation is optimal for success in this gastric bypass surgery. We look forward to immediate results," said Barker.

Despite Barker's optimism, there are no guarantees with the surgery.

The Missouri court that denied the adoption offered no comment.

Donations to the Stocklaufer family for their legal fees can be made at Commerce Bank in Independence, Mo. For more information visit, fireacademyonline.com.

Commerce Bank
Attn: Dayna M. Cope, Branch Manager
24 Highway Banking Center
17601 East 24 Highway
Independence, MO 64056
Voice: 816-234-1986
Fax: 816-257-4702