Sierra Bariatric Surgery

Veronica Before...	Veronica After...
"Today is my 1year Anniversary, and I want to share my journey with you. It all began December 2005 when I went for my Gastric Bypass Surgery consultation appointment with Dr. Jenkins. At that appointment I weighed in at a total of 300 lbs. Before I could get the Gastric Bypass Surgery I had to lose 15-17 lbs first. After months of trying to lose 15-17 lbs in order to have the surgery, I finally did it. At 277 lbs I was ready to have surgery. On July 11th, 2006 I had Gastric Bypass Surgery at Sutter Auburn Faith Hospital. I drove myself to the hospital because I am stubborn like that but my family and friends were never far behind. After getting out of surgery it was a waiting game to see if things were going to go smooth or if I was going to have complications. In the hospital right after surgery I had experienced low potassium, and I was going into stage 2 diabetes. (But I don’t have low potassium or diabetes now.) At first I was so frightened of the hospital; however that changed when the hospital became my 2nd home in the months to come after surgery. I ended up going back into the hospital three times for ulcers, 2 blockages and a blood transfusion. Even the hospital staff started to know me by first name. I thought I would be back to work in 2 weeks, but I was proven wrong and did not end up going back to work until 2 months after the surgery. Fighting fatigue for about 4 months was difficult and frustrating but it was an obstacle that I conquered. During my recovery stage after surgery I remember the difficulty I had eating. At one point all I could do was lick the spoon, because I was full. These last few months have proven to be a struggle as my “demons” are back. I can now eat a little more as well as food that once made me sick if I even tried a small bite. So what has having the surgery taught me? It has taught me that having Gastric Bypass Surgery is not the magic fix, but instead a tool to help me pursue a healthier lifestyle. Today is my 1 year Gastric Bypass Surgery Anniversary and I am experiencing so many emotions of joy. I am proud of what I have achieved and even prouder to know that I have so much more to accomplish. Currently 1 year after surgery I weigh 205 lbs, and working towards losing more weight. For the last 5 weeks I have been working out 4x’s a week at Sacramento City College taking Cardio Kickboxing and Weight Training. I also try to work out 2 additional times on the weekend at the gym. I also changed my eating habits in the last 3 weeks to healthier food choices, but of course like anyone else I have my weak moments. It is a learning process that I am taking one day at a time. I have no doubt that I will reach my goals as I am very determined to do so. I will now answer the eternal question, “Was having Gastric Bypass Surgery worth it?” Absolutely I would do it all over again, complications and all. Having the surgery has given me a tool to utilize in order to have a 2nd chance at living a healthier and longer life. I want to take a moment to express how grateful I am to you, “Thank you!” In one way or another you have helped me through my journey. Maybe you held my hand in the hospital, took me to the hospital, took care of me, called me to check in on me, visited me, motivate me to work out, motivate me to eat healthier, donated blood to me, inspired me with your words of wisdom, etc. All in all you were there for me then and you have been there for me now. I just wanted to let you know that I will always appreciate everything you have done to for me. Thank you for your support. " ~ Veronica's Testimonial

"I could never thank Dr. Jenkins enough for giving me back a life I didn't even realize I was missing out on until it was almost too late. I can enjoy my children and actually do things with them now." ~ Melinda's Testimonial

"I had surgery at a top weight of 394 pounds. Today, I weigh 207. This surgery has not only allowed me to lose weight, but to regain my life! I no longer need medication for blood pressure or for pain, and my self-esteem is growing daily." ~ Jesse's Testimonial

"I had my surgery in July of 2004, three weeks before my 60th Birthday. I had sleep apnea, was on oxygen, had serious back and knee problems, high blood pressure and a bleak outlook for the future of my health. Before the surgery I was being forced to retire because my health [made it] more and more difficult to do my job. Now, I want to retire because I feel good and want to go out and enjoy life again.and see what I've been missing!" ~ Ken's Testimonial

"When Van and I were first married we talked about not wanting to be the fat couple. We had family tendences in both families to become heavy!" ~ Barbara and Van's Testimonial

" My name is Cheri, and my battle with my weight began when I was 5 years old. My parents had divorced and re-married others, and my way of dealing with the stress was to eat. Over the years, I became more and more frustrated with my weight, and in 2003, while dealing with extreme stress at work, I gave up dieting. I ate what I wanted, when I wanted, and in doing so, I felt liberated. " ~ Cheri's Testimonial

"My venture started year's ago as a teenager in school. I felt always on the heavy side;always a size 16, sometimes 14. But, by the time I was 17 yrs. old I was newly married and the weight just kept coming on. I could eat anything I wanted. In growing - up my mother and father did not allow sodas at home, I drank so many and Ice Cream - I never ate just a small bowl it was 1/2 the carton-eating right out of the carton sitting watching T.V. Soon, I would have my 1st child, well that never came off then my 2nd child there was more weight now I'm approaching 200 lbs. I lost some weight with weight-watchers or fad diets here and there." ~ Gayle's Testimonial

"Hello, my name is Viki. I never had a weight problem until one weekend in my mid-20s. In one weekend I stopped doing ski patrol and started cooking for 100 people. I went from my life revolving around skiing 60 days a year and being extremely active to cooking for 100's of people a year and hardly any exercise, and voila! Fat happened. A couple of miscarriages and several surgeries later, I was well wrapped-up in a fat cycle and no exercise at all. Forget skiing, I could barely walk! My hips, knees and feet started screaming at me especially while I cooked, standing on my feet 10 hours a day, and even at night, which affected sleep." ~ Viki's Testimonial