Jessica: Sleeve Gastrectomy

I remember the morning very clearly.  I was so apprehensive.  Was I doing the right thing? 

I had honestly given up on my life until August 25, 2008, when Dr. Robert Woodbury carefully performed the sleeve gastrectomy that has transformed my life.  The staff at Sutter Medical Center was exceptional.  I was in the hospital for three days and walking only hours after surgery.  Surprisingly, the pain was VERY minimal; the most uncomfortable part of the entire process was the week of being attached to the drain, which is put in temporarily after the procedure.

I had struggled with my weight all of my life, exhausting all dieting fads without any satisfaction. As I have gotten older, obesity has started to affect my physical, social and most crucially, my emotional health.  When I hit my thirties, I realized that if I didn't do something radical, that I could, like my father, only have a few more years to live.  Now, at this post-surgery stage, I have never felt so zealous being active and exercising.

Although it has only been six weeks as I write this, the changes are worth more than a lifetime.  I have gone from weighing 260 pounds, down to 198.  I have a newfound rush of energy, and the drive that I have in rediscovering myself is amazing.

I am beholden to Dr. Woodbury and his staff at Healthy Steps.  It has been such a pleasure to know him.  He is an extremely gifted surgeon, who has a demeanor that exudes relaxed confidence and I feel so secure around him.  He is a wonderful man and has such greatness in his heart. I can't believe that I've waited so long to all myself to be a hopeful person again, and it's only going to get better.

Thank you Dr. Woodbury and all the office angels at Healthy Steps!