Dear S.C., we are so proud of everything you accomplished. Keep up the good work.
Ever since my teenage years, I remember constantly fighting what was an inevitable and constant gain in weight. By 32 years of age I was 250lbs and have gone trough weight loss centers and several "fad" diets losing up to 30lbs but always gaining the weight back. I was not only suffering from the psychological aspects of being overweight but also watching my health deteriorate with every pound gained: borderline hypertension, high lipids and fatty liver disease were only a few of the conditions I was now diagnosed with. I've made a difficult decision at that time which I can honestly say became the best decision of my life.
After going through Dr. Gary Grinberg's Sutter Bariatric Program I have learned to live a new and healthy life. The program focuses on every aspect of obesity and it's causes and works on behavioral as well as medical components. I learned the right way to eat, deal with stress, manage time and exercise. Before I knew it, I was on the right track to a "new" me. I had an uncomplicated Gastric Bypass in July and had a surprisingly easy and quick recovery. Seven months later I ran my first half marathon and was at a healthy 139lbs or BMI of 24 one year out. My liver enzymes returned to normal and other conditions have completely resolved. My confidence and quality of life have never been higher and I now live better for myself and for my son and daughter.
We want to extend our congratulations to A.M. on her success and becoming our first of many featured stories!
At 27 year of age and 275lbs, there were not many diets that I have not tried in hopes of reeling in the out of control weight. I remember being told I was overweight since I was 10 years of age and by my twenties I have tried, Weight Watchers, LA Weight Loss and many other conventional diets losing up to 20-30 lbs but always regaining all the weight (with extra bonus) in weeks to months. By my early twenties I also began developing conditions that I knew were related to my weight. No only did I require a machine to help me breath at night, struggle with edema and pain in my feet and ankles, and require medications for the significant back pain but the quality of life I was leading was suffering greatly. I was depressed.
I saw Dr. Gary Grinberg at the Sutter Bariatric Program in April 2009 and underwent an uncomplicated Gastric Bypass in June. Through lifestyle modification (exercise and "smart" eating) I have now lost 125lbs and have what they call a normal weight BMI! It is impossible to describe the changes in my life that happened since I began losing weight. My sleep apnea is gone! I no longer have swelling in my feet or pain in my back and that's just a start. My family is in awe of my transformation and I'm more confident and active.
Dr. Grinberg is not only my surgeon; he has also been a great support over the last year. He has taken the time to listen to my concerns, fears, and accomplishments. He has never made me feel as though he didn’t have the time to just sit and listen to me. The staff at his office is amazing. They have always been encouraging and excited to see my progress. It hasn’t always been easy, and there were moments when I questioned my decision. But now, I can truly say I wouldn’t change a thing!
Gary Grinberg, MD
General, Advanced Laparoscopic andBariatric Surgery
800 Howe Ave., Suite 300
Sacramento, CA 95825 office: (916) 572-CURE (2873)
fax: (916) 568-5575