Patient Stories
Sutter Bariatric Services
Cheri
“I didn’t have a lot of the co-morbidities that come with being overweight,” says Cheri, now age 45. “But my health and weight were limiting our family activities and my quality of life. I didn’t want to live like that anymore.”
Cheri’s primary care doctors tried to dissuade her from bariatric surgery. “They preferred a more natural approach to losing weight,” she says. “I didn’t disagree with that philosophy in general, but after more than 30 years of trying that approach – and failing – I knew I needed more help.”
She was delighted to find an experienced bariatric surgeon in her area. “Dr. Jenkins is up there with the best. I was worried I might have to travel for that caliber of expertise, and was grateful when I found such a comprehensive program in Auburn,” Cheri says. “I was impressed with his staff’s professionalism and felt that Dr. Jenkins really cared about me as a person, not just a patient. He spent a lot of time with me to figure out my best options.”
Cheri initially wanted the Lap-Band® procedure, but after consulting with Dr. Jenkins, she opted for Roux-en-Y surgery (also known as gastric bypass). “Based on my history and objectives, Dr. Jenkins thought that would be a better choice for me – and he was right,” she says.
After completing her insurance requirements, Cheri underwent surgery at Sutter Auburn Faith Hospital. Within a year, she lost 90 percent of her excess body weight. Shortly after that, she exceeded her weight-loss goal by five percent. “I found encouragement and comfort from the support group that’s organized by Dr. Jenkins’s staff,” she says. “My family was extremely supportive, too, but it really helped to be able to discuss my situation with those who went through the same thing that I did.”
Cheri believes the bariatric support group was instrumental in helping her make the right decisions leading up to her procedure, as well as adjusting to life after surgery. “Knowledge is power. Anyone considering bariatric surgery should get as much information as possible – from the surgeon, his staff and other patients,” she says. “It's important for prospective patients to hear about others’ experiences – the good and bad. Everyone who has gone through weight-loss surgery has a different story and can be a real-life example of what is possible for others.”
Five years after her surgery, Cheri has no regrets. “I’m so glad I made the decision to have bariatric surgery. After battling my weight for decades, I knew myself and what I needed. Soon after my procedure, my family and I were busy biking, boating, camping, quadding and kayaking,” she says. “I’m grateful for my happy, active family and that I’m healthy enough to be around for a long time to enjoy it.”