Patient Stories
Sutter Bariatric Services
Laura
“I was ready for a change,” says Laura about how she felt while in her late thirties. “I tried everything to lose weight and nothing had worked. I asked my doctor for options, and she referred me to Dr. Jenkins.”
Dr. Jeffery Jenkins is a bariatric surgeon at Sutter Auburn Faith Hospital. “I felt like I was in good hands as soon as I met him,” Laura says about Dr. Jenkins. “He spent over an hour with me at my first appointment. I could tell he was a great doctor and that he really cared.”
Dr. Jenkins thought Laura could be a candidate for his Roux-en-Y procedure – a laparoscopic weight-loss surgery. To make sure she was physically and psychologically healthy for the operation, Dr. Jenkins had Laura go through a battery of tests including an EKG, sleep study, gallbladder ultrasound and psychological evaluation. “I had to meet with a nutritionist, too,” Laura says. “Dr. Jenkins covered all the bases.”
In February 2006, Laura underwent bariatric surgery at Sutter Auburn Faith Hospital. “We live in Sacramento, but wanted Dr. Jenkins as my surgeon so we made the drive. It was worth it,” she says. “The staff was incredible. I couldn’t believe that a hospital could be that accommodating. As far as I’m concerned, Sutter Auburn is the best hospital in the world!”
After her surgery, Laura felt emotional. “It was a big deal,” she said. “My body had gone through a lot.” After several weeks, Laura went back to work and became adjusted to her new life. “Meals were a different experience. I had to work at getting used to eating small portions; it was difficult – especially in the beginning.”
Laura remained dedicated to her health goals. Over the next six months, she lost more than 90 pounds. “I felt great!” she said. “My husband and I went on a cruise to celebrate.”
It was on that cruise that Laura’s husband, Scott, saw how happy and healthy she was. “I think that’s when Scott decided to have bariatric surgery, too.” Scott underwent bariatric surgery with Dr. Jenkins in September of 2007. Read Scott's Story
Laura emphasizes that the decision to have bariatric surgery is a personal one. “I’d do it again, if I had to,” she says. “But it’s physically and emotionally challenging. You need to be in the right frame of mind to go through with it.”
Today, Laura relishes her health and the day-to-day satisfaction of being an average-sized person. “Of course, my health is the important issue. But the little things have made a big difference in my overall happiness,” she says. “People used to move aside to make room for me when I’d walk by – that was awful. And, in the past, I could only buy clothes in certain stores. But now, I’m not treated any differently and I can shop wherever I want.”
Laura has also taken on a new cause. “This year will be the second time I participate in Sacramento’s annual Run to Feed the Hungry race. I’ve always wanted to run marathon, and this is a good way to move toward that goal. I’m proud to be part of a good cause and to actually be in a race – I wouldn’t have even considered that a few years ago!”