Client Profile: Mary G.

Mary G.

Surgery Date: 11/19/2007
Weight Loss: 125 lbs

The journey that led me to the Sky Ridge Program and Dr. Chae began in February 2006 when I visited my primary care physician seeking an explanation for my swollen ankles. Congestive heart disease was a possibility so I was sent to a cardiologist for tests that proved my heart was in good shape but I was overweight, as I had been for most of my life. The cardiologist then referred me to a pulmonologist who administered several more tests and determined I had sleep apnea. I didn’t want to be on a CPAP machine so he referred me to yet another specialist who believed I could be cured with surgery to carve off some of my soft palette and fix my deviated septum. But that surgery seemed awfully drastic and the side effects described were not going to be pleasant. All the doctors I saw did agree that weight loss would definitely help my situation. But after 30 years of trying diets, programs, pills, and fads, I was just worn out. Even though I exercised at least 5 times per week and was watching my diet, I was not losing weight. My cholesterol numbers were going in the wrong direction, my sugar levels were bordering on diabetes, and my blood pressure was going up. The fear of developing additional health problems and possibly shortening my life, led me to look for program where I would pay money to lose weight, which I would probably gain back in a year or two.

During my research, I learned about the lap-band procedure as a less invasive alternative to gastric bypass bariatric surgery. I searched for doctors here in Colorado and found The National Bariatric Program at Sky Ridge and Dr. Chae. I went to his seminar and decided this program could work for me. What attracted me to Dr. Chae’s program was the mandatory nutrition training in a formal class setting prior to surgery and the availability of post-surgery support from the nutritionist in the form of one-on-one meetings and group meetings with other bariatric patients. In addition, I found Dr. Chae to be a warm and caring individual, much more than just a surgeon.

I feel so successful after my weight loss! I have more energy and I am proud of the way I look. I love being able to fit into airline seats and not be restricted to activities because of my size. Life is GREAT! My hope is that more general physicians will recommend this very successful procedure as an option to their obese patients, as I wish mine had years ago.