Gastric Bypass Surgery Success Story Cecilia Jimenez from Corpus Christi, TX *

“I see this as my 2nd chance at life.”

Highest Weight: 234 lbs
Current Weight 148 lbs
Goal Weight: 150 lbs
Procedure: Gastric Bypass on 07/17/13

Cecilia, at her heaviest, weighed two hundred and thirty-four pounds; she now weighs an incredible one hundred and forty-eight pounds! “I wanted something life changing” says Cecilia, “ I did not have the will power before but after doing research to better understand the bariatric process and people’s experience I knew I had to do it.” Cecilia did not struggle with weight problems until she was married and says that she “was always depressed.” Finally after being diagnosed with diabetes and high cholesterol she knew that it was time to make a change and went to speak with Dr. Patel.

Growing up, Cecilia was active in sports, especially basketball, and says that she “never had to take care of (herself).” All that changed after marrying into a Mexican family where the food consisted of “rice, beans, and tacos.” At age thirty-five Cecilia started to notice her weight was increasing and at thirty-eight was diagnosed with diabetes. She was struggling to keep up with children at the daycare where she works and would feel tired and out of breath doing the simplest of tasks, such as “tying the kid’s shoes.” As her weight continued to increase her mindset became that of “What’s one more pound?” This led to Cecilia becoming depressed causing her to be “tired and not wanting to do anything. I was in a bad place and the depression caused me to eat more.” As her depression worsened she heard stories of people losing their legs because of diabetes, she said “that was my turning point.” Cecilia signed up for a seminar in Corpus Christi Texas and never looked back.

“I knew I was not doing what I needed to do and the surgery was a kick in the butt to get me started.” At the seminar Cecilia jump started her process by completing all of the mandatory tests and available appointments that day. She describes her outlook after as “a second chance at life.” Cecilia describes her first meeting with Dr. Patel as, “positive.” “He’s to the point and tells you what you need to know not what you want to hear. If you listen to him and follow his instructions you will get there”, claims Cecilia. She describes her experience with Dr. Patel’s staff as going “above and beyond.” She cited this by explaining that once “she called the office for supplements and even though they weren’t there they opened the office doors for me.” “Dr. Patel’s staff works magic with the insurance companies, tells you what you need to know, and is very direct. I had no issues with anybody at all.”

Cecilia acknowledged the decision she made by saying “It was a commitment not just to lose weight, but to reach a goal.” She is now discovering a whole new life of eating healthy and daily exercise. She began finding enjoyment in activities she never thought she would, such as running. She recently downloaded an app that is helping her build up to running a 5k and eventually a 10k race. In High School Cecilia was a size twelve, she is now skinnier than ever wearing a size ten! “The endurance is awesome”, says Cecilia, “People tell me I took the easy way out with surgery but that is not the case. It’s a choice and you have to work on it every day.” Dr. Patel and his staff are here to support you and with their help Cecilia was able to achieve her weight loss goals.

“I live positively now” says Cecilia. “In support group I tell them not to be down because the bad feelings are what causes you to over eat.” Cecilia has truly been an inspiration to the other patients at Dr. Patel’s practice. She regularly attends support groups and has become an accidental advocate for Dr. Patel and his practice. Now Cecilia feels like she has much better “portion control”, and, “knows when to stop eating.” These changes in Cecilia’s life have caused her to be more active, feel better and look better. “It’s so sad to be heavy. I have no regrets at all. I would do it all over again if I could.” Cecilia does not believe she will have to but her will and determination is what contributed to her incredible weight loss and ultimately her becoming a happier person.