Richard Garcia, Bariatric Surgery Patient

Describes his gastric sleeve procedure as a lifesaver

Transcription

Richard: Believe it or not, in high school, I was an athlete, but after high school, I started developing bad eating habits, not working out, and my weight ballooned up to 580 pounds. Everything was a chore; walking, trying to take the trash out, just basic daily functions. I had high blood pressure, water on the knees. 580 pounds, it was just killing my body. My life was in danger. I had to do something, so I looked into Summa bariatric program.

So then, I met Dr. Dan and he said I'd be a candidate for the gastric sleeve procedure. It was the hardest thing I've ever done in my life. It's not a magic pill. It gives you a good start, but the rest of it's up to you. You're gonna have to change your lifestyle, eat correctly, exercise. I've lost 350 pounds.

I feel like I've been given a second chance at life. That's exactly the way I feel. This surgery is a lifesaver, by far, the best decision I ever made. Dr. Dan and his colleagues at Summa are working miracles and I'm one of them.