Patient Stories
Blair B.
Age: 38
Weight Loss: 142+ lbs.
Occupation: Truck Driver
I started to gain weight in my late 20s due to thyroid issues and having a full hysterectomy. I tried every diet in the book, and though I could lose weight, I couldn't keep it off. I also started having issues with my blood sugar and blood pressure. So, I decided to have gastric sleeve surgery with Dr. Jay Suggs in August 2021. I was 37 years old, 346 lbs., and 5' 8' on the day of surgery.
I am still losing weight, but more slowly now than right after surgery. I'm now at 204 pounds, 11 months post-op. I went from size 28 jeans to a 12. Before surgery, I was tired, depressed, and angry that I had let myself get into this situation. Since surgery, I'm 110% more active; I can walk for miles and not be winded or in pain. My confidence has skyrocketed, and I feel awesome. My body doesn't hurt anymore and I have so much energy and feel like I've gotten my life back. I'm not trapped in my own body anymore.
Dr. Suggs and everyone at Crestwood Medical Center were awesome. They answered any questions and addressed any concerns I had. I recommend this surgery and hospital to anyone that's interested. They truly gave me my life back.
Charles B.
Age: 52
Weight Loss: 85+
Occupation: Truck Driver
As a truck driver, I gained more and more weight every year and couldn't ever lose it. My back and knees hurt all the time. I never had any energy, I was on blood pressure medication and was borderline diabetic. At 51 years old, I was 314 lbs. at 6' 2". I saw how well my wife did with her gastric sleeve weight-loss surgery. So, I decided to change my life and do the surgery as well. On April 5, 2022, I went to Crestwood Medical Center for my surgery with Dr. Jay Suggs. As of mid-July, I've lost 85 lbs., and I am still losing weight! I was wearing size 40 jeans, and I'm now in a 31. My blood pressure and blood sugar are completely normal, and I haven't been on any medications since surgery. I have so much energy that I don't know what to do with it. The other day, I walked 3.5 miles around the zoo and felt great. Playing with my grandchildren is now easy for me. This surgery was the best decision I've ever made.
Katie W.
Age: 47
Weight Loss: 115 lbs.
Occupation: General Sales Manager
I have struggled with my weight since my 30s, after having my three children. By the time I was 50, I had high blood pressure, sleep apnea, horrible acid reflux, and aches and pains that come from being overweight. I was also borderline diabetic. I knew I needed to make a life change; I tried all the diets, but nothing worked long-term.
I met Dr. Boyett through a mutual friend and knew instantly he was the right surgeon for me. He took the time to discuss the procedure and explained everything I would need to be successful. He explained that this was a tool, and I had to put in the work. After the procedure, I got up and started walking and moving — and I haven't stopped since. I had zero complications and no pain from the surgery. The support and guidance from Dr. Boyett and his staff have been huge factors in my success. I have lost 115 lbs., and my high blood pressure, diabetes, acid reflux, and aches and pains are gone. I have gained a healthier body, a love for exercise, a new relationship with food, and so much more! I wish I had made this decision years ago!
Linda W.
Age: 54
Weight Loss: 102+ lbs.
December 7, 2021, was the day I got a second chance at a healthy life. Before that day, I thought I was living, but I slowly realized I was just surviving. After doing some research, I decided I would have the gastric sleeve with Dr. Daniel Boyett. Prior to the surgery, I had lost 20 lbs. but was at a standstill; I had always struggled with my weight and thyroid issues.
I always wanted to be adventurous, but since I was over 295 lbs., the scale determined what I could do. It's ironic how the simple things in life the average-sized person takes for granted because they do not understand the life of a heavy-set person. A prime example is being treated like a “normal person" rather than a fat person. I didn't want to believe that people treated me differently, but the more weight I lost, the nicer and more accepting people became to me.
I lost 102 lbs. in seven months, and for the first time in my life, the number on the scale isn't stopping me from doing anything I have always dreamed of doing. The tools Dr. Boyett and his staff have given me a second opportunity to live the life I want. I'm no longer on blood pressure medications and no longer have to sleep with a C-PAP machine. I no longer have pain in my feet, knees and back, which was disabling before surgery. My energy is through the roof, and I've never felt better mentally, physically, and emotionally. I went from a 2X to 3X to a size medium or large in tops, and from a 20 to 22 in pants to a 10 or 12. I could never thank Dr. Boyett and his team enough for all their support and nutritional education. It's taken my hard work and dedication, but I would have never made it this far without the tools and support he's given me. My journey isn't over yet, but I am finally living my best, healthiest life.
David W.
Age: 47
Weight Loss: 106+ lbs.
Occupation: Processing Operator
This year, I am nine years sober. At age 39, I spent three months in rehab for alcohol addiction. Unfortunately, I exchanged my alcohol addiction for food addiction and gained tremendous weight. My highest weight was 342 lbs., and my BMI was over 50.
After rehab, I was very bored and used to drinking and partying. Food was everywhere and is a more "accepted" addiction than alcohol. I suffered from high blood pressure, and my knees and back were constantly hurting. I was able to diet on my own and get down to 250 lbs. but soon gained the weight back.
Another medical issue referred me to Dr. Fernandez, who gave me bariatric weight loss surgery information. Having the surgery terrified me because I was used to eating a lot of food, and I was afraid the surgery would restrict me from eating so much. But I also knew I had to make major lifestyle changes.
After surgery, there was a six-week recovery time. I started walking, and the weight continued to fall off. I lost almost 80 lbs. in three months. I have experienced so many blessings after this surgery and my addiction recovery. Everything in my life started falling into place — my health improved significantly, my finances improved, and I bought a new home! I literally walked through the halls of hell, and now I am overwhelmed with blessings all around me; it is very hard to take it all in!
I wholeheartedly recommend Dr. Fernandez and Crestwood Medical Center for this surgery. The surgery team members called me regularly to ensure everything was going well. I didn't realize that the whole process would be so easy! However, this surgery is a tool, not a solution. You must change your lifestyle. Previously, I had nothing else to do but eat. I found better things to do after surgery, including exercising and fishing. My life has changed significantly, and all for the better!