Patient Stories

Jenny Lee Hernandez
Age: 40
Weight Loss: 149 lbs.
Occupation: Transportation Company Owner

I have struggled with my weight almost my whole adult life. I had an addiction to food that I could not suppress. Before surgery, I weighed 298 lbs., and my quality of life was extremely poor. I couldn't participate in normal activities with my son or do everyday tasks without feeling pain all over my body, and my blood pressure was always sky high. I tried every method in the book to lose weight, from hiring personal trainers and chefs to even going to Mexico for weight loss supplements. Nothing worked long-term. My breaking point came when I was on a flight from Dallas to Corpus Christi, and I had to ask the flight attendant for a seat belt extender while being squished into a middle seat. The discomfort and shame I felt on that flight was the straw that broke the camel's back. I knew I couldn't live that way, so I scheduled a gastric sleeve surgery with Dr. Chang soon after.

I have lost almost 150 lbs. since surgery, and my life has changed 110% for the better. I can now keep up with my active 9-year-old son, have no problems traveling, and have developed a healthier relationship with food. Dr. Chang's straightforward and honest approach to weight loss helped me succeed, and I will forever be thankful to have had him as my surgeon.

If you're considering surgery, don't wait. Do it. If I could have done anything differently, I would have done it sooner. Unfortunately, we tend to let others' opinions dictate our choices. Don't listen to the naysayers. Do it for your own quality of life. No one knows the entirety of our struggles, so you shouldn't let what they say affect your choice. You are worthy of the life you want.

Ernesto Carreon
Age: 50
Weight Loss: 243 lbs.
Occupation: Music Teacher

My struggle with weight management has been lifelong. I remember experiencing weight issues as early as the first grade. Throughout my youth, I was always the biggest kid in the bunch. Fast forward 40 plus years, and I reached my heaviest weight of 452 pounds. With that weight came other health struggles.

I was diagnosed with high blood pressure, osteoarthritis and diabetes; I was always in pain. I tried multiple weight loss diets, including one of those highly advertised plans, and only found temporary success. I would lose about 100+ pounds but then gain it all back. Because I had tried so many fad diets, I knew losing weight was possible, but keeping it off was the problem. At that point, I knew that if I gained even a few more pounds, I would be immobile.

In March of 2020, I decided to see Dr. Chang for gastric sleeve surgery. Thanks to that decision, I have lost 243 pounds, and my quality of life has improved dramatically. My body doesn't hurt anymore, my energy is through the roof, and I no longer have to worry about fitting into clothes. I have gone from a pant size of 64 to a 32/34. I have gone from a 5XL shirt to a large. It's nice to walk into a store and be able to buy what I want. This surgery has changed my life for the better.

My advice for others considering surgery is get it done yesterday. I know for many people experiencing what I did, this journey may seem impossible, but if you put your mind to it and change your way of thinking, it's possible. It has been one of the most wonderful things I have done for myself. Of course, surgery is no magic pill; you still have to put in your share of work — like exercising, eating well, and drinking plenty of water. It's not easy, but it's worth it.