Patient Stories
Lorena Solis
Age: 21
Weight Loss: 104 lbs.
Lorena Solis began having weight problems in the second grade. Despite trying just about every diet available over the years, she continued to gain weight, and the quality of her life began to decline as she entered her twenties.
"I couldn't last five minutes on a treadmill, and going up the stairs was very difficult. I was always out of breath," says Solis.
Solis also suffered from sleep apnea, painful headaches, osteoarthritis, heartburn and other comorbidities.
In 2020, Solis decided to seek a new lease on life by joining the Laredo Medical Center Weight Loss Program to learn if bariatric surgery was right for her.
As part of the program's requirements, she obtained a letter of medical necessity with cardio and pulmonary clearances as well as psychology and nutrition clearances. She also participated in support group meetings and a pre-operation class with the bariatric surgeon to review the risks and benefits of this type of surgery.
In April 2021, Solis underwent laparoscopic gastric sleeve surgery. She was one of the first patients at Laredo Medical Center to have the procedure with robotic-assisted technology performed by Michael Morris, M.D., FACS, FASMBS.
The modern surgical system provides surgeons with greater precision and control, often allowing complex operations to be performed through just a few small incisions with less scarring and blood loss. Solis was discharged from the hospital the next day after her surgery.
Before surgery, Solis weighed 290 lbs. A year after having surgery, Solis no longer has any comorbidities, has lost 104 lbs., and weighs 186 lbs. She continues to lose weight and improve her health through healthy eating and exercise.
"It's an amazing feeling. Now I can run or jog on the treadmill. I recently came back from a trip to Los Cabos where there are a lot of hills and mountains, and you climb a lot of stairs. I didn't have a single problem, which was very rewarding," says Solis.
"Life is great now," adds the 21-year-old Solis.
Solis recommends others who may be experiencing similar issues with morbid obesity explore the possibility of having bariatric surgery.
"It's not going to be easy. It's a very big commitment you have to make for the rest of your life," says Solis. But, it's life-changing and rewarding.
You feel so much better about yourself. You can do a lot more things without setbacks."
Roberto Vedia
Age: 40
Weight Loss: 150 lbs.
After struggling for over a decade with several chronic conditions due to weight gain, Roberto Vedia took the advice of his physician and sought to change his life with the help of Laredo Medical Center.
The 40-year-old Laredoan was on dialysis for about five years before he received a kidney transplant in 2010.
"And one of the side effects of getting a kidney transplant is weight gain. Because of the weight gain, I had sleep apnea, and my blood pressure was high. I was tired all the time and felt winded," said Vedia, who works in law enforcement.
Because diet and exercise were not helping him, Vedia took nephrologist Adolfo Garcia's advice to seek alternatives for weight loss.
After doing some research, Vedia decided to learn more about Laredo Medical Center's Bariatric Weight Loss Services.
"I chose LMC since I have always been treated great by the staff there. I don't have to travel too far from home, which is a plus, and I know I'll be in great hands," he said.
Vedia's life-changing journey with Laredo Medical Center began in November 2020 with a specially trained team of professionals who worked closely with him and his primary care physician to create a personalized plan that promotes physical and emotional well-being.
Vedia's plan included medical and psychological clearances, support group meetings, nutritional counseling and a pre-op class with general and bariatric surgeon, Michael Morris, M.D., FACS, FASMBS, to determine if he was a viable candidate for bariatric surgery.
"The Bariatric Weight Loss program focuses a lot on education. It's what differentiates LMC's program from others," said Dr. Morris, who has been the
Medical Director of the hospital's bariatric program since its inception 14 years ago.
"A team approach is what patients at Laredo Medical Center will receive. This includes support that doesn't end when your procedure does. I personally take charge of my patients and make sure each understands the realistic outcomes of bariatric surgery, which is life-altering," added Dr. Morris
After getting the green light, Vedia underwent a sleeve gastrectomy in February 2021.
Dr. Morris performed the surgical weight-loss procedure in which 75-80% of the stomach is removed. Three days after his surgery, Vedia was discharged from the hospital, and today he is a different man. In less than a year, Vedia has lost close to 150 lbs. and rid himself of his chronic conditions.
"I sleep better. I feel better. I got to shop for new clothes," said Vedia. "I have more energy for physical activities. I don't sleep in like I used to, and I feel like I'm in my 20s again."
He added, "This surgery is one of the greatest investments you can make to help improve the quality of life for you and your family. Just keep in mind that it's not just about having surgery, losing the weight, and you're done. This lifestyle change will require you to eat right and exercise to keep the weight off and be healthy."