Patient Stories

Ricardo H.
Age: 31
Weight Loss: 230 lbs.
Occupation: Plumber

Ricardo Herrera, at 31 years old and 524 pounds, had struggled hard since elementary school to try and slim down. Living life at his weight was especially painful and frustrating because of his job as a plumber, which meant he had to stand, kneel, climb, and crawl for long periods of time. He couldn't find clothes big enough to fit, and he was self-conscious and shy in social situations.

After trying many different diets, Ricardo watched as one of his family members found a new life after weight loss surgery with Northwest Healthcare's Dr. Patrick Chiasson, M.D., FRCS, FACS. So, although he lived two hours away from Northwest Medical Center, he gathered his courage and made the drive.

Dr. Chiasson and Ricardo agreed that a procedure called the duodenal switch was his best option. This surgery combines a gastrectomy (removal of part of the stomach) with an intestinal bypass, which makes the path food takes through the intestines shorter.

So, in August of 2021, Ricardo drove two hours from Douglas, Ariz., to Northwest Medical Center, ready for surgery and motivated by a brand-new vision for his future.

"I hoped for the best, and I got it," he said eight months later. "I got up on a roof for the first time recently, which I was never able to do. And now, at the end of the day, my feet aren't hurting like they did before."

Ricardo has lost more than 230 pounds since his surgery, and is now well on his way to his goal weight.

"I can't say enough about Dr. Chiasson - he's a great doctor," Ricardo said. "He explained everything, answered all my questions and assured me that everything would be all right - and it was."

Jenny H.
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 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.

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.

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 a new doctor, 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 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!