Patient Stories

Khaliah Williams
Age: 31
Weight Loss: 160 lbs.
Occupation: Personal Shopper

Dr. Rick and his team are simply God sent! I am now living a healthier and better life because of him and his proven weight loss program. At almost four years post-op, I can now enjoy life, my kid, and everything else I want to do. Weight loss surgery literally saved my life, and I am now enjoying life to the fullest. I now live to live! Thank you, Dr. Rick, SRMC and team.

For those who are looking for advice about the surgery, trust yourself, your doctor and the process! Even a little progress is still progress. Every day you live, you have the opportunity to better yourself mentally, physically and emotionally.

Carl Green
Age: 33
Occupation: Safety Specialist

I have struggled with some form of obesity since I was 19 years old. I tried many different diets and exercise routines but could never stick with them. I consulted with two other bariatric surgeons over the years prior to meeting with Dr. Rick. On November 1, 2019, I had my first consultation with Dr. Rick. He was extremely informative and empathetic. He made me feel like I was not alone in this process. His staff in the office were personable, caring, and extremely professional. On March 2, 2020, I underwent a Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy (VSG) with Dr. Rick. I feel better than I ever have, and thanks to him and his staff, I have found a renewed life.

The biggest thing I tell everyone that says they are considering bariatric surgery is to ensure you find a way to deal with the mental aspect of this life-changing decision. We continue to hear about what to eat, what not to eat, and how different foods affect our “new” bodies. Unfortunately, there are many times the mental health aspect is overlooked. Your body will literally transform at a very fast rate, and after all the “newness” wears off, you will be left with learning how to maintain your healthy weight for many years to come. We must reflect on how far we have come, what goals we want to accomplish, and lay out a plan to get there. Just remember this is a marathon, not a sprint.

Michael Powell
Age: 63
Weight Loss: 121 lbs.
Occupation: Information Technology Specialist

I slowly began gaining weight in my 20s. At my highest weight, I reached 324 lbs. I had developed carpal tunnel in both wrists, needed surgery to repair a torn meniscus, and suffered from hypertension and obstructive sleep apnea. I had tried many different times to lose weight with different diets, only to have the weight come back. I was tired and depressed. I struggled with my self-image and had to force myself to do most things; I just didn’t find pleasure in anything. I knew I had to do something different. I didn’t want to be unhappy and isolated anymore. My coworker who got the gastric sleeve with Dr. Mohammed had great results and was so motivated. So, I began researching and decided that I could not do this alone anymore. I had gastric sleeve surgery in October 2021 at Santa Rosa Medical Center. I couldn’t believe how well I felt after surgery and how motivated I was! The changes happened quickly when I followed the recommendations given to me. I can now tell when I’m full; I could never feel that before. I lost 121 lbs. in the 10 months after surgery. My BMI went from 47 to 30. My health has improved significantly, and I have more energy and look forward to working in my yard or going to the gym. Everything is so much easier now. I’m more outgoing and confident. My whole life has changed for the better.

Bariatric surgery is a huge commitment. I have to be committed to the lifestyle changes that will affect me for the rest of my life. The old habits, like eating just to eat, “grazing” on junk food, and drinking habits that were bad for my overall health, had to go. Don’t get me wrong — I still enjoy M&M’s, my favorite, but in moderation. I still enjoy going out to eat with my family, but I make healthier choices now. The results are worth all the changes. I feel terrific, and support from family, friends, and Dr. Mohammed’s office keeps me on track.