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“From the very beginning Dr. Rekkas shared that weight-loss [bariatric] surgery is not a magical tool. I would need to commit to lifelong change in the way I care for myself,” says Jenny Rodriguez, a Manatee County School District secretary.
Jenny had robotic sleeve gastrectomy (“gastric sleeve”) surgery at Manatee Memorial Hospital in December 2019. This type of bariatric surgery reduces the size of the stomach so that the patient feels full with less food, while still absorbing all of the needed nutrients.
“The first thing I stress to patients is that surgery is just a first step. It’s the patient who makes the difference in their own life when they commit to using the lifelong tools we give them to help keep the weight off,” says Stelios Rekkas, MD, FACS, FASMBS, Manatee Weight Loss Center (MWLC) physician and director of the surgical weight loss program at Manatee Memorial Hospital.
Jenny had been struggling with trying to lose weight for more than 12 years. She was diagnosed with high blood pressure, high cholesterol and sleep apnea and suffered pain in her knees and feet, all while continuing to gain weight “superfast,” as she put it.
During the process leading up to surgery, she consulted with a gastroenterologist, a nutritionist and a psychologist and received an intensive education on healthy-eating habits and exercise from the MWLC’s dietitian. She was also introduced to a support group.
“I felt as if I was being gifted with a life-changing opportunity,” she says of her weight-loss procedure.
Now Jenny says she always makes sure she keeps her body moving. If she doesn’t feel like working out some days, she takes a long walk instead.
And she says of the Manatee Weight Loss Support Group, “I saw myself as a food addict. When I got to meet others who were struggling with similar issues, I stopped feeling so alone. The group talks all the time on Facebook, sharing recipes and resources. Some people who had surgery many years ago are still attending this support group.
“Not only has my life changed physically, but also emotionally,” she adds. “Change starts from within. The surgery helped me take the steps toward becoming the healthy person I always wanted to be. My advice to others on a similar journey would be to make the necessary adjustments, commit to the process, and believe in yourself.
When you believe in yourself, anything is possible.”
If you’re feeling weighed down after trying everything to lose weight, put a Manatee Weight Loss Center consultation on your “New Year To-Do” list. Manatee Weight Loss Center offers comprehensive support and a dedicated staff to help you through every step of your weight-loss journey.
Find inspiration from more stories like Jenny’s.
Visit: msaweightloss.com
Manatee Memorial Hospital
232 Manatee Ave E | Bradenton, FL 34208
(941) 254-4957
msaweightloss.com
Individual results may vary. There are risks associated with any surgical procedure. Talk with your doctor about these risks to find out if bariatric surgery is right for you. Physicians are on the medical staff of Manatee Memorial Hospital, but, with limited exceptions, are independent practitioners who are not employees or agents of Manatee Memorial Hospital. The hospital shall not be liable for actions or treatments provided by physicians. For language assistance, disability accommodations and the non-discrimination notice, visit our website. 200658-0145
