![How Weight Loss Surgery Can Improve Your Life](https://www.chistvincent.com/images/default-source/default-album/brandon-ingram.jpg?sfvrsn=3189ea05_1)
Diet and exercise are the first steps to reach a healthy weight, if this is not successful, weight loss surgery may be a good option. Dr. Brandon Ingram, Bariatric and General Surgery, explains benefits of the gastric sleeve.
![I never realized how bad I felt until I had the gastric sleeve surgery](https://www.chistvincent.com/images/default-source/bariatrics/hs-bariatrics-04.jpg?sfvrsn=820c1f05_0)
My starting weight was 226 lbs at 5' tall with a BMI of 44. I am three years out weighing 116 lbs with a normal BMI of 22. I recovered very quickly from surgery and never had any complications.
![I was 59 and miserable. I had reached the point of giving up on the weight loss struggle.](https://www.chistvincent.com/images/default-source/bariatrics/hs-bariatrics-11.jpg?sfvrsn=44121f05_2)
I was 59 and miserable. I had reached the point of giving up on the weight loss struggle. I'd tried everything over the years, pointlessly. A great friend suggested I check into the gastric sleeve. I did and my life was about to be changed.
![I lost a total of 106 lbs over the course of a year. What I gained in its place is priceless.](https://www.chistvincent.com/images/default-source/bariatrics/hs-bariatrics-17-small.jpg?sfvrsn=255be305_2)
I had heard about the gastric sleeve surgery through a co-worker and decided to attend a seminar where I spoke at length with the surgeon about my history and concerns. I did a lot of research and soul searching and finally decided to move forward..
![Our bariatric story began when my husband and I became interested in a procedure performed at CHI St. Vincent Hot Springs](https://www.chistvincent.com/images/default-source/bariatrics/hs-bariatrics-02-med.jpg?sfvrsn=c25be305_2)
Rob and I went into the program completely open-minded with the goal of not only losing weight but “feeling” better, becoming more active and spending many more positive years together as a couple.
![The best of my journey is just beginning!](https://www.chistvincent.com/images/default-source/bariatrics/hs-bariatrics-14-small.jpg?sfvrsn=75be305_2)
I lost 93 pounds. My goal of being an active, healthy "Gran T" has been achieved. The best of my journey is just beginning!