![Podcast Episode 1: I Had "Weighted" Long Enough](https://www.chistvincent.com/images/default-source/default-album/podcast-1130b8dfeb24261cf979bff00000f2a34.jpg?sfvrsn=5e49ec05_0)
In this episode of "A View From The Bed," a podcast by CHI St. Vincent, we talk to Jennifer, a bariatric surgery patient, about her weight loss journey.
![What Patients Can Expect with Weight Loss Surgery](https://www.chistvincent.com/images/default-source/default-album/brandon-ingram.jpg?sfvrsn=3189ea05_1)
Dr. Brandon Ingram, Bariatric, General Surgeon, explains what a patient can expect with weight loss surgery.
![How Weight Can Impact Cardiovascular Health](https://www.chistvincent.com/images/default-source/default-album/jason-pelton42cb8bfeb24261cf979bff00000f2a34.jpg?sfvrsn=f89ea05_0)
Being overweight has a direct negative effect on your heart health. Dr. Jason Pelton, Interventional Cardiologist, describes symptoms that may indicate there is a heart issue.
![Should I have weight loss surgery?](https://www.chistvincent.com/images/default-source/blog-images/brandon-ingram-md.jpg?sfvrsn=3a32ea05_0)
Obesity is not just a cosmetic problem. It can lead to long-term serious health problems.
![Should I have weight loss surgery? Part 2](https://www.chistvincent.com/images/default-source/blog-images/salad.jpg?sfvrsn=ba32ea05_0)
Obesity is a condition that can lead to serious health complications. If this is not successful, weight loss surgery may be a good option.
![Should I have weight loss surgery? Part 3](https://www.chistvincent.com/images/default-source/blog-images/exercising-weights44718bfeb24261cf979bff00000f2a34.jpg?sfvrsn=933ea05_0)
Morbid obesity can lead to long-term chronic health conditions like diabetes and heart disease. Losing weight is an important part of reducing risk for these conditions.
![DIET (The Four Letter Word)](https://www.chistvincent.com/images/default-source/blog-images/lady-with-tape-measure.jpg?sfvrsn=7be6eb05_0)
Don’t look at food as a temptation, rather a controlled situation. You must be in control of your food and not allow your food to be in control of you. Don’t look at exercise as a drudgery, rather a fun activity. Find something you like and get active!
![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!