At his peak weight of 250 pounds, Jose Angel Gonzalez encountered multiple health issues, including chronic sleep apnea, prediabetes, and high cholesterol. As a truck driver, his routine involved long hours of sitting and limited access to nutritious food.
Despite numerous attempts to shed pounds using different weight loss medications, Gonzalez found that once he stopped taking them, the weight returned.
“For me, medication wasn’t a lasting solution,” reflected Gonzalez on his temporary successes. He also felt concerned about how his declining health impacted his wife.
Determined to reclaim his health, Gonzalez explored various bariatric surgery options and became particularly intrigued by the gastric sleeve procedure.
Within a year, he successfully underwent the gastric sleeve operation, conducted by Dr. Keith Scharf, the Director of Bariatric Surgery at Loma Linda University Health. This procedure not only transformed his life but also significantly improved his health.
Preparing for Surgery
Prior to his surgery, Gonzalez engaged in a comprehensive bariatric program, which included nutrition classes and consultations with dietitians, aiming to prepare him for the significant lifestyle changes required.
“I learned a lot,” said Gonzalez, noting how the classes clarified his post-surgery expectations, particularly regarding his diet.
The intention behind these classes isn’t solely to prepare patients for surgery but also to alter their mindset for long-term success. Scharf emphasized that without a commitment to lifestyle changes, sustaining weight loss becomes challenging.
“Having a clear objective can be highly motivating for patients as they collaborate with dietitians and mental health professionals to identify necessary routine adjustments,” Scharf remarked.
Surgery Day: Sleeve Gastrectomy
After completing his preparatory classes, Gonzalez had a sleeve gastrectomy, a one-hour minimally invasive procedure that allowed him to spend just one night in the hospital.
“The surgery specifically targets the stomach,” explained Scharf. “We typically remove 80 to 85 percent of the stomach via small laparoscopic or robotic incisions.”
Thanks to the minimally invasive technique, Gonzalez was able to walk shortly after the surgery, and he reported experiencing no pain.
Adjusting to a New Diet
In the weeks following his surgery, Gonzalez concentrated on daily walking, remaining active, and adhering to his strictly liquid and soft-food diet.
“We begin patients on a clear liquid diet for about 24 hours while in the hospital,” said Scharf. “Once they return home, they transition to a full liquid diet for two weeks, followed by pureed foods and eventually soft foods, leading to solids around the six-week mark.”
The gradual diet progression is essential for patients to relearn how to eat. After surgery, their sense of satiety and even taste can alter significantly, and consuming heavy foods too soon may cause complications like nausea and chest pressure.
Life After Weight Loss
During this adjustment period, Gonzalez experienced significant weight loss.
“The first four weeks yielded the most weight loss for me; it was a substantial drop,” he shared.
Beyond merely losing weight, Gonzalez was resolute about not reverting to his old eating patterns, crediting his success not just to the bariatric classes but also to the support of his wife.
“As a truck driver, I used to rely heavily on fast food, but I no longer do that. My wife prepares my meals, which helps keep me on track,” he noted.
In the first six months post-surgery, he lost around 100 pounds. Seven years later, his weight has remained relatively stable within a healthy range, with minor fluctuations.
“I may have gained 18 pounds over the years, but I know how to handle it,” he stated. Furthermore, his weight loss has improved his health considerably—his cholesterol levels normalized, his sleep apnea decreased, and his energy levels returned.
This transformation allowed him to revisit a cherished hobby: running. “Now, even on the road, I park my truck, lace up my shoes, and run three to four miles, a feat I couldn’t manage before surgery.”
Advice for Others
Gonzalez offers a piece of advice to those encountering similar struggles: “The surgery is beneficial for weight loss, especially in the initial months, but remaining active is crucial afterward. Inactivity could lead to regaining the weight.”
The potential for weight gain after surgery underscores the importance of education throughout the surgical process, as noted by Scharf.
“It’s vital for people to understand that obesity is a chronic disease,” Scharf concluded. “This is why we prioritize education for our patients, the community, and healthcare providers.”
Individuals facing obesity or related medical conditions—such as type II diabetes or high blood pressure—might be eligible for sleeve gastrectomy or other bariatric treatments. For more details, please call 909-651-7091 or visit our website.
