From Injections to Incision: One Woman’s Weight loss Odyssey
Sandra Sio, a 35-year-old San Diego dental office manager, embarked on a challenging weight loss journey. Carrying 300 pounds, years of dieting yielded no results. In 2022, she sought bariatric surgery, a procedure to help her lose weight.
Her physician initially suggested a different approach: injections of semaglutide (Wegovy), a popular GLP-1 medication. These drugs have gained importent media attention for their appetite-suppressing and digestion-slowing effects. However, Sio’s experience was far from positive. “I was just very nauseous and sick. I would wake up nauseous and go to bed nauseous and be nauseous just all day,” she recounted.
A switch to liraglutide (Saxenda), another GLP-1 drug, offered some improvement, but the side effects persisted. the financial aspect also played a role. Her doctor explained the potential cost savings for her Medi-Cal HMO: “spending $1,400 a month for the drug versus spending $5,000 one time for the surgery — and it’s done — your insurance will see the monetary difference and approve you for surgery a little easier,” he reportedly told her.
Despite a modest 14-pound weight loss with the medications, Sio felt bariatric surgery remained her best option. She faced additional challenges: drug shortages (“back-ordered,” she was told) and concerns about potential side effects, including a necessary gallbladder surgery, the connection to the medication remaining uncertain. “I’m not saying it was because of the medication, but I did get fearful, and wondered, you know, is this going to cause other issues?” she admitted.
The path to surgery proved arduous. Her initial HMO imposed stringent requirements, including 12 weekly dietitian appointments and numerous county-wide tests. A fortunate career change brought a shift in her health coverage to Kaiser Permanente,significantly streamlining the process. “There were 10 weeks of classes that I could do via Zoom.Then I interviewed with the Kaiser Permanente surgeon,” she explained.
Dr. William Bertucci, MD, scheduled her sleeve gastrectomy for September 10th at Scripps Mercy Hospital, a facility contracted with Kaiser for bariatric surgeries in San Diego. The outcome? A resounding success. As of December 8th, Sio proudly reported a 66-pound weight loss. “It’s…” she began, her voice filled with relief and triumph, but the sentence trailed off, leaving the reader to imagine the unspoken joy of her accomplishment.
“`htmlweight-Loss Surgery: A Patient’s triumph Over Side Effects
For many seeking weight loss, surgery offers a potential solution. Though, the associated medication side effects can be daunting. One patient, whose name has been withheld for privacy, recently shared her experience, highlighting the significant benefits she achieved while minimizing the drawbacks.
The patient underwent a weight-loss procedure, a decision she described as life-changing.”It was nice,” she recounted, “What I wanted all along was the surgery without the medication side-effects. And, I mean, who doesn’t want to lose weight fast?” Her statement underscores the common desire for effective weight loss with minimal discomfort.
While the specifics of the procedure remain undisclosed to protect the patient’s privacy, her experience speaks volumes about the potential for accomplished weight-loss surgery. The patient’s focus on minimizing medication side effects is a crucial aspect often overlooked in discussions surrounding bariatric surgery. Many patients weigh the risks and benefits carefully, prioritizing a smoother recovery process.
The patient’s positive outcome highlights the importance of thorough consultation with medical professionals before undergoing any weight-loss procedure. A personalized approach, considering individual health needs and preferences, is essential for achieving optimal results and minimizing potential complications.
This case study underscores the ongoing evolution of weight-loss surgery techniques and the increasing focus on patient-centered care. As surgical techniques advance and medication options improve, more patients can expect positive outcomes with reduced side effects.
About the author
This article was written by a medical and science journalist with over three decades of experience. Their expertise ensures accurate and insightful reporting on complex medical topics.
