“Here I stand nine months later, happy and healthy. I have lost a total of 165lbs. My son and I fit in my old pants and we took a picture to celebrate my success. Today I hike, I swim, I run, I play with my children in the park. I didn’t realize how obesity can cripple you from doing so much in life until it is all taken away from you.”

Dear Healthy Step Members and Future Clients,

I am writing my story today to share with the world. I recently had gastric bypass surgery to save my life. I was a 37 year old mother of three, and I was setting myself up for an early grave.

I am writing this story in hopes that it may help, inspire or motivate others. I had Gastric Bypass in August 20th 2007. I was a pre-diabetic with high blood pressure, sleep apnea, no circulation to my lower extremeties, venus status, and other co-morbities stemming from Obesity.

My ultimate breaking point was when I fell at work and came down on my tailbone, breaking it in half…….. I still remember very clearly to this day how it took 4 full grown paramedic men saying, “On the count of 3, Lift”………as I lay there on the stretcher as they loaded me into the ambulance.

The words are so clear in my mind, I can still hear their voices to this day. From that moment on, I knew I had to change my life, and knew that I could not continue living my life with all that pain and embarrassment anymore.

It wasn’t the bar at the amusement park rides that didn’t go down, or fitting in a booth at a restaurant, or fitting thru a turnstile, it wasn’t til that specific moment in time did the light bulb go on for me

However, even though I knew I needed to take action, it still took me about a year to fight 3 denials from my insurance company, but I never gave up the fight, I knew I had to do something if I wanted to be around to see my three children grow up. I had to write many letters, phone calls, and interviews, but I made it. I was finally approved in June 2007.
I have a wonderful husband of 14 years and unbelievable group of friends and family who never gave up on me. They never treated me differently even at 368lbs!
For once in my life I got clear on what it was that I wanted and I chose LIFE.

My surgery was done in my hometown of Santa Rosa, CA. The surgery was performed by Dr. Robert Woodbury. I can not tell you what an unbelievable surgeon and team they have at Healthy Steps. They are full of compassion and support and Dr. Woodbury has the best bedside manner ever.

Here I stand nine months later, happy and healthy. I have lost a total of 165lbs, and I work out 7-10 times a week at two different gyms. I no longer have high blood pressure, or sleep apnea, and my venus status is completely gone! My blood work and blood pressure prove that I am healthy as can be.

My son and I fit in my old pants and we took a picture to celebrate my success. Today I hike, I swim, I run, I play with my children in the park. I didnt realize how obesity can cripple you from doing so much in life until it is all taken away from you.

I believe the reason for my success is that I am thankful for all that I have. I go over my list of gratitudes daily, and I thank God daily for giving me the power to reach inside and love myself enough to know that I am in control and have the power to do, be, and change anything in my life. It’s my birthrite. Thank you again Dr. Woodbury, and the entire Healthy Steps Team! You are my angels.

Sincerely,
Francesca