Denise's Story
Humanitarian Aid Consultant
After a series of surgeries left her inactive, Denise gained 140 pounds over ten years. She struggled with many diets but, even when she was successful, she would eventually gain the weight back. She wasn't excited about the idea of weight-loss surgery, but she started doing research to find out more about the process. During that time, she found a surgeon and a support group at California Pacific Medical Center that slowly started to change her mind. After comprehensive tests to make sure she was a candidate, Denise underwent gastric bypass surgery in January 2004. Over the next 13 months, she learned how to eat properly with a nutritionist affiliated with California Pacific and lost every last one of those 140 pounds.
While her physical health improved dramatically, it was just as important to transform her mental well-being. Between the hospital's aftercare program, her cheering section of nurses that were always ready with help and information, and a post-surgery support group, Denise was able to truly embrace her body. Her newfound confidence even inspired her to do volunteer as a humanitarian relief worker in Louisiana after Hurricane Katrina, something she had always wanted to do if the opportunity arose. Today, Denise is back in graduate school, working toward an MBA to help fulfill her dream of doing humanitarian aid relief. One could even say she's a whole new woman.
