Weight loss surgery at Flagstaff Medical Center Bariatric Surgical Weight Loss Center helped Victoria Rogers lose nearly 200 pounds, allowing her to be a full participant in the life of her dreams.

An Answer at Long Last 
Rogers, who has a family history of diabetes, heart disease and obesity, had been dieting since age 8 without any success. By the time she was in her early 30s, her weight had risen to a life-threatening 336 pounds.

“I had chronic back pain, cellulitis (inflammation due to infection), sleep apnea (the sleep disorder that can lead to heart disease), acid refl ux and prediabetes,” Rogers said. “I also was unable to get pregnant, which was very disheartening to my husband and me. I knew I had to get the weight off to save my health and regain my life.”

A Personal Touch
Patients who meet the criteria for bariatric surgery work with their surgeon to decide which procedure is best for them. Rogers met with Robert Berger, M.D., F.A.C.S., and his caring staff, who thoroughly discussed her options. Based on her health, Rogers and Dr. Berger determined the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RGB), was the best option. In gastric bypass surgery, a new, smaller stomach is created. It is the most common of the bariatric surgery procedures, because it produces the most rapid weight loss results.

Rapid Results
Bariatric, or weight loss surgery, is the most effective solution when a person’s weight is classifi ed as morbidly obese, a condition that is usually accompanied by one or more serious health risks. Candidates for the surgery must typically have:

“The goal of bariatric surgery is the rapid resolution of life-threatening health conditions,” said Dr. Berger, bariatric surgeon at Flagstaff Medical Center. “Patients who have been battling conditions such as diabetes for years may see a change as soon as they go home. Many can stop or reduce their medications after losing 20 to 30 pounds, which usually takes about a month.”

Geared for Success
“After losing 170 pounds in 13 months, I have learned that eating is not as important as my overall health,” Rogers said. “I can now do things I’ve always wanted to do but couldn’t – like start a family and ride the rides at Disneyland.”