Weight Loss Surgery Patient Testimonials
Sleeve Gastrectomy and Hiatal Hernia
“I’d like to express my gratitude to Dr. Stevenson and his wonderful staff for literally saving my life. Approaching age 65 with a hiatal hernia, 100+ lbs. overweight, and pre-diabetic put me at high risk for a stroke, cardiac issues and other health related problems. I sought the ultimate behavior modification process, weight loss surgery. By luck, I found Dr. Stevenson and Dignity Health Medical Group and could not have been more pleased with the process and the results.
Dr. Stevenson performed a vertical sleeve gastrectomy and hiatal hernia repair early in December of 2018. Prior to the surgery, I was placed on the “liver shrinking diet” by Dr. Stevenson, and after 4 weeks had already lost 30 lbs. The surgery was completed without complications and recovery time was minimal. Dr. Stevenson was supportive during the entire process, offering encouragement and acting as an information conduit for all things “sleeve” related. I was particularly encouraged throughout my weight loss journey by Dr. Stevenson’s compassionate manner and his sense of humor.
As I write this patient testimonial about 14 weeks post-surgery, I’m thrilled to report that as of my 65th birthday, I have dropped 85 lbs. and I’m within 17 lbs. of my goal weight of 185. Never would I have imagined that at this stage of my life, I’d weigh less than I did in high school. I cannot thank Dr. Stevenson and Dignity Health Medical Group al enough. They literally gave me my life back. I’d write more, but it’s time to walk up the 6 flights of stairs to my office instead of taking the elevator; something I would have been unable to do before meeting Dr. Stevenson. I am eternally thankful for his intervention”
Before and After
Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy
“On December 7th 2018 I had the Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy done by Dr. Shawn Stevenson. After meeting with multiple surgeons in the Valley I scheduled a consultation with Dr. Stevenson in June of 2018. I immediately knew upon meeting him that my search was over. I’ve struggled with my weight since I was 6 years old, so this decision did not come lightly to me. I have been pushed aside, ridiculed, and ignored because of my size and it was my biggest fear that this experience would be no different. Thankfully, that could not have been farther from my reality. Dr. Stevenson and all of the staff at Dignity Health Medical Group were incredibly professional, very friendly and inviting, and instantly made me feel like I mattered, which unfortunately is a rare feeling for someone who is obese.
I immediately started the weight loss program with Dignity Health and continued to see Dr. Stevenson as the months passed. I cannot say one negative thing about the team at Dignity Health. The program was extremely thorough and very intentional. They assessed not only my physical state, but my mental state as well. Every person I came in contact with over this 6 month journey whether they were a nurse, a receptionist, a psychologist, or worked in billing, treated me with the utmost respect and care. Case managers called to congratulate me when I received my surgery date, nurses cheered me on as I struggled to walk through the halls hours only hours after surgery. I truly believe it is because of the staff at Dignity Health and Mercy Gilbert, that I have had the results that I have today.
I am only 3 months post op and have had a total weight loss of 98 pounds, I’ve dropped 4 shirt sizes, 4 pant sizes, necklaces fit better, I don’t need a seat belt extender when I travel, and that’s just the beginning. I am no longer invisible, I have confidence I have never had before, and now I have the opportunity to share my story and hopefully be an inspiration to others. This has been the hardest, most challenging, and terrifying experience of my life. However, I can also proudly say that this is the best decision I have ever made, and I am strong and I am fearless. I have about 70 more pounds until I reach my goal weight, and I’m confident that with the continued support of Dr. Stevenson and his team, and my amazing family and friends, I’ll achieve my goal and so many more.”
Before and after
Weight Loss Surgery – JoAnn
Describe your life before you had Weight Loss Surgery.
Developed high pressure, anxiety, depression and hyperlipedemia in addition to back and knee pain. Wasn’t able to efficiently work a 12-hour shift as a nurse due to inability to keep moving for long periods of time.
How long were you considering Weight Loss Surgery before you came in? If you put off the decision, why did you wait? What eventually made you decide to “go for it”?
About 5 years….the hospital where I worked offered it as a one time benefit but I was unable to psychologically face the need for surgery at that time.
What was it like to work with the team, from the start of your journey to today?
Staff has always been friendly, non-judgmental and attentive to my specific needs and goals.
Describe your life now, after Weight Loss Surgery. What is the #1 thing you love being able to do now (that you could not do before)?
Shopping is so much fun and finding bargains on smaller sizes is great for the budget.
Before and after
Weight Loss Surgery – Brett
Describe your life before you had Weight Loss Surgery.
Before surgery I had little to no energy to do anything, really. I was tired all of the time, couldn’t play with my children, didn’t want to even do yard work. I was also ashamed of the way I looked. I didn’t want to go out in public, fearing people would judge me for being so heavy. If I saw someone I knew (or used to know) at a store or restaurant I would avoid them at all costs. I would not take pictures with my family because I didn’t like the way I looked.
How long were you considering Weight Loss Surgery before you came in? If you put off the decision, why did you wait? What eventually made you decide to “go for it”?
It was something that had been on my mind for a while, but I never had the nerve. Eventually, I decided that things (my weight) had gotten too out of hand.
What was it like to work with the team, from the start of your journey to today?
This journey has been wonderful! Everyone has been so nice and understanding… I couldn’t have asked for a better group of people to help me out in achieving my weight loss goals!
Describe your life now, after Weight Loss Surgery. What is the #1 thing you love being able to do now (that you could not do before)?
Exercise has become a lot easier; jogging a mile without having any problems, having energy to do pretty much whatever I want to do, going to the gym on a regular basis – these are all things I wanted to do before, but now I can actually do them.
Before and after
Weight Loss Surgery – Matthew
Describe your life before you had Weight Loss Surgery.
Before my weight loss surgery I struggled with High Blood pressure and Type 2 diabetes. I was getting sick a lot and struggled to be active as I felt sick all the time.
How long were you considering Weight Loss Surgery before you came in? If you put off the decision, why did you wait? What eventually made you decide to “go for it”?
In my case it was an emergency circumstance for me. I needed to have a section of my intestines removed because of a perforation. I seen 3 other surgeon before Doctor Stevenson offered me a solution or possibility to get everything fixed. He recommended I do the weight loss surgery so the other surgery I needed would be less of a risk.
What was it like to work with the team, from the start of your journey to today?
It was amazing to work with Doctor Stevenson and his staff. They saved my life.
Describe your life now, after Weight Loss Surgery. What is the #1 thing you love being able to do now (that you could not do before)?
It is definitely a change. I don’t feel sick all the time. One of the things I love doing now is hiking. Before I wouldn’t be able to hike as much.
Weight Loss Surgery – Fanta
Describe your life before you had Weight Loss Surgery.
I suffered with type two diabetes, high blood pressure, and my PTH hormone was out of whack. I was always tired. No matter how active I was I couldn’t lose weight. I tried dieting, exercise, and weight loss shots. Nothing worked.
How long were you considering Weight Loss Surgery before you came in? If you put off the decision, why did you wait? What eventually made you decide to “go for it”?
My blood sugars daily were 400 to 700 daily, I knew it was time to make a change. I knew I needed help.
What was it like to work with the team, from the start of your journey to today?
I had a great experience hands down, from my first consultation to my appointment with my surgeon. I got all the tools I needed to make myself successful. If I needed help or guidance they were there every step of the way.
Describe your life now, after Weight Loss Surgery. What is the #1 thing you love being able to do now (that you could not do before)?
It’s a journey, I’m taking it one day at a time. I am working hard each and every day with good food
choices. I work out six days a week and I can finally run a mile on the treadmill without gasping for air. I love looking in the mirror and having that confidence again.
Before and after
Gastric Bypass Surgery – Donald
Describe your life before you had Weight Loss Surgery.
I was very overweight, in fact at my heaviest I was 390 lbs. I had back problems, high blood pressure, and was pre-diabetic. My life was a walking time bomb.
How has the procedure impacted you – what is life like today?
I was on all kinds of medication that I wanted to get off of. Since the procedure, I’m medication-free. I’ve lost 200 lbs and am active, doing things.
What made you choose Agave Surgical Specialists?
After my consultation with Dr. Stevenson, it was a no-brainer. He made me feel safe and comfortable.
What was your patient experience?
Everything went absolutely perfect. I never doubted anything. I knew I was in great hands.
Since having weight loss surgery, how much weight have you lost, and how has this affected your health?
I’ve lost 200 lbs. I’m on no medication, not even an aspirin. I have amazing energy, and I’m so active. I have a new life. I’m doing things with my family and not making excuses because I’m not overweight. It’s a lifestyle change, not a diet – it’s much easier.
If you were talking to someone considering weight loss surgery, what advice would you give them?
Most definitely have it done. It will give you your life back and even add years to it. I feel amazing.
Would you recommend Agave Surgical Specialists to your friends and family? If so, why?
I would definitely recommend this facility to everyone. They will give you the opportunity to have a better life. Results will be incredible.
Before and after
