How Bariatric Surgery Changed Deborah's Life
Deborah was having a hard time managing her weight for years when she heard from a friend the benefits of bariatric surgery.
She understood that her health was not where she wanted it to be, having been diagnosed with high blood pressure, prediabetes, asthma, sleep apnea and stage 4 kidney disease.
Having received a knee replacement in both of her knees following numerous sports injuries and a family she wanted to be there for, she decided it was time to take her health seriously and explore bariatric surgery.
She discussed this with her EvergreenHealth primary care provider who recommended Dr. John Dockins with EvergreenHealth's Weight Loss & Bariatric Care.
"I was so impressed with Dr. Dockins from the very start. He was so excited about what he does, very kind and smart," Deborah said. "And he was such a great cheerleader throughout the entire process."
Deborah and Dr. Dockins decided the best procedure for her was the Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy surgery (VSG), which is a minimally invasive procedure that involves removing most of the stomach to create a smaller "sleeve" that helps restrict food intake and reduce the release of hunger hormones.
"The first time I met Deborah, I didn't just see someone preparing for surgery. I saw a person with courage, hope and a powerful story," said Dr. Dockins. "She had a deep commitment to reclaiming her health and future. I promised her that I would be here to support and walk with her every step of her journey."
However, her journey started even before her surgery with the full support of the entire Weight Loss & Bariatric Department, including guidance from an expert nutritionist and ongoing care and collaboration with providers from across the EvergreenHealth system.
"Dr. Dockins told me, 'We follow through with you for life,'" Deborah said. "And that has absolutely been the case. I'm able to contact my care team using the MyChart app whenever I need to."
Deborah underwent bariatric surgery in March 2023, and as of March 2025, she's lost more than 100 pounds. "It's so much more than a physical thing. There is a mental health aspect to the care you receive as well," she said. "Recovery from the surgery lasted just a couple of weeks."
Not only is she at a healthier weight, her care team was also able to pinpoint other issues and begin treatment, including Graves disease and a benign brain tumor just over a year following her VSG surgery.
Because of the success of her bariatric surgery, she was able to have the tumor removed with zero complications. "I credit my weight loss from my surgery for the ease and success of my recovery from brain surgery. I was physically in a much better position to have brain surgery than I was before," Deborah said.
Today, Deborah's lifestyle is completely changed for the better. She's able to better look after her family, including her two children who have special needs and live with her and her husband of 29 years.
Not only does she feel confident she'll be there for her family for years to come, she's enjoying a much more active lifestyle. In March 2025, she ran a 5K and a 10K in the same weekend. Plus, she's back playing soccer like she did when she was younger.
Her and her husband of 29 years are also thinking about doing a full family 5K. She said, "It's a lifestyle. It's a change. I just enjoy life more now, and I also have an extremely supportive group."
Read more EvergreenHealth Bariatric Surgery Patient Stories.
