Bariatric Surgery

Bariatric Surgery Changed Her Mindset… Then Her Life

Overweight for most of her life, Escondido nurse and mother of twins Brigit Davis said she had resigned herself at one point that she was always going to be obese after losing and gaining back even more weight, during multiple weight-loss programs. She peaked at 266 pounds.

The turning point came when she realized she wasn’t going to be able to be an active part of her children’s lives because she couldn’t fit into roller coasters, got winded pushing them on a swing and couldn’t chase them around the yard.

She had considered but discounted, multiple times, bariatric surgery even though her primary care physician said she’d be an excellent candidate.

“There is definitely a stigma about bariatric surgery,” Davis said, “that it is the easy way out.”

Finally, after meeting with Palomar Health surgeon Dr. Ramin Sorkhi, MD, F.A.C.S., at the Palomar Health Weight Management Center, she decided to have a vertical sleeve gastrectomy, which removes a portion of the stomach.

“In researching the surgery, and talking with my doctor about it, this was the only option I felt would be a permanent change in my life,” Davis said.

Surgery by itself isn’t enough to achieve life-changing results; it must be accompanied by diet and exercise. The need for post-surgery lifestyle changes has some critics contending patients can receive the same results without surgery. While it may be true for some, Davis said she needed the physical changes achieved through surgery to activate the mental changes necessary to keep the weight off.

“It’s almost like it (bariatric surgery) translated to a change in my mind; my mindset is completely different,” Davis said. “I want to eat healthy; I want to nourish my body with good foods that give me energy and keep me strong.”

Because her stomach is biologically smaller post-surgery, Davis said she becomes physical ill if she eats too much or the wrong kinds of foods. This was never the case for her growing up, when she said food became a source of comfort.

Her parents divorced when she was 12 and her father’s way of caring was buying her whatever food she wanted. She was often home alone, but pizza and ice cream were readily available and became like a friend to her, she later discovered through therapy. She would eat to mask her pain. However, since bariatric surgery, she said exercise has become her source of comfort. She now puts on her headphones and walks or jogs around the neighborhood.

by Palomar Health

“Using my new body and pushing it and being successful with it really brings me good feelings,” Davis said.

The Palomar Health Weight Management Center offers a holistic program to help patients through the entire process, including counseling, nutrition consultation, physician follow up and weekly support groups. Davis said more than one year later she continues to work with her dietician and will attend the bariatric support groups forever.

“I like having a cheerleader when I’ve had success or struggles…people who’ve gone through the same thing,” Davis said.

She’s also receiving positive reinforcement from buying new clothes, being able to reach her own feet, not needing a seatbelt extender and playing soccer with her children. People are now complimenting her on her looks.

“Before, I was so heavy I would often try to hide my body in oversized clothes. I wouldn’t do my hair. I didn’t care to try. I wouldn’t do my makeup,” Davis said.

“Now I feel like I don’t have to hide anymore. I want people to see me.”

To learn if bariatric surgery is right for you, contact the Palomar Health Weight Management Center at 858-613-4022 or visit our website at www.palomarhealth.org.

Children’s Primary Care Medical Group

The Best Pediatricians Are In Your Neighborhood!

Find the best pediatric healthcare for your family with Children’s Primary Care Medical Group (CPCMG), the region’s only health network focused solely on children, their health and well-being. Since its inception 25 years ago, CPCMG has grown to include more than 145 pediatricians, physician assistants and certified pediatric nurse practitioners working in 29 offices located through San Diego and Riverside counties.

CPCMG was pleased to welcome the amazing doctors and staff of Pediatric Partners a few years ago, providing more opportunities for Riverside County families to access award-winning primary pediatric healthcare. In addition, CPCMG maintains close relationships with the pediatric specialists at Rady Children’s Hospital-San Diego to coordinate patient referrals and follow-up when specialty care is needed.

“By bringing our teams together, we strengthened our vision to provide the best pediatric healthcare for our families while improving the lives of our patients and the health of our communities,” said Dr. Thomas Mohr, CPCMG lead physician. “As the Rady Children’s Health Network continues to expand in the region, CPCMG families will have greater access to top quality healthcare for their children in the years to come.”

CPCMG is committed to offer patient-focused, familycentered pediatric healthcare for children from birth to age 18. This includes well visits, developmental screenings, school, camp and sports physicals, immunizations, weight management and nutrition tips, behavioral consultations and teen healthcare.

Expectant parents can schedule a complimentary prenatal visit, providing the opportunity to meet their new CPCMG pediatrician. CPCMG also provides information about local labor and delivery resources, pre- and postnatal care and breast-feeding support. Many of CPCMG’s pediatricians are also parents, so they can give advice and support on everything from establishing a sleep schedule, diapers, car seat safety, bathing, newborn skin care and more.

Scheduling an appointment is easy and convenient thanks to after-hours and weekend appointments. The patient portal MyChart offers secure online

Patient-focused, family-centered pediatric healthcare for children from birth to age 18. access to your child’s medical records and the ability to manage appointments, check test results, communicate with your pediatrician and request prescription refills. The Nurse Care Connect program links you to pediatric registered nurses who are available Monday through Friday to provide advice and guidance. After-hours telephone triage care and Video Visits are also available. CPCMG pediatricians are board-certified with the American Board of Pediatrics or equivalent governing bodies, representing their ongoing commitment to the health and the well-being of children. CPCMG is also accredited by The Accreditation Association of Ambulatory Health Care. For our Fallbrook location, call 760451-0070. Outside the area? Call 858502-1177 and CPCMG will find the best pediatrician for your family at one of their 29 offices in San Diego and Riverside counties. Visit the CPCMG web site for more information at www.cpcmg.net.

Children’s Primary Care Medical Group 1107 S. Mission Road Fallbrook, CA 92028 (760) 451-0070

www.cpcmg.net