Tracy Sanginiti struggled with her weight throughout her life. She tried traditional weight loss attempts of diet and exercise, but nothing seemed to take the weight off. At this time in her life, Tracy was worried about her health. She had borderline high blood pressure, varicose veins and was pre-disposed to diabetes. Tracy also suffered from chronic acid reflux and sleep apnea. She believed the sleep apnea was inhibiting her from losing the weight, causing her body to produce cortisol, feeling tired during the day and contributing to poor food choices.
Weighing in at 240 pounds, Tracy made the decision to attend a free weight-loss surgery seminar with Sansum Clinic’s board-certified bariatric surgeon,
Dr. Marc Zerey. During the seminar, Tracy learned about the different types of weightloss surgery and Sansum Clinic’s whole-team approach. The bariatric surgery team consists of Dr. Marc Zerey, registered dietitian Emily Luxford, MS, RD, Jessica Orozco, Bariatric Surgery Coordinator and Rosanna Herrera, LVN.
Originally, Dr. Zerey recommended the gastric sleeve, but because of her history of chronic acid reflux, Tracy inquired about gastric bypass. According to Tracy, “Dr. Zerey listened to my concerns and agreed to do the bypass.” She went on to say, “He was very thorough and kind from consultation to post-op.” Dr. Zerey’s entire team has really made a difference in Tracy’s success. She attends the monthly support group lead by Emily Luxford. “The surgery was the tool Dr. Zerey gave me to help achieve my weight loss goals. Emily’s support group helped me succeed in my weight loss journey and beyond. She gives creative ideas of not only what to eat, but how to eat based on my body’s current needs.” Tracy no longer eats processed food and incorporates organic foods into her diet. To Tracy, the most challenging part of gastric bypass surgery is eating enough protein and nutrients, but with Emily’s help and guidance, Tracy has the tools she needs in order get the proper nutrition.
When asked about the support group, Emily said, “One of the unique aspects of the bariatric program at Sansum Clinic is the ongoing nutritional support. This nutrition guidance is provided not only in one-on-one counseling sessions, but also through support groups.
The support groups allow people to work together to make changes in their lives and impact their health and longevity. The support groups extend beyond the monthly meetings through a secure online group. This group is monitored by a healthcare professional and enables Sansum Clinic patients to maintain support as needed. This multi-faceted approach facilitates the success of the bariatric patient at Sansum Clinic.”
During Tracy’s journey, she has lost 120 pounds. She is in good health and no longer suffers from high blood pressure, varicose veins, acid reflux or sleep apnea. Since losing weight, Tracy can chase after and keep up with her grandkids and great-grandkids. She also enjoys activities such as biking and hiking with her family, and has improved her balance. One of her favorite hikes is Tangerine Falls, just off of the Cold Springs Trail in Montecito. “This trail is not for the faint of heart. There are huge boulders that I can climb over without a second thought. I wouldn’t have been able to do that if I hadn’t lost the weight.”
To those considering weight-loss surgery Tracy advises, “Don’t be afraid. Get the information you need to make an informed decision. Make sure you have a personal support group in place, and most importantly – give yourself permission to be happy with yourself and your choices.”