A little over two years ago, I came to Dr. Patel with my heart functioning at only 20% with severe Congestive Heart Failure, cardiomyopathy, and a severely enlarged, damaged heart. My waist size was 56” and I was in severe physical pain from the fluid in my abdomen pressing against my heart and lungs. I could barely breathe and had spent much of 2012 on oxygen, in the hospital, and unable to work. I was very unsure of my future or even how long I would live. At one point, I had considered going on disability because I was so sick – but I could never bring myself to do it, because I was scared I would see myself as disabled and give up.

According to the American Heart Association, “70% of women who are diagnosed with congestive heart failure will be dead within 5 years.” I decided early on that I would not be part of that 70%!

After meeting with Dr. Patel, conferring with my cardiologist and internist, and going through many surgical clearances, I had sleeve surgery in March of 2014. I’ve done everything the cardiologist and Dr. Patel have asked of me – and then some. I have gone from having to take 27 meds in the morning and 13 at night, to 8 in the morning and 4 at night. My diabetes medication has been reduced by more than 50%.
The most amazing part of this is that my heart function has MORE THAN DOUBLED (I’m up to 45% from 20%!!!) and MY HEART IS NO LONGER ENLARGED AND HAS RETURNED TO NORMAL SIZE!!! Weight loss surgery played a huge part in saving my life…and this is SOOOOO much bigger than the number on the scale!

I just reached my 5 year post diagnosis mark for CHF. Not only am I alive, but I am thriving!

Weight loss surgery is NOT the easy way out. You still have to do the work. But it’s an amazing tool that can not only help you lose weight, but regain your health in so many other ways. Dr. Patel and her team are AMAZING. They are so accessible, so knowledgeable, and they make sure that you go into surgery with eyes wide open and armed with all the knowledge you need to be a success story.
I am a walking, talking, BREATHING miracle and I thank God every day for the second chance at life.