Saginaw Woman’s Life Transformed by Bariatric Surgery
Wife, Mother, Bariatric Surgery Patient
“Bariatric surgery has brought transformative changes to both my physical and mental health.”
Saginaw resident Kayla Gonzales, 38, has always struggled with her weight. After years of trying a variety of tactics to lose weight that ended in disappointments, she consulted with Physician Vasanth Stalin, M.D., to discuss bariatric surgery. Now, she is living life to its fullest, happily keeping up with her husband and two little ones.
Kayla had a moment of clarity when she decided to see a primary care provider, something she’d been putting off for years for fear of judgement. She was diagnosed with both diabetes and high blood pressure. She was also referred to Dr. Stalin.
“I’ve always struggled with my weight. It was constantly fluctuating,” Kayla shared. “I would lose weight then gain it right back. At one point, when I approached 300 pounds, I sort of gave up. In fact, I distinctly recall telling someone that I no longer cared about my weight or my health. If I could go back in time and speak to that version of myself, I don’t think she would have believed how her life would change for the better.”
Following the counsel of Dr. Stalin and the weight management team, Kayla read everything she could to prepare herself mentally and physically for the surgery. She described it as a healing process in many ways which helped her embrace her post-surgical body. Dr. Stalin performed a sleeve gastrectomy on Kayla. The procedure uses staples to divide the stomach into two sections, removing the largest section and keeping a long, narrow section resembling the shape of a sleeve. The procedure is performed laparoscopically through a small incision for quicker healing. Patients who undergo sleeve gastrectomy feel full quickly and consume less food at each meal. On average, patients lose about half of their excess body weight in 12 months.
“If I had to choose three words to describe how I feel today, they would be healthy, confident and—most importantly—happy. Those are three words I never thought I would be…especially all at the same time,” said Kayla. “Bariatric surgery has brought transformative changes to both my physical and mental health. Not only have I said goodbye to diabetes, but I’ve also gained a renewed sense of wellbeing.”
Kayla has taken part in monthly support group meetings, saying they have become a highlight in her calendar. In fact, the group has become like a second family to her. “We've grown so close that several members even attended my wedding,” she said. “We uplift and encourage one another, and it’s comforting to know that support is always just a message away. I also discovered a local gym that I genuinely enjoy and found a workout routine that aligns perfectly with my body’s needs and goals. I truly feel so lucky.”
Another aspect of the journey that she genuinely enjoys is discovering healthier alternatives to the foods she once craved. She’s been about to find a balance that satisfies her tastes without compromising her new healthy lifestyle.
“Not a day goes by that I am not grateful for Dr. Stalin and the dedicated bariatric team,” said Kayla. “Today, I can confidently say that I am proud of how far I’ve come.”
MyMichigan Health offers bariatric surgery in Saginaw, Alma, Midland and Sault Ste. Marie. Those who would like to learn more or take a free weight loss assessment may visit www.mymichigan.org/weightloss.
