Surgery, Strength, and Support: Inside Karen’s Weight-Loss Journey

At 66, Karen Ferguson was on blood pressure medication, exhausted by the daily toll her weight was taking on her health. But after a life-changing gastric bypass surgery, she’s lost more than 100 pounds—and gained her life back.

“I gained weight after having two children, and I've been to a weight-loss program, tried to do things on my own, but it just didn't seem to work,” she says. “I was having a few health issues, and when I asked my doctor about them, he suggested I talk to a bariatric surgeon.”

Karen met with G. Brent Sorensen, MD, a board-certified general surgeon with Saint Luke’s Center for Surgical Weight Loss.

Karen's care with the bariatric surgery team began with a consultation, and over the course of the next few months, included extensive education about surgical options for weight loss, diet counseling based on her nutritional needs, and a custom exercise program.

Karen received a gastric bypass in May 2015. A decade after her weight-loss surgery, she continues to enjoy lasting improvements in her health, confidence, and overall quality of life. Karen walks almost 5,000 steps every day, takes walks with her mini golden doodle, and spends quality time with her two daughters and six granddaughters.

“This year, my doctor took me off the blood pressure medicine I was prescribed when I weighed more. I feel so much better about myself, and I feel better in my clothes,” she says.

Feeling healthier and more like herself again, Karen credits not just the surgery results, but the support system that helped her get there.

“It's been great for me, and I’m thankful for Dr. Sorensen's team, including the staff and everybody there. I’ve been 100% happy with it,” she says.

If you’re considering surgical weight-loss options, take the first step by visiting our website to learn more about how our multidisciplinary team of experts at Saint Luke's Center for Surgical Weight Loss can help you accomplish your health goals.