Dameron Hospital | Health Outlook | Fall 2019

dameronhospital.org 15 seat belt extender and didn’t want to impose on the space of people sitting next to me. I even experienced ‘weight bias’ from some medical professionals, who made me feel like my situation was due to my inability to control my appetite and being too lazy to exercise. It really crushed my self esteem. I also realized that Tyffani was having similar challenges, and she relied on me for support, so it was my responsibility to be there for her and I needed to remain healthy. This entire situation had become intolerable, and I knew that I had to do something about it.” Tyffani’s issues with weight have been with her since childhood. What made it difficult to accept was that she actually led a very active life. She was able to keep up with her classmates in gym class, played on the soccer team, studied ballet, loved riding her bike and spent a lot of time at the playground. Still, she continued to gain weight. As she transitioned into high school, concern over social pressures and expectations began to dominate her life. “I tried so many diets and exercise programs, but nothing worked,” says Tyffani. “Eventually, I just began avoiding activities with my friends that were strenuous or made me uncomfortable, so pool parties, the beach, amusement parks and hikes were out. It’s not that I didn’t want to go, but it was far easier to avoid risking any embarrassing situations. I often thought about how much fun everyone else was having and wishing I could be a part of it.” Looking for answers As Tyffani approached her senior year in high school, both mother and daughter began exploring bariatric weight loss as a real solution to their challenges. After discovering that their insurance would cover their procedures if medically indicated, they identified Dr. Samarkandy and the Dameron Bariatric Weight Loss Surgery Program right here in Stockton as the best option for them. “When we first met with Dr. Samarkandy, we were impressed by the level of expertise he conveyed, as well as his honesty and affability,” says Heather. “He was so easy to talk to, and he answered our questions thoroughly. He prepared us to make fully informed decisions on whether to proceed and what it would take.” The process includes a workup and preparation for several months prior to the surgery to ensure the patient is seriously committed to success. “We need to make sure that each patient is mentally prepared to make the lifestyle changes necessary to support the physiological changes we are making to their digestive system,” Dr. Samarkandy says. “The actual procedure is what we refer to as a ‘tool’ to help the patient achieve the weight loss they require to be at their ideal weight. Maintaining that ideal weight for the long term requires permanent changes to their eating and activity regimen, so it’s essential to prepare each patient for what lies ahead and verify that they are ready for it. We want to set up each patient to successfully achieve the quality of life they are seeking.” Tyffani underwent her bariatric procedure in September 2017 and Heather’s was in November 2017. “I can’t say enough about how well I was cared for by Dr. Samarkandy and the staff at Dameron Hospital,” says Heather. “Everyone at the hospital treated me with dignity and respect—and they were so compassionate and responsive to my needs. From the time I checked in to the time I was discharged, my experience was really positive.” Tyffani had been hospitalized earlier that year for other complications that had to be resolved before she was cleared for her bariatric procedure. “I know I was a difficult patient because I had already spent months in a hospital that year being treated for another medical condition, so that was the last place I wanted to be,” says Tyffani. “The Dameron experience was a 10 out of 10 for me because they went above and beyond what I would normally expect from a hospital.” Living out a dream Today, mother and daughter are on top of the world and have fully accomplished their goals of hitting their target weights and maintaining them. “My life is so different now,” says Heather. “My health has never been better and my diabetes has completely resolved. I also have less back pain. As far as activities are concerned, the sky’s the limit! I have so much energy and joy in my life again—it’s indescribable!” “I’m now able to swim, run, bike, hike and generally live life on my terms,” says Tyffani. She recalls how much fun it was when she and her mom recently spent the day at Universal Studios in Los Angeles: “We both spent the entire day walking around and enjoying all of the rides, with no downtime. That wasn’t even possible before going through this program. It’s like we are experiencing entirely new lives.” “Social anxiety no longer impacts how we lead our lives,” adds Heather. “This is our new normal, and it’s been such a complete transformation for us. We are so grateful that the Dameron bariatric weight-loss program was available to us.” “Thank you so much Dr. Samarkandy and Dameron Hospital for changing our lives,” Tyffani agrees. “Everyone at the hospital treatedmewith dignity and respect—and they were so compassionate and responsive to my needs.”