"I never realized how bad I felt until I had the gastric sleeve. I no longer suffer from the body pain, migraines, chronic fatigue, or sleep apnea."

Renee Farris

My name is Renee Farris, I had the gastric sleeve on October 23, 2014. My starting weight was 226 lbs at 5' tall with a BMI of 44. I am three years out weighing 116 lbs with a normal BMI of 22. I recovered very quickly from surgery and never had any complications. I used all the educational materials provided by the CHI St. Vincent bariatric team and I have not suffered from any stomach issues, vomiting, hair loss, etc.

Prior to surgery, I suffered from migraines, fibromyalgia, Hashimoto's disease, heart arrhythmia, hypopglycemia, sleep apnea, chronic fatique syndrome and more. I started gaining weight when I was in my early 20's and became 100 lbs overweight quickly. I carried this weight my entire adult life. I continued to work full time, be a wife and mother, active in church, but suffered terribly. I never realized how bad I felt until I had the gastric sleeve. I no longer suffer from the body pain, migraines, chronic fatigue, or sleep apnea. I enjoy going to work and have plenty of energy when I get home for my family! My lifestyle has changed tremendously! My husband and I work out together at the gym. I meet with friends several evenings and walk, and enjoy an occasional bike ride. My relationship with food has changed completely. I think about what and how much food I put into my body. My sleeve has helped me learn to try new foods and enjoy them.

I am thankful for the dedication of the bariatric team at CHI St. Vincent. We have continuing education with our doctors, nurses and nutritionist. The ongoing support with fellow sleevers and staff encourages me to continue growing in my new lifestyle. I stay within three pounds to keep myself accountable to life healthy and avoid regain. Since my surgery, two friends reached out to learn more about my weight loss journey. They both had the surgery and are doing wonderfully and losing weight.

My only regret...I wish I had the gastric sleeve 20 years earlier!