Jackie’s Journey: Finding confidence and health through bariatric surgery
In September 2020, Jackie Touhey, Cologne, made a life-changing decision to pursue weight loss surgery. For years, she had battled the ups and downs of dieting — losing weight only to gain it back. A thyroid condition added another layer of complexity for Jackie, making long-term success even harder.
“My endocrinologist suggested weight loss surgery,” Jackie recalls. “That, combined with seeing the results a family member had after their bariatric surgery, gave me hope.”
Ridgeview was a natural choice for Jackie
Jackie turned to Ridgeview’s Bariatric & Weight Loss team and consulted with Jeffrey Baker, MD. Together, they determined that sleeve gastrectomy was the best option. In this procedure, the stomach is reshaped into a long, tube-like form, approximately one-tenth of its original size, which limits food intake and supports sustainable weight loss.
Choosing Ridgeview felt natural for Jackie. “I have six kids who were all born at Ridgeview, and our family has had nothing but the best care, so it was the first place I considered for weight loss surgery. When I read that Dr. Baker’s father was a pioneer in bariatric surgery, it gave me even more confidence.”
Transformative results inside and out
Jackie has lost around 100 pounds and is astonished by the change in her quality of life. “I recognize myself in the mirror now, which I hadn’t for a long time. I feel good about leaving the house. I have confidence and energy — I can run now! Everything was a struggle before with an extra 100 pounds,” Jackie shared. “I’m not afraid to wear a swimsuit and get in the water with my kids anymore.”
Before surgery, Jackie was prediabetic and had high blood pressure. Today, both conditions are gone. Even her thyroid health has improved dramatically. “I have antibodies for both Hashimoto’s and Graves’ disease. For most of my life, my medication had to be adjusted monthly. Since losing the weight, I’ve been on the same dose consistently for the first time ever,” she explained.
Success attributed to support from the weight loss team
Five years later, Jackie remains at her target weight. “Weight loss surgery is a tool that will change your life for the better. The unknowns are scary — trust me, I actually backed out of the surgery once, which I can now laugh about — but it is so worth it. I have zero regrets.”
Jackie credits her success to the support she received. “Dr. Baker and his team are amazing. They care so much about their patients and are extremely supportive and responsive. Ridgeview is amazing, and I wouldn’t go anywhere else for our family’s health care needs,” Jackie said.
Ready to start your journey? Ridgeview’s Bariatric & Weight Loss team is dedicated to helping patients achieve long-term success through surgical and non-surgical options.
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