Before and After Bariatric Surgery Series

This page is dedicated to patient success stories at the Denver Health Bariatric Surgery Center. Patients are invited to write a short article about their weight loss journeys and share before and after photos. The photos are first shared with other bariatric surgery patients in a special monthly newsletter as a way of showing inspiration and support. Some of the stories are then published right here on the Denver Health website for everyone to share. We hope these stories will inspire you on your health journey as well.

Shannon McGill

Hi, my name is Shannon McGill. I will be 45 years old in September 2024 and I am over a year post-op roux en y gastric bypass surgery. I like to call the day of my surgery the first day of the rest of my life. Since surgery, I have lost 127 pounds and since starting in the program, I have lost a total of 143 pounds and counting. I am no longer taking three of the four blood pressure medications I took before surgery. I went from having very severe sleep apnea to very mild sleep apnea. I can fly on an airplane without a seat belt extender for the first time in 20 years. My energy and mood have improved significantly, and I actually enjoy working out now. I highly recommend going to the pool before and after surgery, because it's a lot easier to exercise when you don't have pains and old injuries.

‌Here are some healthy snack options that have helped keep me on track with my diet: fruits and veggies, chocolate and pumpkin spice hummus, chicken packets with wheat crackers, sugar-free whipped cream mixed with plain Greek yogurt, and cottage cheese or plain Greek yogurt in place of sour cream.

I want to thank Tara Gray, my dietitian because she's been very supportive throughout the whole process, and I couldn't have done it without her! I also want to thank my fellow Denver Health bariatric surgery patient, Carla Becerril, pictured in my "after" photo wearing burgundy - she is three years post op. Carla's experience and knowledge assured me I too, could accomplish my goals.

Marisol Escobedo

Hello, my name is Marisol Escobedo, I am 41 years old. It has been one year and three months since I got roux en y gastric bypass surgery. I chose to have the surgery because I weighed 340 pounds. I now weigh 200 pounds, thanks to God. My goal is to lose another 40 pounds. I now feel great and have a lot of energy. I am very grateful to the entire bariatric team at Denver Health, especially Tara Gray, my nutritionist. Without her help, I would not have gotten to where I am. Tara helped me lose 30 pounds in the six months before I had the surgery, starting me on the road to healthier habits. My family has also supported me. For all the people who are thinking about having surgery, whether it be the bypass or the sleeve gastrectomy: my advice is don't think about it, just do it – it's something that helps us improve our lives and live many more years. Thank you very much Denver Health for this program that has helped many people, including myself.