My Patients
Personal Stories
Beth Gutierrez - San Diego
M
y name is Beth Gutierrez and I changed my life forever when I had gastric bypass on January 23, 2006. I had done quite a bit of research, read many books including Carnie Wilson’s book on her experience at Alvarado Hospital, and decided in the summer of 2005 that I would pursue it. The first seminar that I went to at Alvarado was held by Dr. Ellner. She impressed me immediately with her warmth and the way that she explained the procedure. She was very down to earth and made me feel so comfortable in my decision -- SHE was the surgeon I wanted!
Growing up in San Diego I was not
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| Beth after surgery |
My gastric bypass experience was really very simple – although before hand, I was absolutely petrified! I had met Jody Lopez in the pre-op phase and we became fast friends. Her surgery was scheduled right after mine on the same day – so we shared our fears and kept each other motivated. My surgery was at 7am – I was at the hospital by 5am so they could start hooking me up and prepping me for the surgery. The entire staff was SO nice and comforting – they had nothing but wonderful things to say about
Dr. Ellner and how she would take good care of me. She really did! My surgery was nothing like I expected! I came out of recovery and brought to my room by Noon that day and all I really noticed was that I was groggy from the anesthesia. No pain whatsoever. That evening, like Dr. Ellner said, the nurses had me up walking. Rose, a feisty and determined Nurses’ Assistant, got me up and walking even though I just wanted to sleep. She was relentless yet I just adored her. When you’re up walking, you make laps around the nurses’ station. Every time I passed I got cheers and “keep going” and “great job”. They really take care of you and want you to succeed at Alvarado! I was released 2 days later with lots of information and all the resources at my disposal to make a fresh start on my new life.
Walking out of the hospital, I had already lost 19 lbs in two days! Isn't that amazing? I am 5'8" and my highest weight was 272 lbs - I now weigh 159 lbs. Dr. Ellner and Alvarado Hospital changed my life forever. I feel wonderful and love the things that I once dreaded - getting on an airplane, shopping for clothes, going to amusement parks, bathing suits and beaches! Life is completely different for me now and I wouldn't change one thing - in fact, I would do it over and over again. I no longer have sleep apnea, my cholesterol is around 160, my joints no longer hurt - life is a joy! I do have some loose skin to deal with now - especially my tummy and under my arms. But, that seems so trivial compared to how I feel about myself now. At some point I will probably have plastic surgery to remove it, but for now I'm looking at it as a reminder of what I did to myself and how gastric bypass saved my life.
If you're considering gastric bypass surgery - you've come to the right place. I have recommended my friends and family to Dr. Ellner. She knows her stuff, makes you feel wonderful about the process, and will take care of you all the way. I consider her a friend, mentor, and angel in my life. Thanks, Doc!!!!!
