BLANCA'S STORY: 
"I HAD TO TAKE A DECISION, I WAS NOT HAPPY AND NEITHER MY FAMILY." 

Blanca underwent bariatric surgery to treat a severe obesity problem that was gravely affecting her health and life. She has had previous hernia surgeries, two strokes, suffered from sleep apnea, high blood pressure, and other related conditions.

“At 17 I weighted 143 lbs (65kg). After I got married, I got pregnant and had my first child. The year after, I had my second child then came the third and fourth, and with them the extra pounds began to settle. When I was 27, one of my kids died in an accident and from there, doctors detected hypothyroidism that caused me choking and depression. For 5 years I isolated myself from my other children and went on to reach 198 lbs (90 kg). Shortly after, I had a womb surgery and was diagnosed with morbid obesity with a weight of 243 lbs (110 kg).

After I was operated of five hernias and removed 15 lbs (7 kg) of fat, I had gallbladder surgery. The obesity complications did not stop there, I felt bad, I could not sleep and I was struggling to breathe. My life passed by full of health problems. Ten years later, I suffered a heart attack from which I recovered but later on, due to respiratory problems and overweight, I was diagnosed with sleep apnea. I saw a cardiologist, who prescribed oxygen use.

Three months later, I returned to the hospital with preinfarct and other different conditions such as hypertension and dilated heart. That was the first time I heard about obesity surgery. Someone recommended me to visit Dr. Daniel Campos, thinking that I could be a candidate for one of these surgeries. I had to make a decision, I was not happy and either my family, and although I did not show it, I knew it and that made me feel really bad. 

Without any self-esteem, I suffered constant taunts and name-calling but pretended to be happy; I was witty, made jokes and liked being the center of attention. You always want to feel accepted by everyone and appear to be happy, but it is a lie when someone says: "I'm happy being overweight". After I got home from parties or meetings I was depressed, moody and intolerant with my children and my husband. At this stage, I already weighed 286 lbs (130 kg).

The support of my husband was essential; without him I could not have overcome all this trouble. Surgery was my only and last resort. I checked with other doctors, but the economic aspect was a determining factor, since it was impossible to bear the cost, and my situation became increasingly difficult. 

Then, I was invited to attend a lecture by Dr. Campos, one of those support meetings for people with severe obesity. I attended with great hope because the comments about Dr. Campos were very good. After listening to his speech and having talked to my husband and family, I made the decision to undergo surgery. After my first visit, I underwent studies, analysis and all necessary preparation to be intervened with a gastric bypass.  I was hospitalized seven days after surgery due to my many obesity related conditions and hypertension. For two weeks, I drank liquids only and from the third week on and for two months I ate porridge. Gradually, I began the intake of solid food. It is hard because you cannot eat in excess and have to be really disciplined, but with the psychological and nutritional support from the obesity center I've made it through. 

My husband and family were an important factor in my recovery, patience in those difficult moments were paramount.  My life was getting out of my hands and thanks to Dr. Campos and his team of professionals I'm alive, with my family and especially my husband. I will never stop thanking Dr. Campos for saving my life”. 

Blanca Estela Salazar Fuentes | Gastric Bypass