For Denise Brown, the journey to better health began at age 56. At 310 pounds, she was pre-diabetic, struggled with high blood pressure, and lived with daily back, knee, and ankle pain. The idea of bariatric surgery sounded promising — but she wondered if her age made her too old for the procedure.

That’s when she turned to Dr. Brian T. Chin, a BASS Medical Group bariatric surgeon in Walnut Creek.

“I asked him if I was too old for the surgery,” Denise recalls. “He said, ‘No one is too old to get healthy.’”

From Hesitation to Hope

With encouragement from Dr. Chin and the weight loss surgery team, Denise committed to the process. After ten months of medical appointments, testing, and preparation, she underwent gastric sleeve surgery in October 2015.

Gastric sleeve surgery, also known as sleeve gastrectomy, involves removing 75–80% of the stomach and shaping the remainder into a tube-like sleeve. This reduces food intake and lowers the hunger hormone ghrelin, making it easier to eat smaller portions and feel full.

“It was the best decision I have ever made for myself,” Denise says.

A Life-Changing Transformation

Denise noticed changes almost immediately. Within two days, she was walking on a treadmill. As weeks passed, the pounds began to fall off — and so did her doubts.

“I was amazed at the transformation,” she says. “Both in my weight loss and my attitude toward food.”

Six years later, Denise has lost over 100 pounds and gained her health back. She is no longer pre-diabetic, no longer needs blood pressure medication, and her joint pain has disappeared.

Regaining Confidence and Joy

The benefits of her surgery extend far beyond numbers on a scale:

• She can shop in the regular-size clothing section.
• She no longer needs an airplane seatbelt extension.
• She can comfortably cross her legs and sit in any chair.
• She walks and moves without losing her breath.

Most importantly, Denise has regained her confidence and joy in daily life.

A Healthier Lifestyle for the Long Run

Denise now maintains an active lifestyle:

• Swimming a mile, five days per week
• Walking three to four miles daily
• Sticking to healthy, portion-controlled meals

“The only regret I have is not having this surgery sooner,” Denise admits.

Grateful for the BASS Bariatric Team

Denise credits Dr. Chin and the entire BASS Medical Group Bariatric Surgery & Weight Management staff for giving her a second chance at life.

“I am more confident and healthier than I’ve ever been,” she says. “Dr. Chin and his team saved my life.”

Start Your Bariatric Surgery Journey Today

At BASS Bariatric Surgery Center, our board-certified bariatric surgeons — Dr. Brian Chin and Dr. Jason Moy — have performed over 2,000 successful surgeries since 2002. We are proud to help patients across Walnut Creek, Brentwood, and the Bay Area achieve life-changing results.

Call us at (925) 940-1052 or request a consultation online to learn if bariatric surgery is right for you.