In 2017, Kathy was 304 pounds, struggling with borderline diabetes, high blood pressure, and a venous issue in her left leg that had gone undiagnosed by other doctors. She felt stuck — until she found Dr. Brian T. Chin, bariatric surgeon at BASS Bariatric Surgery Center in Walnut Creek.

During her first consultation in March 2017, Dr. Chin not only identified her as a strong candidate for gastric sleeve surgery, but also corrected her leg condition, restoring healthy blood flow. Kathy scheduled her surgery for July 18, 2017, a date she now describes as the start of her new life.

“The day before surgery I was a mess,” Kathy recalls. “Dr. Chin gave me a pat on the shoulder and said, ‘Don’t worry, tomorrow is the first day of the rest of your life.’ He was right.”

The Road to Recovery and Transformation

Kathy’s surgery went smoothly, and she spent just one night in the hospital. The first six months brought emotional and mental challenges, but she remained committed to her new lifestyle.

Within two years, she had lost 179 pounds. By May 2022, at age 50, she weighed 125 pounds and wore a size 4/6 — something she never thought possible.

Health Benefits After Gastric Sleeve Surgery:

• No longer borderline diabetic
• No longer on blood pressure medication
• Improved circulation and leg health
• Pain-free daily movement
• Able to enjoy activities and independence again

Living the Dream of Health

Today, Kathy says she feels like she’s “living the dream” of waking up in a healthier body.

“I’ve lost so much weight that people I’ve known for 20+ years don’t even recognize me,” she says. “The enjoyment I feel just being physically able to complete day-to-day tasks is simply amazing.”

She also describes the surgery as more than just a weight-loss tool — it was truly life-saving.

Grateful for Dr. Chin and the BASS Bariatric Team

From her consult to her post-op follow-ups, Kathy emphasizes how Dr. Chin’s pride in his work and compassion for his patients changed her life.

“Dr. Chin saved my life and helped transform me into a healthy person. I couldn’t be more grateful,” she shares.

For Kathy, the only regret is not starting sooner:

“Overthinking it held me back from really living and achieving my best life. Now, I know it’s never too late.”

About Gastric Sleeve Surgery

Gastric sleeve surgery (sleeve gastrectomy) removes 75–80% of the stomach, reshaping it into a tube-like sleeve. This restricts food intake, reduces the hunger hormone ghrelin, and helps patients lose a significant amount of weight while improving obesity-related health issues.

At BASS Bariatric Surgery Center, Dr. Brian Chin and Dr. Jason Moy have performed over 2,000 successful bariatric procedures, giving patients like Kathy the chance to live healthier, longer lives.

Start Your Bariatric Journey Today

If you are struggling with obesity and related health issues, bariatric surgery could be the tool that transforms your life — just like it did for Kathy.

Call (925) 940-1052 or request a consultation online with the expert team at BASS Bariatric Surgery Center in Walnut Creek and Brentwood, California.

It’s never too late to take the first step toward a healthier future.