The beginning and the end
Weight loss surgery at StoneSprings Hospital launched a process of change for one determined patient.
The decision to receive weight loss surgery is a life-changing commitment that requires careful consideration. For Heather Harris Pagán, big life changes were exactly what she was looking for. Recently divorced and raising two kids, Heather landed her dream job. Despite the affirmation of her hard work, she felt down.
“I was in a dark place,” Heather said. “I was trying to get healthy, but I knew that I needed to get completely right — body, mind, and spirit. I thought if I'm going to spend time and resources then I might as well work on every aspect of my life.”
Heather consulted with Dr. Masoud Rezvani and scheduled her weight loss procedure offered at StoneSprings Hospital in Northern Virginia. She also continued riding a bike and managed to lose 50 pounds before her surgery. Importantly, she applied her intense work ethic - the same one that landed her the dream job - to care for herself.
Just five months after her procedure, Heather has lost more than 100 pounds and is quickly approaching her goal weight. She rides a Peloton almost daily and credits the support she receives from her weight loss nurse and nutritionist, as well as her StoneSprings patient support group, which meets virtually, for the change in her mindset.
Heather is also thankful for her children and a handful of friends who have helped her celebrate the milestones as they come. When she admitted that she had planned to wait until she reached her goal weight before buying new clothes, friends encouraged her to just buy a pair of jeans that fit, then outfits for a special event. “I am rocking it,” she confessed. “I love how I look in photos now.”
“I want my story to inspire others,” Heather said. “So much can change in a year if you just get started.”
The weight loss surgical program at StoneSprings Hospital is newly established, one of several services added in the fall of 2021 that include expanded women’s services, an in-patient behavioral health unit, and a new ambulatory surgical center.
“Our growth was planned for our community,” StoneSprings chief executive officer Nathan Vooys reflected. “It’s really exciting to see how new services can play such a pivotal role in one patient’s life.”