After struggling for years with weight issues, Chelsi Russell, 29, of Palmetto, is experiencing a dramatic change in her life. Just two months post-surgery, the licensed practical nurse has shed 60 pounds following a robotic sleeve gastrectomy at Lakewood Ranch Medical Center. Her friends, noting the transformation, have even affectionately dubbed her “skinny minnie.”
Russell’s battle with weight began in her teenage years when she was diagnosed with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), a hormonal disorder that often leads to weight gain. Despite her best efforts with exercise, dieting, and medication, her weight remained stubbornly high. It wasn’t until she considered weight-loss surgery that she found a solution.
“My weight was negatively affecting my health, and as a nurse, I wanted to set a positive example for my patients,” Russell explains.
Before undergoing the procedure, Russell took proactive steps to ensure long-term success. She participated in dietary counseling, focusing on healthy eating, portion control, and exercise strategies. In addition, psychological counseling helped her identify and overcome behavioral challenges related to weight loss. Her primary care physician played an essential role in ensuring she was physically prepared for surgery.
The Robotic Sleeve Gastrectomy Procedure
The surgery, performed by Dr. Samuel Yelverton, a bariatric and general surgeon at Lakewood Ranch Medical Center, was carried out using the advanced da Vinci® Xi robotic surgical system. Dr. Yelverton explains that the procedure involves reducing the stomach to a small, tubular shape—roughly the size of a banana. This reduction limits the amount of food the stomach can hold, helping patients eat less and lose weight.
In Russell’s case, the surgery also addressed her acid reflux and difficulty swallowing, symptoms associated with a hiatal hernia. Dr. Yelverton notes that it is common for patients undergoing weight-loss surgery to also need hernia repair, and Russell’s procedure was no exception.
A Healthier, Happier Future
Two months after her surgery, Russell is already reaping the benefits. She now eats smaller portions, has no acid reflux, sleeps more soundly, and has bid farewell to joint pain. “I’m looking forward to wearing the clothes I’ve always wanted to wear and, most importantly, feeling healthier overall,” she shares. “Everything just feels better—my skin, my mind, my energy levels. I’m really doing better.”
With a goal of losing 100 pounds within the year, Russell is well on her way to reaching her target and is excited for the next chapter of her life—one that promises greater health and happiness.
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