Tracy Shares Her Weight-Loss Story

Tracy Sanginiti survived domestic violence and after divorce raised five children on her own. She threw herself into family, work and an active volunteer life, yet lost control of her climbing weight. “I tried every diet in the world. I would lose a few pounds. I would gain back double. At my heaviest, I was 240 pounds, and I’m 5-2, 5-3 on a good day.”

Tracy was diagnosed with sleep apnea, which is linked to obesity and suspected of perpetuating it. Other concerns included borderline high blood pressure, poor circulation with varicose veins and acid reflux that caused a constant burning in her throat.

She pursued weight loss through gastric bypass surgery with Dr. Marc Zerey and Cottage Health. A year later, her weight leveled off at 126 pounds. She no longer has sleep apnea, blood pressure concerns or heartburn. And she is glad for all she can do – like biking, tennis, hiking to Tangerine Falls and simply kneeling down to her grandkids’ level. At the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life fundraiser, she walked 14 hours. “I’m just thankful that I did it,” she says of the surgery. “I feel fabulous.”

Meet Our Cottage Bariatric Surgeons

To find out if bariatric surgery is the right option for you or a loved one, attend one of our free weight-loss seminars, which are held regularly in Santa Barbara, Goleta, Lompoc, Santa Maria and Oxnard and Pismo Beach. If you are between 18 and 65 years old, get the facts about weight-loss surgery from the hospital you trust.

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