[5 MIN READ]
In this article:
-
After the birth of her fourth child, Amber Valdez-Black realized that her weight was severely affecting her health and keeping her from the kind of life she wanted with her children.
-
Amber consulted with her primary care provider and the bariatric surgery team at Swedish and decided that a vertical sleeve gastrectomy was right for her.
-
Now, after losing 142 pounds, Amber has an empowering message for people considering their weight loss options.
Mother chooses weight loss surgery for a healthier life
As a registered nurse, Amber Valdez-Black had dedicated her life to improving the health of others, but she struggled with her own for years. Her weight had been a lifelong battle. Weighing 368 pounds at her heaviest, she lived with fatigue and the physical and emotional pain that comes with being severely overweight.
As time passed, the toll of carrying excess weight became undeniable. After the birth of her youngest child, she realized it could prevent her from being there for her children. That was a future she did not want, and weight loss surgery was an opportunity to change her life’s course.
A life full of love, but little time for self-care
With a full-time nursing career and a blended family that includes six children ranging in age from 4 to 28, Amber’s days were jam-packed. However, she had an unhealthy relationship with food that began in childhood. And while Amber’s busy days were filled with love, she had little time for exercise or self-care.
Over the years, she tried many weight loss methods, including diet pills, exercise programs and supplements, but nothing provided lasting results, and the emotional and physical effects of carrying excess weight became undeniable as time passed.
“I had plantar fasciitis, knee pain and would lose my breath just walking up the stairs,” Amber says. “I couldn't keep up with my kids.”
A weight loss wake-up call
When her youngest child became sick as an infant, it was a pivotal moment for Amber. She took him to a walk-in clinic where the medical staff was concerned about his heart rate and directed her to take him across the parking lot to the hospital. It was only a short distance, but carrying his car seat left her sweating profusely and struggling to breathe.
“When I arrived at the hospital, the staff was more worried about me than my son,” she says. “That was my wake-up call. I realized my heart was under serious stress, and I might not be around for my kids if I didn't do something.”
Weight loss surgery became the clear choice
In addition to her chronic pain and difficulty breathing, Amber’s A1C level was rising, putting her at risk for diabetes. After discussing options with her primary care physician, she was referred to Swedish Weight Loss Services for bariatric surgery.
Amber knew Swedish had a reputation for excellent patient care. Meeting Anirban Gupta, M.D., the medical director for bariatric surgery at Providence Swedish, affirmed her confidence in Swedish. She says Dr. Gupta took the time to explain the different types of weight loss surgeries, including their risks, things to do to minimize the risks and the long-term outcomes.
“I was worried about complications like small bowel obstructions,” she says. “Dr. Gupta walked me through everything, reassured me and let me know that I would be followed and cared for as a patient for life.”
Knowing that she would have that long-term support made her decision to move forward with surgery easier, and today she credits the Swedish team for making her experience a success.
“Even with a complication, I never felt alone. I always had support, and I’d do it all over again in a heartbeat.”
Taking time off work for weight loss surgery
In June of 2023 Amber underwent a vertical sleeve gastrectomy. Except for a minor complication (which required one of the laparoscopic incision sites to be left open and allowed to heal from the inside out), the procedure went well, and she was able to return home the next day.
As a nurse, Amber knew the importance of movement after surgery and began walking as soon as possible.
“I wanted to get up right away to avoid gas pains,” she says. “And I knew that walking would help me heal faster.”
Amber’s recovery took eight weeks due to the healing incision needing to be left open. This delayed her return to work because she had to wait until she was fully able to lift her own patients. Fortunately, the Swedish team guided her through the extended leave process.
“The team at Swedish worked with me one-on-one to navigate my Family and Medical Leave Act paperwork,” Amber says. “They made sure I had everything I needed.”
Amber’s life after weight loss surgery
Since her surgery, Amber has committed to changing her relationship with food and exercise. The Swedish team, including dietitians and psychologists, provided the support she needed to adjust to a new way of eating and thinking about her health.
“They helped me navigate the emotional side of weight loss,” she says. “Food used to be my comfort, and I had to learn to see it as fuel instead.”
Amber also began to focus on movement. At first, she took short walks, gradually increasing the distance. By four weeks post-surgery, she incorporated yoga. At eight weeks, she added strength training. Now, she makes a point to walk to pick up her kids from school every day she is available.
“I walk every day, and I can run alongside my kids,” she says. “That’s something I thought I’d never be able to do.”
Amber says people often ask her if she ever considered using GLP-1 medications for weight loss, but she never wanted to take that route.
“I didn’t want to risk pancreatitis,” she says. “And after years of trying different weight loss supplements, I needed to be sure that what I was doing would be permanent.”
That’s what the sleeve gastrectomy provided — a permanent change.
“My only regret is that I didn’t do it sooner. The first time I was able to run to catch up with my family, it was a shock. I never imagined I’d be able to do that.”
Amber’s weight loss surgery advice
Amber’s advice is empowering for those considering weight loss surgery: ignore the naysayers.
“There will always be people who tell you it’s the easy way out. But there’s nothing easy about this journey,” she says. “Listen to yourself, trust yourself, find the right support system and take control of your future — your health is more important than anyone else's opinion.”
Learn more and find a physician or advanced practice clinician (APC)
Find out if you qualify for weight loss surgery by contacting Swedish Weight Loss Services to schedule an appointment for a consultation. You can also connect virtually with Swedish ExpressCare Virtual to receive treatment in minutes for common conditions such as colds, flu, urinary tract infections, and more. You can use our provider directory to find a specialist or primary care physician near you.
Information for patients and visitors
Related resources
Weight-loss patient learns surgery is a tool, not a cop-out
Weight loss surgery helped this patient move beyond her lifelong struggle
Couple commits to better health with gastric bypass
This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your health care professional's instructions.
Providence Swedish experts in the media
Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and X.
About the Author
More Content by Swedish Weight Loss Team
