RUNNING TOWARD A HEALTHIER FUTURE
Gastric Sleeve Helps One Woman Stay on Track with a Healthy Lifestyle
Susan Wertz
Susan had a successful surgery in October 2022. Since then, she has lost more than 120 pounds—dropping from 276 pounds to 169 pounds. Now, Susan proudly runs in the 5K and half-marathon events she used to watch from her office windows.
Born and raised in Whittier, Susan Wertz, 49, worked in hospitality for 20 years and would often cheer for the marathon runners who passed by her office. However, because of Susan’s ongoing cycle of weight gain and loss, she never thought she could keep the weight off and join a distance race herself.
That all changed one day when Susan had a sudden, serious pain in her leg. She went to PIH Health Whittier Hospital where they found a blood clot and gave her blood thinners as a temporary solution. “My interventional radiologist, Dr. Yong Park, told me that my weight was a contributing factor and there were other options for managing my weight—bariatric surgery,” said Susan. “After gaining and losing more than 100 pounds twice and trying every possible eating plan and strategy, I was finally ready to schedule an appointment.”
Susan was referred to PIH Health Bariatric Surgeon Justin Braverman MD, who believed she was a good candidate for a gastric sleeve. “Susan showed the dedication to her weight loss that I love to see before approving patients for this surgery,” said Dr. Braverman. “Bariatric surgery shouldn’t be viewed as the solution. It’s simply another tool to help you learn to manage your weight and I knew Susan had the grit to make it work.”
Susan had a successful surgery in October 2022. Since then, she has lost more than 120 pounds—dropping from 276 pounds to 169 pounds. Now, Susan proudly runs in the 5K and half-marathon events she used to watch from her office windows. She recently ran in both the Los Angeles and Orange County marathons, and has a bucket-list goal to run a complete 26-mile full marathon one day.
Running has become my new lifestyle,” she said. “I’m so much healthier and happier! And none of it would have been possible without my family, friends, and the fantastic team at PIH Health Whittier Hospital for believing in me.”
To learn more or schedule a consultation, visit PIHHealth.org/Bariatrics or call 562.789.5444
