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  • Charlotte's Story - Gastric Sleeve
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  • Allison's Story - Gastric Sleeve
  • Lolita's Story - Gastric Sleeve
  • Trinette's Story - Gastric Sleeve
  • Elsa's Story - Gastric Sleeve
  • Rubina's Story - Gastric Sleeve
  • Rebecca's Story - Gastric Sleeve
  • Maria's Story - Gastric Sleeve
  • Jean's Story - Gastric Sleeve
  • Lori's Story - Gastric Sleeve
  • Danielle's Story - Gastric Sleeve
  • Margarita's Story - Gastric Sleeve
  • Jackie's Story - Gastric Sleeve
  • Michaele's Story - Gastric Sleeve
  • Rogelio's Story - Gastric Sleeve
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  • Sheena's Story - Gastric Sleeve
  • Sarah's Story - Gastric Sleeve
  • Neil's Story - Gastric Sleeve
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  • Therese's Story - Bariatric Surgery
  • James' Story - Gastric Sleeve
  • Jeremy's Story - Gastric Sleeve
  • Robert's Story - Gastric Sleeve
  • Maria's Story - Gastric Sleeve
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  • Martha's Story - Gastric Sleeve
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  • Chuck's Story - Gastric Bypass
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  5. Monica's Story - Gastric Sleeve

Monica's Story - Gastric Sleeve

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Phone: (310) 825-7163

Sleeve Gastrectomy Patient Story

Surgery: Sleeve Gastrectomy - Total Lost: 57 pounds (in the first 6 months)*

*Weight loss results can vary depending on the individual. There is no guarantee of specific results. Read full disclaimer >

Monica After
Monica Before

"I am truly thankful to Dr. Yijun Chen at UCLA and the COMET team for putting the biggest smile on my face." —Monica

I battled with being overweight since I was 10 years old. I was always teased, I became withdrawn, and so food and chocolate became a great comfort for me at a very young age.

When I was 14, I injured my right Achilles tendon and could no longer run or do any other exercises I enjoyed. And so the weight started coming on. As I got older, I developed back spasms and herniated discs, which prevented me from exercising further, sleep apnea, depression and hyperlipidemia. I tried all the diets before: Jenny Craig, SlimFast, Fen-Phen and Atkins among them. I would lose weight, but then gain it right back.

If it wasn’t for my primary care physician Dr. Manali Shendrikar, I would have never met Dr. Yijun Chen at UCLA’s COMET program. We all worked together to make this life-changing decision for my health and wellbeing. The entire staff at COMET are very professional, encouraging and gave me the necessary information I needed in order to make the best decision of my life! From beginning to post-op, all the work I have done has improved my health, my self-esteem and the relationship with my family.

After surgrey, I went from a size 18 to a size 8-9. I sleep better at night, I make healthy food choices to keep my new stomach healthy and I have an abundance of energy and strength. Shopping is no longer a bad experience – I actually enjoy it because I can purchase the clothes I like. My children are happy because their mom looks healthy and because I have the energy and motivation to do things with them. My biggest accomplishment was running after 31 years. I won an entry to the LA Marathon and because of the sleeve gastrectomy, I was able to run it and I haven’t stopped running since March. I also ran the Hollywood Half-Marathon in April and am registered for the 2016 LA Marathon and other 10K races as well. I can’t wait to work my way up to a triathlon one day.

I am truly thankful to Dr. Chen and the COMET team for putting the biggest smile on my face. I recommend this surgery to anyone who is tired of being unhealthy. Do the research, follow the program plan and commit to this life changing experience!

Monica Before
Monica Before
Monica After
Monica After


Monica After
Monica After

Contact Us

To schedule a consultation with UCLA Center for Obesity and Metabolic Health, call us at (310) 825-7163 or
fill out our online form >

For a physician referral, please call (800) UCLA-MD1 (825-2631).

* Weight loss results can vary depending on the individual. There is no guarantee of specific results.

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