Dignity Health | St. Rose Dominican | Reach | Winter 2020

StRoseHospitals.org  7 MORE 3 goals and counting When Brandon Green passed 300 pounds on the scale, he didn’t see an end in sight. “I had sleep apnea. I was on the road to diabetes and heart failure. I just knew I needed some help,” says the 27-year-old. He was worried about having weight-loss surgery. But his doctor, Jimmy Xu, MD, helped ease his fears, prepare him for recovery, and set some healthy goals for the future—more energy, healthier eating, and better sleep. “It went better than I ever expected it to,” Brandon says today. Before the surgery, he felt sluggish. “Lethargic almost,” he says. Now he has a gymmembership and works out regularly. “Before it seemed like such an effort, but now it’s routine.” His eating habits have changed, too. He cooks more at home, and makes different choices when eating out. “It’s worth it for the improvements I’ve made,” he says. Another big change he’s seen is in his sleep. “I wake up feeling more rested,” he says. Brandon has other goals he still wants to meet, but now he knows he can get there. “Every day gets a little better.”