June's story

I feel and look better than I have in years

“The best thing I’ve ever done,” is how June Ebrahim, Chanhassen, describes her bariatric experience and surgery at Ridgeview Medical Center. June underwent vertical sleeve gastrectomy surgery with Jeffrey Baker, MD, Ridgeview Bariatric & Weight Loss Center, in October 2018. Today, her only regret is that she didn’t make the choice years earlier.

June initiated the process in July 2018 after having her “Ah-Ha” moment while playing with her new granddaughter. “Technically,” recalled June, “it was more like an ‘Oh No’ moment. I was playing on the floor with my granddaughter and suddenly realized that I could not get up on my own. It was so embarrassing having to have my husband and son help me. I knew then and there that it was time to do something.”

At the onset of her process, June had a Body Mass Index (BMI) just shy of 40. Additionally, she suffered from other conditions including hypercholesterolemia and degenerative joint disease.

Six months after her weight-loss surgery, June had lost 71 pounds and was measured with a BMI of 27. “The surgery has improved my health overall, but especially the pain in my knees. I am now able to sit and stand—as well as climb stairs—without being in a world of hurt.” June has undergone not just physical changes but emotional changes as well. “My disposition is 100 percent better and I feel and look better than I have in years.”

When describing her experience at Ridgeview’s Bariatric and Weight Loss Center, June said that “everything seemed so seamless and easy. From the informational meeting, to dealing with insurance, to support groups both before and after surgery… everyone was so supportive and helpful.”

June was also appreciative of the nursing staff at Ridgeview during her hospital stay before and after her surgery. “Having never been through a surgery before, and not knowing what to expect, the staff took excellent care of me. They went above and beyond and were so attentive and helpful to my questions and needs. I cannot say enough good things about them and my hospital experience.

“Not only would I recommend Dr. Baker and the program to others, I already have, to many others,” she added.

What’s next for June? “To live life to the fullest. I love to travel and plan to go to China next year, now that I can easily fit in the airplane seat. I am just so thankful to everyone involved in my transformation.”