More Than 125 Pounds Lost, A Whole New Life Gained

9/15/2026

In 2020, in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic, Denise Jamison made a decision that would ultimately change the course of her life. After years of struggling with her weight and overall confidence, she chose to undergo bariatric surgery with Dr. Mohammed.

At her highest weight, Denise was around 300 pounds. Although she doesn't remember the exact number, she does remember how she felt - uncomfortable and hesitant to do many of the things she wanted to do.

Today, Denise weighs around 150 pounds and for the first time in her adult life, her BMI is within the normal range. But when she reflects on everything that has changed since her surgery, she knows her greatest accomplishments cannot be measured by a number on a scale.

"Bariatric surgery gave me the confidence to start believing in myself again," she said.

That renewed confidence became the foundation for a new chapter in her life. After surgery, she decided to pursue a career in nursing, first becoming an LPN before continuing her education to become a registered nurse. She went on to complete her BSN in just six months and is now only 12 credits away from earning her master's in nursing education.

Her transformation has also allowed her to experience an important new chapter in her personal life. This year, she became a grandmother. As a new "Yaya," she is grateful to have the energy and mobility to be active in her grandchild's life and to enjoy experiences she isn't sure would have been physically possible at her highest weight.

When she looks back at the woman she was in 2020 and compares her to the woman she is today, the transformation goes far beyond weight loss. She has gained confidence, determination, and a new perspective on what is possible for her life.

Denise credits Dr. Mohammed and his team at Santa Rosa Medical Group for helping make that transformation possible. She remembers Dr. Mohammed not only for his surgical experience, but also for the compassion and kindness he showed throughout her journey.

"He did not simply perform a surgery—he helped give me an opportunity to create a healthier and more fulfilling future."

Today, she looks back on her journey with gratitude for the decision she made in 2020 and for everything that followed.

“I would recommend Dr. Mohammed for bariatric surgery over and over again. My journey is proof that bariatric surgery can be about so much more than losing weight. For me, it was about gaining a life—one filled with confidence, education, accomplishment, family, and possibilities I once could not see for myself.

I lost approximately 125 pounds, but what I gained has been immeasurable.”

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