In a significant health journey, teenage siblings Hope and Gregorio Martinez are thriving three months after undergoing bariatric surgery at CHRISTUS Children’s Hospital in San Antonio. The siblings, originally from Corpus Christi, opted for a sleeve gastrectomy, a procedure that removes approximately 80% of the stomach, after witnessing their mother’s successful transformation through the same surgery.
During an interview with KSAT, the siblings expressed their excitement about the positive changes they have experienced. “She’s like my right-hand man,” said 16-year-old Gregorio Martinez. His sister, 18-year-old Hope Martinez, echoed his sentiment, stating, “We just do everything together. It’s kind of like we’re interlocked.”
Before the surgery, both siblings faced significant challenges related to their weight. Gregorio recalled struggling with shortness of breath and snoring, while Hope experienced difficulties keeping up with physical training in her school’s ROTC program. “Not being able to keep up was kind of disappointing and degrading,” she admitted, highlighting their motivation to undergo surgery.
The decision to pursue surgery stemmed from their mother’s positive experience. “Our mom got it and is doing great, so we knew it was a good option,” they shared.
Innovative Approach to Pediatric Bariatric Surgery
The surgical team at CHRISTUS Children’s Hospital, led by Dr. Anne O’Connor, has been instrumental in addressing obesity among children and adolescents in South Texas. Dr. O’Connor, who specializes in pediatric bariatric surgery, explained the benefits of the procedure. “It’s true that you lose a little bit of weight because the stomach is small or you can’t eat as much, but the real reason is that when you do that operation, the metabolism gets much more efficient,” she said, likening it to “having a turbo engine in your car.”
South Texas has some of the highest obesity rates in the United States, and Dr. O’Connor emphasized the need for specialized services for adolescents. “If we’re in the process right now of getting our certification, we would be the ninth in the country that does this for adolescents,” she noted.
The surgery, performed using robotic technology, is designed to minimize recovery time. Patients typically spend just one night in the hospital before returning to their daily activities. However, Dr. O’Connor clarified that qualifying for the surgery requires meeting certain health criteria, particularly for those classified as severely obese or having related health issues such as diabetes or sleep apnea.
Transformative Results and Life After Surgery
Three months following their procedures, both Gregorio and Hope have experienced substantial weight loss, with Gregorio shedding 56 pounds and Hope losing 40 pounds. Gregorio reported feeling more energetic, stating, “I am never out of breath. I don’t snore while I sleep.”
Despite the surgery’s positive outcomes, both siblings and Dr. O’Connor stressed the importance of lifestyle changes post-operation. “Surgery is the easy part,” Dr. O’Connor remarked. She emphasizes the need for patients to understand the implications of their new bodies, including recognizing feelings of fullness and hunger.
The siblings have committed to healthy eating, regular hydration, and exercise. Their mental health has also seen improvements. Hope shared, “Before, I would always second-guess myself. Now, I feel like I can make friends.” Gregorio added, “I was only the fat, funny kid — nothing else. Now, my mental health is way better.”
Recognizing the stigma surrounding obesity and weight loss surgery, the Martinez siblings hope their story will encourage others to seek help. “I don’t really feel weird talking about it because there are other kids that don’t know about this,” Hope stated, emphasizing the importance of awareness.
Both teenagers are now actively participating in their interests, with Hope thriving in ROTC and Gregorio preparing to try out for his school’s marching band and dance team. “I think I might make the team!” he said enthusiastically.
They encourage peers who may face similar challenges to consider their options seriously. “You can change your lifestyle too. You just have to put in the effort to do it,” Gregorio advised. Hope concluded, “This is one of the best things that you could do for yourself because it’s really changed me as a person.”
For those interested in learning more about bariatric surgery, additional information is available on the CHRISTUS Bariatric Surgical Clinic website.
