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Hannah and her husband

Hannah Celebrates Her “New Life” a Year After Bariatric Surgery

Sitting on the mantel above the fireplace in Hannah Hallock’s living room is a framed family portrait. She loves the photo of her smiling family, but something about it makes her heart pang with sadness. In November 2023, right before the photo was taken, Hallock embarked on a journey that would change her life–and now that photo doesn’t quite match how she sees herself today. 

One year later, and weighing nearly 120 lbs less, she’s happier, healthier, and feels like a completely different person, thanks in part to her care team at Virginia Mason Franciscan Health (VMFH). 

Hallock tried everything to lose weight prior to bariatric surgery. She experimented with different diets, tried fasting, took weight loss pills and nothing worked. She even went to Mexico for gastric band surgery which resulted in complications. 

After the birth of her fourth child, she knew she wanted to undergo bariatric surgery, so she opened her web browser and searched for weight management programs in her area.

Hannah Hallock and family
Hannah Hallock posing for family photos in November 2024 before undergoing bariatric surgery.

“I was surprised to see results so close to home,” said Hallock. “St. Michael Medical Center popped up, and I immediately called and got a consultation. That phone call started me on a path that changed my life.”

Hallock admitted that gastric bypass surgery sounded a bit daunting at first.

At VMFH, surgeons specialize in minimally invasive surgical techniques and are national leaders in robotic surgery. Minimally invasive surgery results in a faster recovery, less pain, and smaller scars. Gastric bypass surgery changes the way the body digests food, dividing the stomach into two parts and rerouting the small intestine.

“We have an amazing team that focuses on providing comprehensive care from a multidisciplinary standpoint that revolves around the patient's wellbeing,” said Angel Reyes, MD. “We provide a safe environment for our patients to feel comfortable and always aim for the best approach to best match their goals and expectations.”

The Franciscan Center for Weight Management at St. Michael provides patients with a comprehensive weight management team, guiding them, not just through surgery, but with education, support groups, and aftercare. 

Hannah Hallock and family after surgery
Hannah Hallock posing for family photos a year after she underwent bariatric surgery at St. Michael Medical Center, losing about 120 lbs.

“I am truly grateful to be part of a group that cares about patient experience, safety and educating our patients about all aspects of obesity and its treatment,” said Dr. Reyes, a bariatric surgeon at VMFH, located in Silverdale.

He said the best part of his role as a bariatric surgeon is getting to see patients a year post surgery. 

“I get to see my patients on the other side of their journey–seeing them happy, healthy, and enjoying life,” he continued.

Before surgery, Hallock weighed 330 lbs. Today, she says she is a completely different person.

“Being overweight affected every aspect of my life,” she said. “It has branched into more than just physical hurdles. It was emotional and mental as well. I felt like a grump. I was always tired. I also didn’t feel like people heard or saw me. Today, I’m more patient. I think my kids are happier because I’m more involved in their lives.”

When Hallock met with the care team, they asked her if she had any goals.

“Frankly, I want to be alive in 10 years,” she said.

This past December 2024, Hallock and her family took new family photos. Standing outside their home in Silverdale, they were all smiles. 

Now, they have a new photo to display above their mantel.

“There isn’t one part of my life that isn’t better,” she said. “Everything is better.”

Hallock says what she loves about the program is that even a year out, she still has her care team by her side.

“They are with me forever,” she said. “I’m so grateful.”