Pat Mixon was just doing her job, working as a physician liaison for Bon Secours Maryview Medical Center. Never did she think it would transform her life - leaving her 100 pounds lighter.

In 2002, Mixon met with David Spencer, D.O., F.A.C.S., founder of a comprehensive surgical weight loss program at Portsmouth Naval Hospital, initiating discussion of a potential partnership with Maryview to offer the program to civilians.

Mixon was impressed with Dr. Spencer's comprehensive program, his ability to perform laparoscopic gastric bypass procedures and his team's high level of experience. She was so impressed, she decided to become a patient.
"I had explored every weight loss option out there and was so frustrated only to achieve limited success," said Mixon. "I felt out of control, like a failure."
On June 18, 2002, Mixon had her gastric bypass surgery. Within a week, she was walking a mile. Within several months, she no longer needed cholesterol or blood pressure medications. Almost a year later, she was running and scuba diving.