Empowered by bariatric surgery: Gina’s 100-pound transformation

Rhea “Gina” Caito, 53 of Levittown, first considered bariatric surgery in 2022 after coming across a digital ad online. However, she postponed her plans due to a family emergency. About a year later, motivated by her family’s history of diabetes and the burden of monitoring her blood sugar, Caito began exploring bariatric surgery again.

“I started researching different doctors who specialized in bariatric surgery,” Caito recalls. “I was drawn to Dr. Trang because of his detailed explanation on the Trinity Health Mid-Atlantic website.”

Upon meeting Alfred Trang, MD, and his team, her initial fears were quickly put to rest. “Dr. Trang and Rebecca [Kochersperger] were so kind and made me feel comfortable from the start,” Caito explains. “He thoroughly outlined the journey I was about to embark on and assured me that he and his team would support me every step of the way.”

In addition to Dr. Trang and Rebecca being readily available to answer her questions, Caito found comfort in the regular online meetings and the private Facebook group provided by the St. Mary Medical Center bariatric team.

“Knowing I could connect with my medical team and others who had been on the same journey was incredibly reassuring,” she says. “I found a community that could help when I was struggling and celebrate with me when I hit a milestone.”

In August 2023, Caito underwent a sleeve gastrectomy. “She was committed to the significant dietary and lifestyle changes well before the surgery and successfully lost 61 pounds during the presurgical process,” Dr. Trang says.

“I am proud of the woman I see.” – Rhea Caito

“Since my surgery, I have lost over 100 pounds,” Caito says. She feels like she has been given a new life and is determined to maintain her nutrition goals.