Fall 2024 Newsletter

The Transformer

Fall 2024 Newsletter

Transform Performs its 100th Surgery in our Ambulatory Surgery Center

Dr. Harris performed our 100th surgical case on August 21st, 2024. This was a huge and momentous day for Transform.

Currently, we offer weight loss procedures, cosmetic surgery, and general surgery at the ASC in Edmonds, WA. Many thanks to our fabulous OR staff and team!

Transform is here to offer a sustainable solution for weight loss. However, a desired number on the scale does not always mean you have achieved health. Every month this year we will introduce a new Healthy Living Habit. We encourage you to start your day with intention and strive to incorporate small changes into your routine. These small changes will add up over time. Here is a recap of the Healthy Living Habits from the start of this year.

Upcoming Events

Sunday, September 29th, 2024, at 8:00 AM Community Group Activity

Walk around Green Lake
Meet at Retreat Coffee Shop
6900 East Green Lake Way N
Seattle, WA 98115

Tuesday, October 8th, 2024, 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM Virtual Community Group

The Impact of Sugar in our Diet Sugar is everywhere in the American diet! Join us as we discuss the addictive properties of sugar, the truth behind artificial sweeteners, how and when to eat sugar while losing weight, and so much more. Learn how to become a sugar detective and spot the hidden sugars in everyday foods. There will be prizes for the best sugar detective. We will also show you how to make a spooktacular Halloween spread for your next Halloween party!

Naomi’s Village Trip, as told by Debrah Kidane

This past May, I had the opportunity to travel to Kenya with Dr. Billing, Lisa, and some of their closest family and friends to serve the children of Naomi’s Village. Established in 2009 by Bob and Julie Mendosa, Naomi’s Village provides preschool and K-12 education to 500 children in the community. They also provide a home for 100 children. Their goal is to end Kenya’s generational poverty crisis and systemic corruption by equipping its children for compassionate and courageous leadership.
When we arrived, the area had been hit by catastrophic flooding. We originally had planned to stay at Naomi’s Village. However, due to flooding, we stayed at the Cornerstone Academy with the other children who had been displaced. Our main role was to comfort the children and help them feel safe while they had undergone such a traumatic event. This involved organizing arts and crafts projects, dancing, singing, and talent shows. We also delivered food packages to mothers with newborns, built a bunk bed for a family in the community, and bought and distributed food and hygiene bags. We heard heart-wrenching stories of loss and prayed for those that were hospitalized locally due to catastrophic floods. Dr. Billing was also able to deliver tens of thousands of dollars of precious surgical equipment to Kijabe Hospital, where he had previously served.

One of the most striking aspects of the trip was the resilience and joy of the people we served. Despite facing many challenges, they welcomed us with open arms and a spirit of gratitude. The trip also deepened my understanding of what it means to serve others. It is not about grand gestures or making a visible impact. Instead, it’s about showing up, being present, and offering love and kindness in whatever way you can. Furthermore, it was the simplest acts—a smile, a listening ear, a shared prayer—that seemed to make the biggest difference. I’m grateful for the opportunity to have been a part of their lives, even for a brief time, and I look forward to continuing this journey of service and faith.
If you are interested in learning more about Naomi’s Village or sponsoring a child, more information can be found here: https://naomisvillage.org/

Past Events

July 2024 Community Group Activity

Once each week during the month of July, Transform hosted an outdoor activity to support the healthy habit of the month, which was “walk outside.” The walks took us to the Ballard Locks, Richmond Beach, Meadowdale Beach, and wrapped up with a concert in St. Edwards Park.

Virtual Book Club

Virtual Book Club

Transform hosted a virtual book club to support the healthy habit for August, which was to read. We discussed Dr. Peter Attia’s book Outlive. The book compares Medicine 2.0 with Medicine 3.0. Medicine 2.0 is treating disease once it has already developed. Medicine 3.0 focuses on preventing disease as we age. He believes we should prevent the four horsemen of chronic disease: atherosclerotic disease, cancer, neurodegenerative disease, and metabolic disease. These diseases should be targeted through exercise, sleep, nutrition, medications, supplements, and emotional health to promote longevity.

Cod with Tomatoes, Lemon, and Fennel

The healthy habit for June was to eat more vegetables. To support this habit, Kelly, RDN, hosted a virtual cooking class for our community group. Together we prepared cod with tomatoes, lemon, and fennel served with a side of asparagus. The recording can be found on our private Facebook group.

Serves 2

  • 2 cod filets
  • 1 fennel bulb, thinly sliced (core removed)
  • 1 pint cherry tomatoes, sliced
  • 1 lemon, zested
  • 1 clove garlic, grated
  • 1 small bunch basil, chopped
  • 1 bunch asparagus, chopped
  • 1 shallot, chopped
  1. Pat dry the fish and season with salt and pepper. Heat a nonstick stainless-steel pan with a high-heat oil like avocado oil. Once the oil starts to shimmer, add the fish presentation side down. When it is nicely browned on one side, flip it over.
  2. Once the cod flakes, remove it from the pan and place it to the side. Add the fennel to the pan and sauté until tender. Add the cherry tomatoes, lemon zest, and grated garlic. Cook until tomatoes are warmed.
  3. Put the fish back into the sauté pan to absorb the sauce.
  4. In a separate sauté pan, heat olive oil and add chopped asparagus. Add chopped shallot and sauté until the asparagus is tender.
  5. Serve the fish with the fennel tomato sauce and top with fresh basil. Place the asparagus on the side and serve. If desired, serve roasted potatoes on the side.

Need More Recipe Inspiration?

Check out Transform on Instagram for more recipe ideas. Each week a new recipe is posted that can be integrated into your weight loss journey.
https://www.instagram.com/transformweightloss