Weight loss is only the beginning of the journey. On this episode of Wise & Well, we are joined by Dr. Barry Sanchez, a veteran bariatric surgeon at Community Memorial Healthcare, for an in-depth overview of Community Memorial’s comprehensive weight loss and bariatric program.

Dr. Sanchez breaks down common misconceptions surrounding bariatric surgery, explaining how modern procedures target underlying metabolic disease to help eliminate or drastically improve chronic conditions like type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, and fatty liver disease.

Throughout the conversation, Dr. Sanchez explores who qualifies for bariatric surgery, how GLP-1 medications and bariatric surgery work together as complementary tools, and how Community Memorial’s multidisciplinary team—including bariatric nurses, APPs, registered dietitians, psychologists, and support groups—prepares patients for lifelong success and non-scale health victories.

Whether you're exploring options for the first time or looking for long-term support, discover how Community Memorial Healthcare meets you where you are on your wellness journey.

Explore Community Memorial's weight loss program at mycmh.org/weightloss or view Dr. Barry Sanchez's profile and schedule a consultation at mycmh.org/find-a-doctor/barry-sanchez-md.

Aortic aneurysms and dissections are serious, life-threatening conditions that often require complex surgical care. In this episode of Wise and Well, cardiothoracic surgeon Dr. Ryan Vela and vascular surgeon Dr. David Blitzer discuss Thoracic Branched Endoprosthesis (TBE)—an innovative, minimally invasive procedure now available at Community Memorial Healthcare. Discover how this collaborative approach allows the duo to repair complex aortic conditions through tiny incisions, eliminating the need for major open-heart surgery or traveling outside Ventura County for advanced care.

Learn more: mycmh.org/tbe

Learn more about David Blitzer, MD

Learn more about Ryan Vela, MD

In this episode of Wise & Well, we explore the challenges and emotional realities of family caregiving with Janice Aharon-Ezer, Caregiver Navigator at Community Memorial Healthcare, alongside Dwayne McCulloch and Lisa Hildebrand, both members of the Caregiver Support Group. Together, they discuss how Community Memorial’s free Caregiver Navigator Program and support group offer personalized guidance to reduce burnout, build resiliency, and support individuals caring for loved ones with various medical, psychological, or developmental needs.

The conversation highlights personal caregiving stories that span caring for a spouse with Alzheimer's to managing support for a sibling with mental health needs, emphasizing that caregiving can affect anyone at any stage of life. The panel explores the critical importance of overcoming isolation, learning to ask for help without guilt, and prioritizing self-care like returning to favorite hobbies or taking dedicated time off to recharge. Whether you are actively caring for a family member or simply looking to better support a caregiver in your life, this episode offers compassionate insights, practical advice, and community resources. To learn more about the Caregiver Navigator Program or to join the support group, call 805-948-5803.