Sherri Gorbett
TREASURER
Bend, OR
Last Modified: May 16, 2023
Sherri Gorbett was born and raised in Southern California. In 2017 she met her soul mate and moved to Bend, Oregon. They were married in 2019 and together co-parent their five children.
After hearing a personal story from a local physical trainer on her explant story, Sherri trusted her intuition and removed her implants on October 25, 2021. Two days later, on October 27, 2021, the FDA made a public safety announcement, issuing the black box warning and the new patient safety checklist.
After researching other FDA announcements, she also learned that the FDA acknowledged the lack of long-term safety data, and they are still learning about the health problems that result from breast implants.
Thousands of women have reported to the FDA or researchers that they have experienced serious health problems that several studies have linked to their breast implants. She felt compelled and knew more was needed to educate women and physicians.
After considering starting a nonprofit organization, Sherri connected with Maria Gmitro. After hearing Maria's story and dedication to making changes, Sherri joined the BISA. Her passion is to raise awareness regarding the safety issues with breast implants by volunteering at local health and wellness events, sharing her personal story, and raising awareness of the recent FDA announcements regarding the safety problems with breast implants.
Sherri's purpose is to connect with women to assure them they’re not alone, support their self-advocacy, and help them be heard.
Sherri’s Implant Story
In 2001, after breastfeeding my first two children, I noticed my breasts were uneven. Seeking a solution, I consulted with a plastic surgeon about breast implants. However, I found the information provided to be lacking.
The surgeon assured me that saline breast implants were FDA-approved, completely safe, and would last a lifetime. The surgeon also painted an amazing picture of how I would look after the surgery. Without hesitation, I scheduled the procedure and had saline implants placed under the muscle. As expected, my breasts looked natural and full, and my confidence was restored.
Two years after getting the implants, I was diagnosed with severe depression and anxiety. I constantly felt exhausted, but doctors dismissed it as a normal part of being a mom. I remember my children, aged 2 and 4 at the time, waking up early and taking care of themselves while I slept until 10 am. When I returned to work, I experienced brain fog and concentration problems that affected my performance. I discussed these issues with my primary care doctor, but he attributed them to the challenges of being a busy working mom and prescribed medications. Then baby number three arrived.
The symptoms persisted, and in 2007, I began experiencing frequent headaches and painful bladder spasms. I was diagnosed with interstitial cystitis, an autoimmune response that attacked my bladder. Shortly after, I started experiencing muscle and joint pain, including numbness and pain in my left breast. These concerns were dismissed as a result of my running and race training. I also struggled with breathing and was diagnosed with exercise-induced asthma. I found myself sleeping as much as I trained. My hair began to thin, and I developed worsening cystic acne. Once again, my doctors attributed these issues to being a working mom, intense training, and the natural effects of aging, suggesting that I increase or add more medications.
In 2017, I developed fibroids that required ablation surgery. Additionally, abnormal blood work revealed thyroid abnormalities, leading to a diagnosis of Hashimoto's, another autoimmune disorder that attacks the thyroid.
Professional Experience
Over twenty years of bookkeeping and finance experience
Owned and operated mobile gymnastics business
Education
Fullerton College in California
Achievements
One marathon, fourteen half marathons, and five 200-mile relay races
Certifications
Certified Paragliding Pilot
Certified USA Gymnastics Instructor
Certified Cub Scout Leader
Certified HAM Radio Operator
Patients Rising Course Completion
Memberships
USHPA (United States Hang Gliding & Paragliding Association)
Bend Women For Good