One of the first things you notice about Virginia Krzyzanowski of Freehold is how polished she looks and dresses – not trendy, but very well put together with the innate confidence to add a little dazzle to her wardrobe and accessories. This wasn’t always the case, however. Virginia is only in her early 50’s and too vivacious to be saddled with a laundry list of chronic, obesity-related medical conditions. Her primary care doctor and nurse practitioner suggested she consider weight loss surgery as a way to alleviate these health conditions that were diminishing her quality of life.
“I was taking 20 units of insulin every day in addition to several other medications,” says Virginia, who is 5’ 6” tall. “I was tired of dealing with medical issues I knew were related to my weight.” When the scale hit 286 pounds, she made an appointment to see Dr. Seun Sowemimo (Dr. Seun) of Prime Surgicare, who was recommended by her family doctor for ‘lap band surgery’. Virginia took several months to consider the surgery and the lifestyle changes that bariatric surgery would necessitate. In January 2012, Virginia underwent gastric bypass weight loss surgery at CentraState Medical Center in Freehold, New Jersey.
Winning her health back and gaining big rewards
A little over a year later:
• Virginia has lost more than 100 pounds.
• She no longer suffers from any of her previous medical conditions.
• She no longer takes any medications.
• Her clothing size has gone down from a 3X/4X to a 14/16.
“I think part of Virginia’s weight loss success can be attributed to her regular attendance at our CentraState Bariatric Support Group meetings where she gains and shares lifestyle change tips and tricks from her peers,” says Dr. Sowemimo. “There is much to be gained from developing a sense of community with like-minded people.”
A new figure ignites ‘flea market fashion’
“I was never especially interested in fashion when I was heavier,” Virginia says. “But after my procedure, my clothing size was going down pretty quickly so it didn’t make sense to spend money on clothes that wouldn’t fit me the next month.” Already an avid flea market shopper, Virginia slowly began purchasing high quality clothing at her favorite flea markets (favorites include the Collingswood Auction and Flea Market, Columbus Flea Market and the Englishtown Auction) ─ with a rule of never spending more than $5.00 for an entire outfit. Some of her exceptional fashion finds included a Talbots business suit for $2.00 and a new-with-tags orange designer name jacket for $1.00. “Flea market fashion is a fun, calorie-free hobby that’s like a treasure hunt ─ I love it!”
Reflecting on the past year
Virginia, a 4-H program associate for Rutgers Cooperative Extension, said the past year has been one of the most memorable of her life. When asked what she would say to others considering a bariatric weight loss solution, she is quick to respond, “Even before you commit to the surgery, go to one of the New Patient Info Sessions Dr. Seun offers and attend the monthly support group meetings to find out firsthand from other patients what weight loss surgery is all about. If you decide to do it, rest assured you are in good hands with Dr. Seun. He has fantastic credentials and was there to help, support and encourage me every step of the way.”
About Dr. Seun Sowemimo, MD, FACS
“Dr. Seun” is a top NJ bariatric surgeon and the medical director at Prime Surgicare, with offices in Freehold serving Monmouth and Ocean counties. He is board-certified, Columbia and Yale University fellowship-trained advanced laparoscopic, bariatric and general surgeon. He has advanced expertise performing the safest, most advanced laparoscopic and general surgical operations. To learn more, visit his YouTube channel or call Prime Surgicare at (732) -982-2002