Cathy’s high-stress, extended-shift job as a 911 dispatcher and police matron demand a recreational outlet where she can decompress. Her stress relievers are two (rescued) Standardbred trotting horses, Mission and Chowder, who live on her New Egypt property in Ocean County.
The busy wife and mother says the emotional connection she shares with her horses, and the challenge of caring for them, is an ideal mental and physical diversion from work. “I also compete in long distance riding (minimum of 15 miles) and Hunter Paces competitions on a regular basis, which demands stamina, a strong core and powerful legs,” Cathy explains. But the extra 100+ pounds she was carrying on her statuesque 5’11” frame made her feel sluggish and exhausted all the time.
Taking back the reins to lose more than 100 pounds in less than a year
In 2015, she decided to take action. She consulted with Dr. Seun Sowemimo and was approved to undergo a vertical sleeve gastrectomy (also called the “vsg” or “the gastric sleeve”) in December. Less than a year later, Cathy had dropped a whopping 116 pounds.
“Today, my weight hovers around 147 pounds — which is fabulous — and I have much more stamina to lift 50-pound bags of feed, pick-up hundreds of pounds of manure and clean the stable and paddock every day,” she says with a smile. “Losing the weight has made everything in my life easier, from the minute I wake up to the end of the day. Now that I have muscle instead of fat, the whole world just feels lighter.”
Cathy ponders if her horses wonder what happened to the ‘old me’ and is thrilled she no longer requires a mounting block to mount them. “I just hope they aren’t bothered by carrying me around on my bony butt!”
If you are ready to take control of your weight, start the journey by learning about what bariatric surgery entails and how it can help get your health back on track.
Register for one of our free monthly bariatric seminars or webinars, or call our weight loss surgery specialists at (732) 982-2002 to schedule your private consultation.
About Us
Dr. Seun Sowemimo and Dr. Bennet Togbe are board-certified and fellowship-trained, general, laparoscopic and bariatric surgeons in NJ. They specialize in minimally invasive weight loss surgery and general surgery procedures including diverticulitis, gallbladder and hernia conditions. They are the top NJ surgeons at Prime Surgicare, with offices in Freehold serving Monmouth and Ocean counties.
To learn more, visit our YouTube channel or call Prime Surgicare at (732)-982-2002.
Love this story Cathy and congrats on your success. I loved seeing Dr. Seun riding, he is truly amazing. I ride also and would love an opportunity to chat with you. Merry Christmas and a blessed new year. Dr. Fiola is my primary care dr and she can give you my contact info. I’m local in Jackson. Be well.