Joe Giummo worked hard all of his life and welcomed retirement a few years ago. But he was also living with type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and ongoing heart issues. And, over time, his weight had crept up to over 300 pounds. To manage these serious health conditions, he took up to 10 medications a day. While he made an earnest effort to lose weight, the diabetes medications made any substantive weight loss difficult.
Joe’s cardiologist in New York suggested he consider a bariatric solution to lose the extra weight, which in turn could also help lessen the severity of his diabetes.
But after meeting with the New York City-based bariatric surgeon his doctor recommended, Joe knew one thing: he hadn’t found the right weight loss surgery doctor.
Choosing Dr. Seun Sowemimo Over a New York City Bariatric Surgeon
“My local cardiologist, Dr. Iris Mentle, told me to call Dr. Seun Sowemimo at Prime Surgicare,” Joe says. “She gave him a very strong recommendation and I have to say, after one meeting, I completely agreed with her. Best of all, his office was right here in Freehold.”
After undergoing several tests and being medically cleared for surgery, Joe underwent a sleeve gastrectomy (gastric sleeve) on February 18, 2015, at CentraState Medical Center.
After surgery, his wife, a retired registered nurse, helped him get back on his feet and get his nutrition program on track.
“My wife really pushed me that first month to get on board with the bariatric diet program,” Joe recalls. “By the second month, I was already seeing significant weight loss, which was a great motivating factor.”
Joe says he was walking regularly and eating mostly protein which boosted his energy throughout the day. He credits the detailed and easy-to-follow post-op bariatric nutrition program to helping him get off on the right foot.
A year later, Joe’s life has changed dramatically. Recently, his longtime gardener stopped by his home to talk about spring landscaping. “He thought I was the new homeowner,” Joe says with a smile. “He literally didn’t recognize me.”
In one year, Joe has dropped 120 pounds and is teetering on a weight that begins with a “1” for the first time in decades. Best of all, his medication needs have been reduced by 75 percent.
“I can do so much more now because I have all this energy. I love to spend time in the garden with my wife, without my weight or the side effects of the medications tiring me out.”
Inspiring his son to take control of his weight issues
Joe’s weight loss success has inspired his 42-year-old son to have gastric sleeve bariatric surgery this spring. A former football player, his weight slowly crept up over the years and he’s chosen to get his health back under control before weight-related health issues creep in.
“I realize I’m on the older side to have this surgery, but I would not have it any other way. I’ve added years to my life and feel younger every day,” Joe explains. “This was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.”
Are You Ready to Learn More About a Bariatric Weight Loss Solution?
Begin by visiting “Where Do I Start?” and attend Dr. Seun’s next free Patient Seminar where you can bring along supportive family and friends to learn more about weight loss surgery.
Call Prime Surgicare at 732-414-2707 to schedule your one-on-one consultation with Dr. Seun. During your visit, you can discuss all the weight loss surgery procedure options, check your BMI and discuss how any existing health issues might be lessened or even alleviated after significant weight loss.
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 in advanced laparoscopic, bariatric and general surgery.
To learn more, visit his YouTube channel or call Prime Surgicare at (732)-414-2707.
I also had the sleeve done by Dr Suen. Joe was one of the deciding factors to pick Dr Suen. It’s been 7 months and I have lost 78 lbs. I am at the gym at least 5 days a week. I’m doing things I thought I would never be able to do again. I feel great and have so much energy. Best decision I’ve made in my life next to marring my husband. Thank you Dr Suen and Frank love you both.
We are so proud of you and your success Ann! Keep up the good work!
Nearing my one year surgiversary and gone are 62 pounds! 9 till my goal weight and 10 more to my dream weight….best decision I ever made. Battled my weight my entire life! Thank you Dr. Suen, Lori and all the amazing office and hospital staff. Bring on summer!
Well done Linda! You deserve all your success. Good luck as you continue on your journey.
I am not that rich so that I never thought that I’ll be able to find a decent health advisor but thanks to lose weight which show me the way to a better and a safer life.