A few weeks ago, as the illustrious Wimbledon Men’s Championship was about to begin, I found myself engaged in my own tennis challenge right here in New Jersey. I was facing my bariatric patient, Fred Murphy, who weighed 373 pounds only two years ago.
Overcoming Obesity-Related Challenges
When we first met in my Freehold, NJ office, I discovered that Fred’s obesity had created many challenges that were affecting his:
- Health;
- Mobility;
- Stamina;
- Longevity;
- And of course, his tennis game.
Eventually, I performed gastric sleeve surgery for Fred. Just one year after surgery, he was 174 pounds lighter, weighing less than 200 pounds.
It wasn’t easy for Fred to shed his excess weight. It took effort on his part to make his weight loss surgery so successful. But he did have some help — the entire team here at Prime Surgicare, helping to guide his long term efforts.
And it paid off. BIG TIME.
The Day of the Tennis Match
Fred, 54-years-old, arrived at our tennis match riding his bicycle.
(I drove my car.)
Patient or no patient, I was ready to win!
…Unfortunately, Fred proceeded to thrash me in straight sets.
It was an embarrassing defeat, but I couldn’t help but feel a great sense of purpose knowing that, in a small way, I helped Fred find his way back to good health so that he can enjoy many more successful tennis matches (and bike rides).
But, make no mistake ─ there will be a rematch.
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)-982-2002.
I think this is a wonderful way to celebrate Fred’s success. But Dr. Sowemimo, I think you need to work on your tennis skills because there will be many more challenges by future post-surgery patients!!!