What a difference a few years can make!
James’ History
In 2012, James Langan, a 60-year-old retired maintenance supervisor, was looking forward to having his weight loss surgery performed by Dr. Seun. Weighing 454 pounds, he was ready to change his life and overcome several obesity-related medical conditions ─ high cholesterol, high blood pressure and chronic knee pain.
But during a pre-surgical colonoscopy, a cancerous mass on James’ colon was discovered. A week after the diagnosis, Dr. Sowemimo successfully removed the cancerous tumor laparoscopically using just four tiny incisions.
A month later, James was cleared for weight loss surgery and had the sleeve gastrectomy (gastric sleeve).
We checked in with Mr. Langan this week for an update on his health.
Good to see you Mr. Langan. How are you doing?
At 63-years-old, I’ve never been better. I no longer have the hassle or expense of all the medications I used to take. My family doctor has taken me off everything except vitamins.
My weight has gone from 454 pounds down to 265. Even though it’s been a few years since my operation, I still remember my previous clothing sizes:
Pants: Size 60
Shirts: 5XL or 6XL
Today I wear a 42 pant and an XL shirt.
How do you keep an almost 200 pound weight loss from creeping back on?
Dr. Sowemimo got me into the YMCA fitness program in South Amboy that is specifically designed for people who had weight loss surgery. I lift weights three times a week. It’s helped me keep the weight off and tightened up my loose skin.
I also weight myself regularly and stay within a five-pound range. If I gain, I just increase my workouts.
Do you still see Dr. Seun?
I attend the Bariatric Support Group sessions at CentraState Medical Center every month. At this point, I offer more advice than I ask for, but I still get help if I hit a roadblock or have a question. I also check in with Dr. Seun for check-ups periodically.
Do you have any advice for people considering bariatric surgery?
Read the labels of all the foods you eat. I can guarantee you will be surprised by the amount of sugar and carbs in many of the items you’ve been eating for years.
Someone in support group recommended a cookbook called the “Weight loss Surgery Cookbook for Dummies” to me. While it’s not the best title, the recipes are really delicious and my Prime Surgicare dietician approved them.
Finally, I still remember attending Dr. Seun’s New Patient Seminar session before I decided to have the operation. He said, very frankly, that weight loss surgery is not a ‘magic cure-all’ and he’s absolutely right.
You have to change the way you see food ─ it’s fuel to make your body work the right way. And you have to work at living a healthy lifestyle every single day.
James talks about his experience just after his bariatric operation in 2012 here.
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.