At Prime Surgicare, our patients quickly realize they are far from alone during their journey. Through our unique Bariatric Success Program, men and women have immediate access to our free bariatric support group meetings and around-the-clock advise and support via our social media channels, especially Facebook.
Our pre- and post-op bariatric patients benefit from the new ‘community’ they join after making the decision to regain control of their health through weight loss surgery.
Below are some of our patients’ recommended tips, tools and words-of-wisdom to help newcomers achieve and sustain weight loss success:
Todd: I have 3…
1st — Buy some compression t-shirts. Not the expensive “under armor,” but the cheap ones from Target or Walmart. It will help keep your skin tight.
2nd — Take your vitamins and eat your protein!
3rd (and most important) — Listen to Dr. Seun! If he tells you to do (or not to do) something… it’s for a reason.
Randy: Spend time meal-prepping for the week; download a food calorie, protein and carb counting app on your phone and weigh your food till you can just eye the size of your meals. Keep exercising even when the weight starts to come off slowly.
Teresa: Don’t focus so much on the scale. You will stall … don’t look, just keep doing what you’re supposed to be doing and it will pay off!
Jill: Protein, water, exercise, repeat!
Mike H: The surgery just limits your food intake. You need to get in the gym or be active. The worst part is people telling you that you cheated and got surgery — not knowing that I spend 2+ hours a day at the gym, which helps explain how my weight has gone from 435 down to 367 in only 2 months. Be active, save your life!
Joseph: WATER! Make sure you drink enough water.
Laura: Be prepared. Always have a healthy item(s) on hand to save you from bad food choices.
Austin: Make sure to go to all of your follow-ups & get all your labs done! I just had labs done for a specialist & we found that one of my health diagnoses that we didn’t think could reverse after surgery in fact did!!! I no longer have PCOS & would’ve never known if I didn’t get updated labs!!!
Jennifer: Keep on swimming! I’ll be 5 years out on March 6 and I’ve maintained ALL of my weight loss. 80lbs gone forever.
Michelle: Watch your iron levels. It took me a while to figure out I became anemic. I was craving ice, tired, freezing cold all the time and my teeth were getting weaker. Cavities. Iron infusions fix all of it! Easy fix. If you’re chewing ice check your level. That’s my telltale sign I need blood work!
Scott: Bike with Dr. Seun!
Mary Ann: Stay positive… As you will have ups and downs…This is a lifestyle change…. Not a diet…
Diane: Never feel that you have to apologize for using the surgery as a tool for taking control of your own health.
Barbara: Incorporate some sort of physical activity in your daily routine. Not only does it make you feel good, it helps with stalls and weight loss. And make sure you take in enough water.
Renee: First and foremost, take one day at a time!
Patti: I love the app My Fitness Pal for tracking calorie, carbs, protein, exercise etc.… However — keep in mind it doesn’t recognize bariatric patients are eating fewer calories a day, so it will yell at you for being below your “recommended daily calories,” if you tabulate it at the end of the day…lol…. Eat slowwwwwwwwwwly.
Amy: THE BIG 4: Protein, vitamins, water and exercise!!
Christine: My best tip is to stay away from bread/ pasta/ rice. I do eat chocolate occasionally, so I never feel like I’m not treating myself. Fruit is delicious — zoodles and cauliflower rice are my go to. ❤ be happy — don’t give a crap what anyone has to say to you ❤
Cathy: I had RNY gastric bypass in 2001 and back then, there wasn’t the information out there like it is now. I’ve had (bariatric) regain but thankfully have lost it. I wish I’d known that just because you’ve lost weight, if you don’t change your habits and lifestyle, you can regain. Losing regain isn’t like losing weight after WLS. It is slow and much more difficult.
Deborah: I would have to look up the date, but I think it’s been 4 maybe 5 yrs. and I feel great. My digestive system acts up when I eat fast so take your time. Don’t forget your prescribed vitamins, exercise, drink water. Trust me, the (gastric) sleeve works.
Michelle: Support groups — as many and as often as possible, for at least 3 months before and don’t stop after.
Nicole: The best decision you will ever make!!!!! It’s a life changer! Lots of luck!!
Our Bariatric Surgeons Offer WLS Advice
Reach out to our team if you have a question, problem or need support. We are fortunate to have a diverse group of bariatric experts here who make themselves available to be in touch with patients. You are joining the Prime Surgicare family, and we will treat you like family!
Attend our Bariatric Support Group meeting and talk to people who have had weight loss surgery. Our group is comprised of people just thinking about weight loss surgery, those prepping for it and those who have had it done 2 weeks, 2 years or 10 years ago. Join us!
I’m Ready to Lose the Weight. Now What?
Great news and welcome to the club! We offer three easy options to begin your weight loss surgery journey:
- Seminars
Free in-person bariatric seminars, hosted at CentraState Medical Center. Meet the doctor and his bariatric dietitian, Lori Skurbe. Receive printed information and ask questions. - Webinars
Daily on-demand or bi-weekly live bariatric webinars are available online. Watch from the comfort of your own location and submit questions online. - Office Appointments
If you prefer a private bariatric consultation with Dr. Togbe or Dr. Sowemimo, call (732) 982-2002 and we’ll confirm an appointment for you within one week of your call.
We look forward to meeting and welcoming you in person soon!
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.