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Obesity Expert Dr. Sowemimo Discusses the Latest Weight Loss Options
Posted by: In: bariatric surgeon, Blog Post, intermittent fasting, WFPB, whole food plant based 22 Jun 2023 0 comments Tags , , , , , , , ,

Medical Director Dr. Seun Sowemino was an expert guest on Cheddar.com and News 12 New Jersey’s beWell health and lifestyle program. He discussed the latest weight loss options, including intermittent fasting, plant-based nutrition, bariatric surgery and the new injectable medications used for weight loss, Ozempic, Wegovy and Mounjaro. beWell is hosted by Shannon Lanier.

Watch the interview here: https://newjersey.news12.com/be-well-intermittent-fasting-what-it-is-and-how-it-can-help-you-lose-weight

 

Dr. Sowemimo to Host Bariatric Revision Webinar May 22
Posted by: In: bariatric revision, COVID-19, gastric bypass, Gastric Sleeve 05 May 2023 0 comments Tags , , , , , ,

If you have experienced a weight gain, or have an outdated gastric band (lap-band) that is no longer promoting weight loss or weight maintenance, a bariatric revision can jumpstart your weight loss again.

There is still time in 2023 to resume control of your health and re-ignite weight loss again. Obesity is a disease that can affect every aspect of your health and your life. It is a chronic medical condition that can literally determine your lifespan.

Bariatric Revision Webinar

On Wednesday, May 22 at 7:00 pm, join my bariatric team and me for an online presentation about the Bariatric Revision journey where you will learn:

  • If you qualify
  • Insurance requirements for coverage
  • What procedure is recommended
  • Upgrading from a lap-band to a higher-performing procedure
  • Timeframe for surgery and post-op recovery
  • Benefits of bariatric revision

In addition to restarting weight loss, a bariatric revision can also control unpleasant GERD symptoms, which may keep you up at night and decrease sleep quality.

Register for Dr. Sowemimo Bariatric Revision Webinar

Click here to pre-register for your personal Zoom link. (Pre-registration is required). Questions? Call us at 732-414-2707. If you prefer to meet with me and our bariatric team in person, call for a private consultation in our Jackson or Freehold offices.

As a board-certified, fellowship-trained bariatric surgeon with more than 10 years of expertise performing the safest and most reliable surgical weight loss procedures, you can rest assured that your health is in good hands. I hope to see you on Monday evening, May 22 at 7:00 pm.

Cheers to your good health,

 

 

 

 

 

Dr. Seun Sowemimo is a board-certified bariatric and general surgeon specializing in the treatment of metabolic syndrome and obesity. He is the medical director at Prime Surgicare and Central Jersey Bariatric located in Freehold and Jackson, NJ. He also serves as medical director of the Bariatric Surgery Program at CentraState Medical Center. Dr. Seun can be reached at drseun@primesurgicare.com or by calling (732) 414-2702.

Family Affair—Three Sisters Defeat Obesity with Gastric Sleeve Weight Loss Surgery
Posted by: In: Bariatric Success Program, Bariatric Success Story, bariatric surgeon, Blog Post, Dr. Seun Weight Loss Plan, Gastric Sleeve, Horizon BCBS in network bariatric, WFPB, whole food plant based 27 Mar 2023 0 comments Tags , , , , , , , ,

Burlington County siblings inspire each other to lose weight and regain health after gastric sleeve surgery

Sisters (left to right) Dolly Chamberlain, Molly Horner and Betsy Yaccarino

 

The sisters in 2023, who together lost more than 300 pounds.

Over the course of five years, three sisters, between ages 50 and 59, chose surgical weight loss to regain their health, overcome chronic diseases and have the vitality they needed to enjoy life to the fullest. They all turned to Dr. Seun Sowemimo’s bariatric surgery team at Prime Surgicare and generously agreed to share their inspiring journey (times three) below:

Molly had gastric sleeve surgery in 2017

Molly before weight loss surgery in 2017.

In 2017, Molly Horner of Burlington County chose to have gastric sleeve bariatric weight loss surgery after she had dutifully tried several other methods for weight loss. Fortunately, at age 46, she had no weight-related medical issues. But she did have five young grandchildren with whom she wanted to spend as much time as possible.

Weighing 289 pounds and wearing size 22 before beginning her surgical weight loss, she lost 120 pounds and has successfully maintained her weight loss.

READ: Learn more about Molly’s weight loss surgery journey

Her life-changing success did not go unnoticed. Her two older sisters, Dolly and Betsy, also faced weight issues and, like Molly, tried several diets and exercise programs, but didn’t achieve sustained success.

 Dolly had gastric sleeve surgery in 2021

Dolly before gastric sleeve surgery in 2021.

Dolly Chamberlain, age 59, lives the active life of someone half her age. But working three jobs left little time to devote to her health and wellness. When her weight neared 225 pounds, she realized the extra 85 pounds she was carrying contributed to her constant exhaustion. As the mother of eight young grandchildren, she knew the weight was slowing her down.

“I am on the go 24/7, working three jobs and helping out my family when I can,” says Dolly, who has four adult children and eight grandchildren. “I decided to have surgical weight loss because it was the fastest way to get the extra weight off my small frame and give me more stamina every day.”

Dolly, who has battled weight issues most of her life, had sleep apnea and used a “clunky and annoying” CPAP device while sleeping. She also suffered from hypertension and took high-dosage prescription medication daily to manage the disease.

Read: Find out if you may be suffering from sleep apnea

At 5’2”, the grandmother’s pre-surgery weight was 223, equating to a 42 BMI (a healthy BMI is 25 and under). After gastric sleeve surgery in June 2021, she lost 85 pounds; today, her weight is stable between 140 and 145 pounds. “I have a meal around 11:00 am and eat again no later than 8:00 pm,” she explains. “After dinner, my kitchen is off limits.”

Dolly, like her sisters, is committed to a consistent distance walking regimen. “I convinced my co-workers to walk around the cafeteria every day on our breaks, so this helps to motivate each other.” Her free time is spent walking her dog and kayaking with her son, an activity she could not have done before bariatric surgery.

Today, Dolly no longer has sleep apnea and is overjoyed to be free of the CPAP. Dolly still takes medication to manage her hypertension, but the dosage has been significantly reduced.

Dolly weighing about 140 pounds (2023)

Tackling weight issues together

Seun Sowemimo, MD, FACS, FASMBS

“It’s not unusual for family members, friends and spouses to have surgical weight loss as a team,” notes Dr. Seun Sowemimo. “The added support from the other person is invaluable during the pre-op preparation and post-op weight loss.”

Dr. Seun says that the twice monthly Bariatric Support Group meetings (in-person and online) are also an invaluable resource for navigating the weight loss surgery journey.

READ: Learn more about Prime Surgicare’s exclusive Bariatric Success Program

 

Betsy had gastric sleeve surgery in 2022

Betsy in 2021 weighing 244 pounds before gastric sleeve surgery in 2022. She has lost 100 pounds in 10 months.

Betsy Yaccarino, age 51, a customer service representative, also experienced chronic health issues that kept her from fully enjoying her life. She had asthma, depression and GERD, which resulted in chronic heartburn and gastrointestinal discomfort. Further, she was about to turn 50 and didn’t want to face another decade saddled by obesity.

“I had a history of yo-yo dieting, which tricks you into thinking this time you will finally keep the weight off,” Betsy explains. “It’s a deceiving cycle to fall into and I realized I needed a better option.”

The pandemic gave Betsy time to re-think her life and implement changes. One of her first goals was to prioritize her health and weight.

“By the time I had surgery in May 2022, I was committed to changing my health in three ways–physical, mental and financial.”

Betsy Yaccarino

Betsy was tired of declining social invitations because she felt uncomfortable about her weight, didn’t care for her wardrobe and felt too tired to participate. Since bariatric surgery in May 2022, she has lost an impressive 100 pounds and currently weighs 138 pounds. At 5’4”, she plans to lose eight to 13 more pounds and then begin weight maintenance.

“Seeing my sisters go through the process, from the pre-op paperwork to post-op weight loss process, gave me a clear vision of the program, which was very helpful,” she notes. “They also encouraged me when I was discouraged and celebrated when I went down another clothing size.”

Betsy – Spring 2023

Molly and Betsy at a recent celebration.

 Transitioning a nutrition strategy to plant-based foods

WATCH: Dr. Seun explains the simplicity of a whole food plant-based diet

Recently, Molly and Betsy have started to transition to eating mostly a whole-food plant-based diet, with guidance and encouragement from Dr. Sowemimo, who founded the online course, Dr. Seun’s Weight Loss Plan.

“When you lose a large amount of weight, you see food differently. To me, food is medicine to prevent disease and illness and it fuels me throughout the day. It’s not a crutch to abuse when I have a bad day.”

Molly Horner

Dr. Sowemimo concurs. “Eating real food from plants transforms how you feel mentally and physically, similarly to surgical weight loss.  I’m so proud that Molly and Betsy are doing this as they approach a normal BMI.”

“My sisters and I agree that self-care is essential to protecting and even prolonging your life,” Betsy says. “But make no mistake—you must be mentally and physically ready to change your life. Once you are there, don’t wait another minute to get started.”

Are you ready to change your life?

Molly, Dolly and Betsy each had their own specific reasons for choosing gastric sleeve surgery. Today, they are healthier, happier and more active than ever. Best of all, the sisters will live longer because of the effort they made to lose weight and regain health. If you are frustrated by living with obesity, call our friendly and respectful team of weight loss surgery experts at 732-414-2707 to schedule an appointment to talk with our bariatric surgeons about your health goals. We can’t wait to meet you!

New love helps inspire Brooklyn native to lose 116 pounds after gastric sleeve surgery
Posted by: In: Bariatric Success Program, Bariatric Success Story, bariatric surgeon, Blog Post, Dr. Seun Weight Loss Plan, Gastric Sleeve, Horizon BCBS in network bariatric, whole food plant based 28 Feb 2023 0 comments Tags , , , , , , ,

As the pandemic shut down the world, Yvonne Jones used the time to dramatically change her health and life.

Brooklyn legal professional Yvonne Jones in 2020.

Brooklyn native Yvonne Jones always had the reputation of being the heavy one in the family. Being passionate about cooking and watching cooking shows also made weight management challenging. As the pandemic set in, Yvonne was downsized from her job as a senior law office supervisor. Being idle at home day after day, rather than working in a hectic professional office, didn’t help matters.

When Yvonne was helping a family member prepare for a birthday party, the exertion caused her to feel out of breath and she needed to sit down.

“My sister said she had never seen me sit down at any of our parties,” Yvonne recalls. Her sister wasn’t aware that she also took prescription medications to manage weight-related high cholesterol, high blood pressure and pre-diabetes. “At the time, eating was my exercise and that behavior grew into serious health conditions.”

 

A life change inspires a health change

But there was happy news on the relationship front. Several months before the pandemic, Yvonne, a longtime single mother of an adult daughter who serves in the US Military, posted a dating profile on Match.com. She saw a gentleman’s profile who intrigued her and reached out. The feeling was more than mutual. In April 2020, the couple was married in a small ceremony.

“To know that my husband married me when I was heavy at the time made me love him even more,” Yvonne recalls. After moving from Brooklyn to the Jersey Shore, Yvonne retired from the workforce to enjoy married life and focus on herself. One of the first changes she committed to was improving her health and weight.

“As you get older, you have less motivation to lose weight,” Yvonne notes.

“But at nearly 60-years-old, I was newly married and didn’t want a minute to be cut short because of my health.”

Yvonne’s primary care physician, Dr. Kenneth Kronhaus of Jersey Coat Family Medicine, recommended she meet with board-certified bariatric surgeon and weight loss expert, Dr. Seun Sowemimo at Prime Surgicare. “After discussing my we both decided that the gastric sleeve would be the right weight loss surgery to help me lose weight quickly and safely.”

A dramatic health rebound triggered by gastric sleeve bariatric surgery

Just after Christmas 2020, weighing 263 pounds and wearing size 20-22, Yvonne had bariatric surgery and her health turnaround began.

She followed the post-op diet and the weight began to come off. She eventually started to walk—in small increments. “I remember the first few times I walked a mile, I felt exhausted,” she notes. “But I kept walking and when the weather was too cold, I walked up and down my stairs at home.” Yvonne just received delivery of a new treadmill, which she can use 24/7, regardless of the weather.

 

 

By the end of 2021, one year after VSG surgery, Yvonne had lost 116 pounds and five clothing sizes. Most importantly, her pre-diabetes, dangerously high blood pressure and high cholesterol returned to normal levels, ending the need and expense for disease management prescription drugs.

“I’m proud to be age 60 and not taking any medications,” Yvonne notes.

Seun Sowemimo, MD, FACS, FASMBS and Yvonne at her recent check-up in Freehold, NJ.

“Yvonne’s BMI returned to normal after weight loss surgery, greatly diminishing her risk of obesity-related chronic diseases,” explains her board-certified bariatric surgeon, Dr. Seun Sowemimo. He also attributes her recovery to the adoption of a more plant-based diet. “If you skip eating meat products, your cholesterol levels alone should go down significantly,” notes the founder of Dr. Seun’s Weight Loss Plan online course.

Finally enjoying a delayed wedding ceremony–100+ pounds lighter

 

The happy bride wears a size 10 wedding dress at her second wedding celebration.

In September 2022, Yvonne and her husband George were able to celebrate a second wedding, this time with friends and family, which had been postponed during the pandemic. Yvonne’s weight loss from her original wedding in 2020, weighing 263 pounds, was also a cause for celebration when she wore a size 10 wedding gown, weighing her goal weight of 153 pounds.

Yvonne says having weight loss surgery was one of the greatest accomplishments of her life. “I learned so much about myself and what I can achieve,” she notes. “I am grateful every day for how much better I feel when I wake up and how much energy I have to enjoy each day.” When it comes to food, Yvonne’s pragmatic approach works—“I realize that food does not make me happy–being healthy makes me happy.”

 

Start Your Weight Loss Comeback Now!

As Yvonne’s proves, it’s never, ever too late to take back control of your health and your weight. Watch our On Demand Webinar to learn more about what causes obesity and why traditional diet and exercise plans often just don’t work. Call our Prime Surgicare weight loss team at 732-414-2707 to verify your medical coverage for bariatric services and make an appointment to meet personally with Dr. Seun Sowemimo.

Athlete Overcomes Chronic Back Pain with Gastric Sleeve Surgery
Posted by: In: Bariatric Success Program, Bariatric Success Story, bariatric surgeon, Blog Post, Dr. Seun Weight Loss Plan, Gastric Sleeve, Horizon BCBS in network bariatric 14 Feb 2023 0 comments Tags , , , , ,

I started changing my bad food habits before my bariatric surgery,” says William Rodaligo, who has lost nearly 150 pounds in less than a year.

 

For many, a specific life experience flips a switch that it’s time to make a change. For Ocean County operations and logistics professional William Rodaligo, it was a trip to an NFL football game. “In January 2022, I attended the Cowboys/Commanders game with my friends,” Will recalls. “Weighing over 400 pounds at the time, I needed help getting from place to place and felt exhausted and in pain most of the time.” Living with degenerative chronic back pain and sciatica, the weight also exacerbated his discomfort.

Socially, he was also reluctant to be with groups of people, feeling uncomfortable about his appearance. He hadn’t visited a grocery store in years for the same reason. Most importantly, he was worried his health and weight issues would prevent him from fully participating in his pre-teen daughter’s life.

Gastric sleeve surgery – Beginning weight loss transformation on day one

A competitive athlete until he suffered an Achilles injury 10 years ago, the football game experience was his call-to-action event. “I started the bariatric surgery process with Dr. Sowemimo, but it takes time to go through the insurance-required medical clearances,” he notes. “So I started working with the bariatric dietitian Lori Skurbe to start some dietary changes while I waited for my surgery date.

Will made three key changes on his own—he stopped drinking soda, began using an air fryer to prepare his food and cancelled Door Dash. “Door Dash was a real problem for me and I’m saving a ton of money and calories as a result.” Due to his back condition, he was not able to exercise.

Dr. Sowemimo – Predicting surgical weight loss success

“Will judiciously devoted his pre-op waiting period to begin weight loss,” recalls Lori Skurbe. “He already knew some of the bad habits he wanted to break and I helped him replace them with positive lifestyle changes that would help him before and after surgery.” She noted Will’s 70-pound weight loss before surgery also reduced his overall surgery risk and helped speed post-op recovery.

His bariatric surgeon, Dr. Seun Sowemimo, was impressed by Will’s commitment and shared a trend he has seen in more than 2,000 bariatric surgeries he has performed since 2010—

“Having weight loss surgery is more than just an operation—the people who are successful for the long-term—and maintain their weight loss—stay committed to using food as fuel and medicine to maintain health,” explains Dr. Sowemimo, who also founded the online health and weight loss course, Dr. Seun’s Weight Loss Plan.

“When Will lost an impressive 70 pounds even before gastric sleeve surgery, I knew he would reach whatever goal he set for himself.”

Fine months ago today, on September 14, 2022, weighing 360 pounds, Will had a vertical sleeve gastrectomy (VSG or sleeve surgery) and began the next phase of his health transformation. He followed the Prime Surgicare-prescribed post-op nutrition and vitamin regimen and was rewarded with weekly weight loss. Since the start of his 2022 weight loss journey, he has lost nearly 150 pounds.

“I’ve experienced so many unexpected improvements in my health,” Will explains. “I feel rested after the best night’s sleep in years and my girlfriend appreciates that I no longer snore at night.” Will’s chronic back pain has been reduced by 85 percent, improving his mood, energy level and ability to be more active.

The Future: Sharing his weight loss transformation with other men

“My next goal is to hit 220 pounds, reaching a 200-pound weight loss,” says Will, who can now walk for metabolism-boosting exercise. Most importantly, his overall mental and physical health improvements have been astounding. “Without having back surgery, I never thought it would be possible to decrease my pain to this level,” He notes. “Just breathing and moving without so much pain has made me more positive, patient and a better person to be around.”

Will has some words of experience for others who think they have too much weight to lose—

“Think about the people in your life you care about,” Will says. “They want to fully share their lives with you and don’t want to see you stuck on the sidelines of life because of your weight.”

Will plans to launch a YouTube channel focused on helping other men who are facing significant weight challenges. “I want to share lessons learned from my weight loss and health journey to help other guys. When your life has been improved so dramatically, you want to share the tools you used to get there.”

It will be our honor to share Will’s new YouTube channel once it is live.

Dr. Sowemimo Launches Instagram Live Series
Posted by: In: bariatric surgeon, Blog Post, Dr. Seun inspiration, Dr. Seun Weight Loss Plan, Instagram Live, intermittent fasting, WFPB, whole food plant based 02 Feb 2023 0 comments Tags , , , , , , , , , ,

Beginning Feb. 2 at 5 pm, and on the first Thursday of every month, Prime Surgicare medical director, board-certified bariatric, laparoscopic and general surgeon Dr. Seun Sowemimo will host an Instagram Live “Ask Me Anything” answering your questions about weight management, surgical weight loss and plant-based nutrition tools. Log-on and ask Dr. Seun your diet, fitness, nutrition and surgical weight loss questions! Instagram handle: drseun_nj

Dr. Seun is a well-known expert on weight management, obesity, plant-based nutrition and intermittent fasting. He is also the founder of Dr. Seun’s Weight Loss Plan, an online course that teaches four simple health and nutrition fundamentals to safely promote longevity, chronic disease prevention, weight loss and long-term weight maintenance.

Lorenza Starts 2023 Worry-Free After Long-Delayed Hernia Surgery
Posted by: In: Blog Post, hernia surgery, Horizon BCBS in network bariatric 01 Feb 2023 0 comments Tags , , , , , , , , , ,

(Lorenza was our final hernia surgery patient in 2022. She lived with the nagging annoyance from a hernia for too long and decided to start the new year worry-free.)

“Meeting Dr. Sowemimo gave me the confidence to proceed with my stomach hernia repair. I lived with a hernia in my belly for nearly 20 years. I came to realization to finally properly treat my hernia and put my health as a priority in 2023. I am very thankful to Dr. Sowemimo for his knowledge and passion. He and his staff have made this experience incredibly great because I now feel safer and no more worry about an emergency hernia situation.  My recovery has been amazing. My sincere admiration and appreciation to Dr. Sowemimo for what he does. Thank you Dr. Sowemimo, you will always be part of my life!”

(Google Review – The Hernia Center at Prime Surgicare)

New Jersey’s Hernia Surgery Specialists

Medical Director and board-certified hernia surgeon Dr. Seun Sowemimo is an in-network provider for Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey (Horizon Blue) and hernia repair surgery is a covered operation. The board-certified, minimally-invasive surgeons at the Hernia Center at Prime Surgicare perform hernia surgery operations regularly. These are the most common hernia repair surgeries:

  • Abdominal Ventral Hernia
  • Inguinal Hernia or Groin Hernia Surgery
  • Hiatal Hernia and GERD Relief

The hernia surgeons at Prime Surgicare team also perform these corrective hernia procedures:

  • Incisional hernia
  • Umbilical hernia
  • Sports hernia
  • Female hernia

Personalized Hernia Surgery Care

Your Freehold, NJ-based Hernia Center team of caregivers will be by your side before, during and after your hernia operation is performed. We combine our advanced professional surgical training, technical skill and modern surgical facilities to ensure the best result for you. Call our friendly and experienced surgical staff at (732) 414-2707 to make a prompt appointment to meet personally with our experienced hernia surgeon specialists.

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