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Q&A with Prime Bariatric Surgeon Dr. Jolita Auguste
Posted by: In: Bariatric Success Program, Blog Post, Gastric Sleeve 24 May 2021 0 comments Tags , , , , , , , ,

Meet Prime Surgicare’s Newest Bariatric Surgeon

Board-certified general surgeon Dr. Auguste joined our bariatric team in September 2020, bringing a wealth of surgical expertise to our practice. In addition to her bariatric surgery fellowship training, she also performs robotic hernia repair, gallbladder surgery, acid reflux surgery and colon surgery.

Dr. Auguste’s astute diagnostic and surgical skills have received positive reviews from our patients, in addition to her friendly and positive disposition–

Dr. Auguste is a fantastic doctor with the patience of a saint. She answered all my questions and cleared up all my doubts. Weight loss surgery has changed my life. I recommend it to anyone serious about losing weight and keeping it off.

I’m told every day I look great and I feel terrific.

Stuart Shafran, Google Review #212 (2021)

__________________________

 I’ve been extremely pleased with Dr. Auguste and the staff throughout my entire surgery journey. I started with hernia repair surgery performed by Dr. Sowemimo, followed by gastric sleeve bariatric surgery, performed by Dr. Auguste. Their professionalism has been outstanding. I felt comfortable through both procedures and was given more transparent information than I could’ve hoped for.

I put my life in both doctors’ hands on two occasions, and I didn’t think twice about it either time.

Melanie Kross,Google Review #207 (2021)

We asked the doctor a few pointed questions, so you can get to know her better:

  1. Why did you choose bariatrics as one of your surgical specialties?

As a surgeon, your relationship with patients is usually short-term. In one of my previous roles, I specialized in trauma cases, for example. But bariatric surgery allows me to establish a longer-term relationship with patients during their weight loss journey–from pre-op to post-op to goal weight. Even after patients reach their weight loss goal, they will come in for a yearly check-up to discuss any challenges they may be facing—or just show off their weight loss maintenance success!

  1. What are some of the attributes of your most successful bariatric patients?

Bariatric surgery is an elective operation, meaning the patient chooses to pursue surgical weight loss. The people who come in with a positive attitude about the journey from the start will ultimately be the most successful. Also, weight loss surgery is not just about how many pounds you want to lose—successful participants commit to a lifestyle change that includes:

  • Non-scale victories (crossing your legs again, riding amusement park rides, not needing a seatbelt extender on planes)
  • Eating healthy foods and ignoring sugar and junk food
  • Finding a way to exercise regularly and sticking to it

  1. As a surgeon, do you have a favorite operation? If so, why?

I’m a fan of using robotic surgery—it offers a third arm to help me during an operation. CentraState Medical Center has the Da Vinci Surgical System, which is the gold standard for surgical robotics.

  1. What are some tips patients can do to ensure their surgery goes smoothly?

Go into your surgery feeling positive and excited about the improvement you are about to make for your health. I tell my patients to give me any anxiety or vulnerability they may be feeling about the operation. The only thing they have to focus on is healing quickly and following my post-op guidelines, which is their customized roadmap to achieve the fastest and safest weight loss.

  1. What is it like working with Dr. Seun? Can you cite a few things you’ve learned working with him?

It has been a whirlwind from day one! Dr. Seun’s practice runs like a well-oiled machine because he is a very popular surgeon. My day always begins and ends as a student of life—I want to learn new things, improve my skills and expand my expertise. Not only has he taught me new clinical tools I can use as a surgeon, but Dr. Seun also exemplifies the successful doctor/patient relationship model. He’s the antithesis of a typical surgeon—he’s warm, friendly, honest, supportive and encouraging all day, every day.

  1. Now that the Covid-19 vaccine is available, what do you look forward to doing again?

Concerts! I’m a huge fan of many kinds of music and I miss being in a big crowd listening to live music. We are just about there in terms of reopening and I can’t wait. My dream concert is to attend Afrochella in Ghana at the end of the year. Fingers crossed!

Weight Loss Experts with a Custom Bariatric Plan for You

If you are interested in a surgical weight loss solution, the Prime Surgicare Bariatric Success Program team of experts will support you every step of the way with a team of weight loss professional who specialize in helping people lose significant amounts of weight, change the way they use food in their lives and set up a customized strategy to keep the weigh off for life!

Sign up to attend a Weight Loss Surgery Information Webinar this month and then call us to set up a private consultation with Dr. Auguste or medical director Dr. Seun Sowemimo. If you are looking for more than just a bariatric operation, we would love to work with you. Call (732) 414-2707 with questions and to get started TODAY!

 

How a NJ Nurse Lost 118 Pounds during Covid-19
Posted by: In: Bariatric Fitness, Bariatric Success Program, Bariatric Success Story, Blog Post, COVID-19, Gastric Sleeve, Video, VLOG 29 Apr 2021 0 comments Tags , , , , , , , ,

New Jersey bariatric surgeon Dr. Seun Sowemimo and gastric sleeve superstar Debbie Elliott, LPN

Debbie Elliott is a highly-regarded licensed practical nurse (LPN) who loves her career and her family. But her weight, surpassing 300 pounds, created chronic pain and arthritis in her back, knees and feet.

“At the end of my eight-hour hospital shift, I would literally limp to my car and later collapse on the couch feeling utterly exhausted,” she recalls.

She was too young to be constricted by weight and wanted to live life to the fullest, focusing less on food and chronic joint pain and more on enjoying the daily pleasures of life.

Debbie turned to board-certified and fellowship-trained bariatric surgeon Dr. Seun Sowemimo for weight loss guidance; they collectively determined that the bariatric gastric sleeve https://primesurgicare.com/weight-los…​ would be an ideal surgical weight loss solution for Debbie.

In the midst of Covid-19, during the summer of 2020, Debbie took a few weeks off work to have weight loss surgery and safely recover.

Within nine quick months, the LPN has lost 118 pounds and no longer suffers from any weight-related pain.

Meet Debbie below:

Weight loss brings back tennis, Shore strolls, vacation, even golf lessons

“My life focus is no longer about food,” she says. “Today, I’m doing things I love again, like playing tennis, and trying things I never dared to consider before weight loss surgery.”

Now that her mobility is so vastly improved, she plans to further her skills, education (and income) by completing her degree to be a registered nurse (RN). Before bariatric surgery, Debbie simply didn’t have the endurance required to take on a more demanding healthcare role.

She says her life has changed in small ways and life-changing ways–she can cross her legs comfortably and looks forward to being outside in the fresh air exercising rather than stopped by a restaurant for a heavy meal.

Debbie’s husband is from England, where they tend to walk everywhere. When Debbie was heavy, this was often too much for her.

“I haven’t vacationed with my husband for several years now, because I just couldn’t keep up with him,” she recalls. “Once it’s safe to travel again, I look forward to getting on a plane with him again, no seatbelt extender required.”

The world is reopening–are you ready?

weight loss surgery njFrustrated by weight gain during the past year, due to Covid-19 constraints? You are certainly not alone; the chronic stress, fear and boredom led to overeating for many people. Today, is weight gain holding you back from living your best life?

If you’re located in the metro New Jersey area, reach out to our team of kind and respectful bariatric experts by calling  (732) 414-2707. We’ll confirm relevant medical insurance and schedule a private consultation (telehealth or in-person) to talk with Dr. Seun Sowemimo or Dr. Jolita Auguste about your weight challenges and set a goal for the future.

Prime Surgicare’s Bariatric Success Program offers a full range of support services to help you reach–and maintain–your weight for years to come.

Let’s get started!

Ten Years after Gastric Bypass: How Jessica Kept the Weight Off
Posted by: In: Bariatric Success Program, Bariatric Success Story, Blog Post, COVID-19, gastric bypass 14 Apr 2021 0 comments Tags , , , , , , , ,

The pandemic has made weight loss and weight management a challenge for all of us, including people who had bariatric surgery. Regardless of the procedure—lap band, gastric sleeve or gastric bypass—it is possible to regain the weight after surgery.

A few weeks ago, Jessica Berger Cruz checked in to let us know that she had just passed her 10-year surgiversary and had maintained most of her 150-pound weight loss since 2011. She kindly offered to speak with us and share her personal tools for long-term weight maintenance:

Jessica had gastric sleeve weight loss surgery performed by dr seun sowemimo

Jessica, age 24, before gastric bypass bariatric surgery (2011).

Jessica has faced weight challenges since childhood. Once she was an adult and ready to start her life, her size 24 body restricted her confidence to go after everything she wanted in life.

At age 24, she weighed close to 300 pounds and was out of diet and exercise options. “I had my whole life ahead of me and didn’t want to face it being so heavy,” she recalls.

She and Dr. Seun Sowemimo agreed that bariatric gastric bypass would be the optimal surgical weight loss tool to propel her mind and body forward to living a healthy lifestyle.

“I was inspired to have bariatric surgery because I wanted to live life, not just be living.”

Jessica Berger Cruz

Immediately after surgery, Jessica felt the weight loss momentum finally kick in and she quickly lost more than 100 pounds the first year after surgery.

“The program gave me simple tools to live by,” Jessica explains. “To this day, when I need to regroup, I go back to those steps to start losing again.”

Prime Surgicare’s bariatric dietitian explains Jessica’s success strategy

Lori Skurbe, MPH, CDE

Over the past decade since weight loss surgery, Jessica has faced several common milestones that can lead to weight gain and even obesity: marriage, having a baby, career changes, health challenges and the recent pandemic.

“Jessica sets a terrific example of what dedication to basic bariatric lifestyle principles can accomplish,” says Prime Surgicare bariatric dietitian Lori Skurbe, MPH, CDE.

“Eating healthy meals, drinking calorie-free fluids and consistent exercise are the essential keys to long-term weight management success.”

Facing the stress of Covid-19 and weight regain

“During Covid-19, I’ve been at home working and taking care of my eight-year-old, who is still not back in school,” she explains. “It’s been tough to get out and exercise and it’s also been a stressful time on both the work and home front.”

Six years ago, the paralegal was shocked to see her weight had crept up to 180 pounds during a doctor’s appointment. “I knew I had gained weight after having my son, but I didn’t realize how much.”

She immediately returned to her personalized Prime Surgicare post-op bariatric guidelines to get back on track and eliminate bad nutritional habits that had snuck back into her diet.

One of the key assets she turned to was journaling everything she was eating. “Journaling doesn’t have to be a permanent part of your life, but when you veer off course, it can help you see on paper the wrong things you are eating during the course of a day.”

READ: Why Journaling during Weight Loss is Worth the Effort

The extra weight steadily came off and today, she keeps her weight range between 145 and 160 pounds and a 6-8 clothing size.

“Taking off the weight I had gained made my clothing fit right again and I just felt more like myself,” Jessica explains.

Jessica in 2021, successfully maintaining her weight loss for 10 years.

“My mantra is ‘when you look good, you feel good, you do good!’”

Jessica Berger Cruz

Today, she shares her healthy eating habits with her son. A snack in the Cruz family means fruit or a whole grain bar and a treat is a sweet treat offered only occasionally.

Keeping fit with chronic back pain

Jessica’s low back pain restricts some fitness opportunities, so she relies on cardio dance classes, biking with her family and competitive daily step counting with her husband.

“At the height of the pandemic, I was doing laps around the house just to beat my husband’s number at the end of the day,” Jessica says with a smile.

Advice for future bariatric warriors

Jessica is a healthy living role model for her young son.

Jessica offers words of advice a decade after her own experience having gastric bypass weight loss surgery:

  • Identify your inspiration for losing weight and never forget it
  • Remember that you—and only you–will determine your success
  • You don’t have to give up your favorite foods—just eat them less often and in smaller volume
  • Follow the guidance of your team of bariatric experts who know the tips and tricks to help you lose weight quickly and safely

Prime Surgicare’s top 5 tips to avoid weight regain

Lori Skurbe spells out the tools she offers bariatric clients to achieve—and sustain—a healthy weight after any surgical weight loss:

  1. Enjoy healthy meals comprised of lean protein, non-starchy veggies and a healthy whole carb food, if you still have “room” in your pouch.
  2. Drinking 64+ ounces of calorie-free, caffeine-free fluids between meals.
  3. Consistent physical activity – at least 30 minutes most days of the week.
  4. Eating slowly and paying attention to signs of “fullness.”
  5. Take your bariatric multivitamins daily, no matter what.

Are you ready to tell your weight loss success story?

We would love to welcome you to our Prime Surgicare family and partner with you before, during and after your weight loss surgery journey.

To find out if bariatric surgery may be the obesity treatment solution for you, register for Dr. Seun’s next New Patient Seminar. Or, if you’d prefer to have a private consultation first, call us at 732-414-2707 to schedule an appointment. Feel free to ask our team of friendly bariatric specialists to help confirm your insurance coverage for metabolic syndrome treatment (bariatric surgery).

Outdoorsman lightens the load after 94-pound weight loss in eight months
Posted by: In: Bariatric Success Program, Bariatric Success Story, Blog Post, Gastric Sleeve 18 Mar 2021 0 comments Tags , , , , , ,

Before his gastric sleeve surgery, John was feeling the squeeze during his flight.

From hunting and fishing to building fences and tending to his sizeable vegetable gardens, John Kolodziej isn’t one to get his exercise by walking on a treadmill. He’s an outdoorsman through and through.

A retired law enforcement officer, the 53-year-old is married with an adult daughter.

“I enjoy being outside with our four dogs and just being active,” John says. But the 300+ pounds he was carrying slowed him down and caused some weight-related chronic health problems, including hypertension and gout.

At 6’2”, John was also uncomfortable squeezing into duck hunting boats and climbing into tree stands during deer hunting. A typical hunting trip or walk with his active dogs typically requires a 3-4 mile walk, which can take a toll on an overweight body.

“I was wearing a size 56 pants and 4/5X shirt at the time; I was clearly too big,” John recalls. He was also tired of the weight loss followed by the eventual weight regain cycle.

Inspired by love for his family

John’s 25-year career in the police force required him to miss several holidays and special occasions with his family over the years.

“Now that I’m retired, I don’t want my time with them to be cut short by something I can manage—my weight.”

“My wife had successful weight loss surgery performed by Dr. Seun Sowemimo in 2018 and she’s kept the weight off beautifully,” John notes. “I made some improvements to my overall health on my own, but I had a big chunk of weight to lose.” He consulted with Dr. Seun in early 2020 to see if he qualified for gastric sleeve bariatric surgery.

After approval, in July 2020, John had a sleeve gastrectomy, weighing 312 pounds at the time. After watching his wife’s earlier bariatric success, he knew what he had to do post-op to succeed.

John made health and weight loss priority number one

Since his 94-pound weight loss, John has no need for an airplane seatbelt extender when he flies.

Today, less than eight months since his weight loss surgery, John has lost 94 pounds and now weighs 218 pounds. His exercise of choice is still the great outdoors. He also takes a beginner yoga class on YouTube every morning to stay flexible.

“I don’t have a specific weight loss goal,” he says. “Once I weigh under 200 pounds, I will be very pleased.” Today, the size 56 pants have been replaced by size 36; the size 4/5X is now a standard size large (which John hasn’t worn since sixth grade).

Today, John no longer requires any medications for his pre-op health issues, which are now resolved.

John reminds readers that weight loss surgery is no ‘easy way out.’

“You have to put in the work and make some serious changes in the way you live and eat,” he cautions. “Find something that inspires you to reach your goal. For me, I wanted to be healthy so that I can have as much time as possible with my family.”

Dr. Sowemimo discusses John’s case

Dr. Seun Sowemimo

Dr. Sowemimo compliments John on his single-minded focus to lose nearly 100 pounds by exercising and eating a diet based on plants before animal products.

“John has a passion for growing his own food,” he explains. “One of the best gifts you can give your body is to offload excess weight and relieve the 24/7 stress on your organs, and feed it real food, fresh off the vine, tree or out of the ground.”

Dr. Seun says John is also a great example of someone who is active and burning calories by being outside.

“Fitness doesn’t have to be done on a Peloton or in a gym,” he says. “Being outside, digging in the soil and building something with your hands can also give you a great workout. Just ask John.”

Dr. Seun Sowemimo is an obesity medicine specialist and board-certified Bariatric and GI surgeon at Prime Surgicare, with offices in Freehold and Jackson. For telehealth appointments or to learn more about surgical weight loss or treatment for obesity, call (732) 414-2707.

NJ Firefighter Gets Back in Shape a Year after Gastric Sleeve Surgery
Posted by: In: Bariatric Success Program, Blog Post, COVID-19, Gastric Sleeve 18 Feb 2021 0 comments Tags , , , , , , ,

Sometimes, it just takes a small event–like unexpectedly seeing yourself in a photo–to convince you to make life changes.

This is what happened to firefighter Will Jubert in 2019, who gave us permission to share his recent social media post:

Will had gastric sleeve surgery performed by dr sowemimo in freehold

“While I am smiling in the photo on the left, I was very upset by what I saw back in August 2019.

Along with other health issues brought on by my weight, it pushed me to make some tough decisions.

With the full support of my family, I underwent gastric sleeve surgery with Dr. Sowemimo one year ago today.

The photo on the right was taken after my 1-year checkup with the doctor. While I still don’t like seeing myself in pictures, I am much more comfortable with what I look like in this one!

It’s also been nice to go from a 3XL shirt & 42 pants to a size Large shirt & 34 pants in just one year.”

If you are fed up with the endless weight loss/weight gain cycle and have more than 75 pounds to lose (or have a weight-related medical condition such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea or another obesity-related condition), sign up for our biweekly live webinars to learn more about the process, find out if you qualify and ask medical director Dr. Seun Sowemimo and his weight loss team your questions.

Learn about all the health, wellness and weight loss assets available in Prime Surgicare’s multifaceted Bariatric Success Program.

If you prefer to set up a private consultation in our Freehold or Jackson offices, or would like to set up a video Telehealth visit, call (732) 414-2707 to set up your appointment within the next two weeks. (If you’re ready to lose weight today, the Prime team won’t make you wait a month or longer to get started!)

It’s 2021, and we’re all ready for brighter days ahead.

If this is the year you take back control of your weight, rest assured, we will be your close ally, from your first consultation to watching you reach your weight loss goal!

Seun Sowemimo, MD, Surpasses 200 Five-Star Google Reviews
Posted by: In: Blog Post, gallbladder surgery, Gastric Sleeve, GI surgery, hernia surgery 19 Jan 2021 0 comments Tags , , , , , , , ,

 

In 2010, our New Jersey surgery practice created a mission statement that supported three goals:

  1. Superior general surgery and bariatric surgery care
  2. Unrivaled patient care
  3. Exceptional patient satisfaction

In 2021, that commitment continues, stronger than ever.

In the short time we have participated in Google Reviews, Dr. Sowemimo and his Prime Surgicare team have received a whopping 204 five-star positive patient reviews (Jan. 19, 2021).

We could not be more grateful for our bariatric, hernia, gallbladder, colon and general GI surgery patients, who have each taken the time to share their personal surgical experiences with us.

Your feedback means so much to all of us, from our surgeons to our front office staff.

If you or a loved one is facing GI surgery, or would like to learn about surgical weight loss (gastric sleeve, gastric bypass, bariatric revision or a lap-band removal), we invite you to reach out and schedule your live or telehealth office visit today by calling (732) 414-2707.

We look forward to welcoming you to our friendly and professional Prime family in 2021.

New Year, New Opportunities for Weight Loss Success
Posted by: In: Bariatric Success Program, Blog Post 11 Jan 2021 0 comments Tags , , , , ,

By Dr. Seun Sowemimo

Today, more than ever, finding our ‘community’ is essential to our well-being.

We welcome you to join our community, comprised of people like you who want to improve their health, lose or maintain weight and fight back against chronic diseases that can steal your quality of life.

At Prime Surgicare, our Bariatric Success Program is committed to providing all of the tools you need to achieve weight loss success (yes, even during a global pandemic).

We can’t change the world single-handedly, but we do have the power to change our health.

I invite you to join us and many people who have joined the Prime family since 2010.

January 2021 Events

Newcomers to Bariatric Surgery – Information Seminar on Zoom

 

Are you interested in weight loss surgery but need to know more, find out if you qualify, or ask questions?

Click on the January session of your choice below to register and we will reply with your personal Zoom link at least 2 hours before your webinar begins:

Find out more about the different weight loss surgery operations:

Take the first step toward changing your life and your health.
Feeling nervous? I can help:

Bariatric Support Group Meeting – Bimonthly on Zoom

Prime Surgicare recognizes the importance of the bariatric patient’s emotional and clinical support needs before surgery, during the weight loss process and even after goal weight has been achieved. In fact, weight loss surgery support groups have been shown to directly increase the chances of short and long-term patient success following bariatric surgery.

We offer a free monthly support group for Prime patients and immediate family members every 2nd and 4th Wednesday from 6 to 7pm.

Our Prime Surgicare bariatric dietitian, Lori Skurbe, RD, MS, facilitates the group, supported by our board-certified bariatric surgeons. This group is a safe place to share feelings, ask clinical and personal questions, seek advice and receive encouragement and support.

Our support group focuses on learning new relationships with food and introducing or rebuilding an exercise and fitness strategy, which goes hand-in-hand with the fastest and most effective path to long-term weight loss.

A typical support session begins with a presentation and discussion on a relevant topic, led by Lori. Time is saved at the end of every meeting for patients to ask questions.

Whether you plan to or have already undergone a gastric sleeve, gastric bypass, lap banding or a revision surgery procedure, we hope you will be part of our Prime Surgicare support family.

How to Join Our Bariatric Support Group Meeting

Beginning in 2021, pre-registration is required to attend any of our Bariatric Support Group meetings hosted on Zoom.

Follow these two steps:

1. RSVP to Support Group facilitator Lori Skurbe at lskurbe@cjbariatrics.com. At least 24 hours before your session, you will receive a reply with your personal Zoom link for every session.

2. Zoom Log-in: You must post your FULL name on your Zoom account for admission.

Reminder: Do not share your Zoom link on social media or with anyone you are not certain is a Prime Surgicare client. If you are not sure, ask them to email Lori directly.

For questions, please email Lori or call us at (732) 414-2707.

The best is yet to come. Let’s make it healthy and happy.

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