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Busy Hospital Employee Focuses on Her Own Health and Loses 163 Pounds
Posted by: In: Bariatric Success Program, Bariatric Success Story, bariatric surgeon, Blog Post, Gastric Sleeve, Horizon BCBS in network bariatric 06 Oct 2023 0 comments Tags , , , , , , , ,

Working two jobs on her feet all day, Denise of Ocean County, NJ, lost more than 150 pounds the first year after gastric sleeve surgery

 

 “One year ago today, I had bariatric surgery…. 163 lbs down and I feel amazing… I still have a long way to go, but it’s amazing what a difference a year makes… I want to thank Dr. Seun Sowemimo and my family and friends for your support… Here’s to the next year and inching toward my goal of health and happiness!”

-Denise Hirth on Facebook (September 2023)

 

Denise Hirth is a busy woman, working on her feet at CentraState Medical Center and also managing the Deli department at a local grocery store. Her long battle with weight began to take its toll once she hit her 40s. She knew she qualified for surgical weight loss—but which bariatric surgeon was right for her?

Going directly to the source for a bariatric surgeon recommendation

With the benefit of working at a hospital, she sought the expertise of a trustworthy resource—the nurses who work in the OR. “They immediately recommended Dr. Sowemimo without a moment’s hesitation,” Denise, who lives in Ocean County, explains. “And my primary care doctor also seconded their recommendation.” After consulting with Dr. Seun and obtaining her surgical clearances, Denise took a leave of absence to focus on her own health in September 2022.

Weighing 440 pounds at the time of surgery, Denise had a vertical sleeve gastrectomy (VSG or gastric sleeve) and began her weight loss journey.

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“I don’t have anything dramatic to report about my first year after surgery, other than the fact that I lost 163 pounds,” Denise says with a smile. “Dr. Seun’s process is laid out for you from start to finish, so all you have to do is follow it.”

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Two significant improvements in Denise’s nutrition have been giving up soda (which she never thought was possible) and eating mostly a plant-based diet with Dr. Seun’s guidance. “I still eat chicken once a week, but I don’t need much anymore,” Denise explains.

Learn more about Dr. Seun’s Weight Loss Plan online course

“I realized the other day that I haven’t been the weight I am now since middle school—which definitely motivates me to keep going.”

At age 46, Denise has already dropped six clothing sizes. As she looks ahead to year two after bariatric surgery, her goal is simple: “I’ll continue to stick with what is working and introduce some weight training to begin to firm up,” she notes. “I’m excited about making my body stronger, which will also give me the energy I need.  All I know for certain is that the best is yet to come.”

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Considering weight loss surgery?

Great! Start by watching Dr. Sowemimo’s Bariatric Surgery 101 Webinar. Then call our friendly bariatric team at 732-414-2707 to schedule a private consultation with Dr. Seun to talk about your weight loss goals. You’ll learn more about our exclusive Bariatric Success Program, which gives you all the tools (and more!) to chart your journey to weight loss VICTORY in 2024!

 

Dr. Seun Sowemimo is Now In-Network Provider with Horizon BCBS of New Jersey
Posted by: In: bariatric revision, bariatric surgeon, Blog Post, Dr. Seun Weight Loss Plan, gallbladder surgery, gastric bypass, Gastric Sleeve, GI surgery, hernia surgery, Horizon BCBS in network bariatric, Horizon BCBS in network surgeon 17 Nov 2022 0 comments Tags , , , , , , , , ,

Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of NJ members to benefit from more favorable in-network pricing for bariatric, hernia and gallbladder surgery

November 15, 2022

Dr. Seun Sowemimo, a board-certified bariatric, laparoscopic and general surgeon and medical director of Prime Surgicare, a leading New Jersey surgical practice, is now an in-network provider with Horizon BCBSNJ (Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey). Practicing in Freehold, Jackson and Old Bridge, NJ, since 2009, Dr. Sowemimo has performed over 3,500 successful surgeries. Dr. Sowemimo (Dr. Seun) is the medical director of the Bariatric Surgery Program at CentraState Medical Center and on staff at Hackensack Meridian Health.

As an in-network provider with Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey, members will be treated at their most cost-efficient in-network rate for the following procedures:

  • Bariatric Gastric Sleeve
  • Bariatric Revision
  • Bariatric Gastric Band Removal
  • Hernia Surgery
  • Gallbladder Surgery

To schedule a prompt surgical consultation with Dr. Seun, call 732-414-2707.

About Prime Surgicare

Prime Surgicare is a comprehensive, state-of-the-art surgical practice headed by medical director Dr. Seun Sowemimo. He and his team specialize in the latest weight loss surgery procedures and minimally-invasive GI surgeries. Dr. Sowemimo is also an obesity specialist and the founder of the online weight management course, Dr. Seun’s Weight Loss Plan. Visit primesurgicare.com or call 732-414-2707 for more information.

Perri Celebrates Her Transformation One Year After Weight Loss Surgery
Posted by: In: Bariatric Success Program, Bariatric Success Story, Blog Post, Gastric Sleeve 28 Feb 2022 0 comments Tags , , , , , , ,

Perri’s Facebook post (excerpt shared below with her permission) exemplifies that surgical weight loss can quickly and significantly improve daily quality of life–improve health, provide increased daily stamina, and improve self-image, which can lead to better relationships and career opportunities.

February 22, 2022

“Flashback: One year ago today, I was struggling with my weight, the way I looked, doing anything physical, and with my mental health.

In October 2020, I met with Dr. Seun Sowemimo from Prime Surgicare and immediately started my journey to get the gastric sleeve.

On February 22, 2021, I went in and had the surgery. First time ever in my life going under anesthesia…it was all so worth it–not just because my appearance has changed, but because of how I feel, inside and out!

I am proud of my journey. I am proud I did the surgery. I am proud of the new road I’m on mentally and physically!

So here’s to ME!”

Perri Ann Capes

Dr. Sowemimo's gastric sleeve bariatric surgery patient Perri in 2022.

weight loss surgery njTo learn more about a surgical weight loss solution (gastric sleeve or gastric bypass), sign-up for our next live webinar to listen, learn and ask questions.

You may also wish to call our friendly team of bariatric experts at 732-414-2707 to schedule a consultation and check on your bariatric surgery insurance coverage.

Consider this–we may be profiling YOUR success story just 12 months after your weight loss surgery.

It’s never too late to begin again. We look forward to speaking with you soon.

 

Weight Regain: Is a Bariatric Revision Right for You?
Posted by: In: bariatric revision, Blog Post, COVID-19 23 Jul 2021 0 comments Tags , , , , , , , ,

By Dr. Seun Sowemimo, MD, FACS, FASMBS

Bariatric revision can be a weight loss solution to curb weight regain after covid-19
After more than a year of living inside, we’re finally opening the door and getting back to living life fully again.

But the unrelenting stress of Covid-19 caused some people to gain weight due to:

• Fear and chronic stress
• Indefinitely delayed life plans like weddings, school, vacations
• Financial pressures or job loss
• Worry about family and friends
• Limited access to fitness activities due to lock-down
• Battling Covid or caring for diagnosed loved ones

People who had bariatric surgery also faced these stressors; others delayed the removal or replacement of gastric lap-bands that no longer supported their weight loss.

If your weight gain is less than 25% of your maximum weight loss after weight loss surgery, call us to schedule a Back-on-Track appointment to discuss non-surgical options to take off the extra weight. Your solution may be as simple as scheduling nutrition visits with Lori Skurbe, our staff bariatric dietitian, and reviving a steady exercise routine.

But if your weight gain is more significant (30 pounds or more) or steadily increased even before Covid-19, a bariatric revision can jumpstart weight loss again.

First and foremost–Don’t beat yourself up about weight gain–it’s been an immeasurably difficult year for everyone.

The important thing is not to resign yourself to where you are right now but to take action and resume control of your health.

Prime Surgicare is a Judgement-Free Zone

This is not the time to be embarrassed or feel that you have failed. 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.

We don’t judge, especially after bearing the brunt of the pandemic.

Your Prime Surgicare team is here to help you–especially when times are challenging and you need extra support.

Since April, we’ve seen a steady stream of patients and new patients who are ready to battle back and lose the added weight. For people who have regained more than 30 pounds after a bariatric operation, revision bariatric surgery can be an ideal opportunity to reignite weight loss to get the scale moving downward again toward a normal BMI.

What is a Bariatric Revision?

Revision Surgery by weight loss surgeon, Dr. Seun Sowemimo of Monmouth County, New Jersey

Revision bariatric surgery alters or repairs a previous operation. Most of the revisions we perform at Prime Surgicare are for patients who:

  • Experienced significant weight regain
  • Experienced medical complications
  • Unable to manage the lap-band’s ongoing maintenance requirements (ongoing office visits)

These patients often opt for a re-sleeve or change from their original procedure to gastric bypass.

>>> Read more about how Alaina Garofalo Hickman changed from the lap band to the gastric sleeve and lost 100 pounds eight months after surgery.

Revision Surgery General Criteria

To be considered for revision weight loss surgery, you should have one or more of the following qualifications:

  1. Significant weight regain
  2. First bariatric procedure is more than 3-5 years old and/or is no longer performed
  3. Poor overall weight loss results
  4. Complications from the original operation such as:
  • Staple line compromised (Roux-en-Y).
  • Stomach has dilated over time.
  • Persistent vomiting or dumping
  • Ulcers
  • Slipped lap bands (see below)

 

Gastric Lap Band Slippage

In the past few years, we have helped many patients who eventually sustained health issues and reduced weight loss or significant regain related to their lap bands. Today, we no longer insert lap-bands at Prime Surgicare.

Complications can include:

Food Consumption Changes
You may notice a decrease in appetite, being able to eat more than usual or unexplained discomfort during and after eating.

Nausea or Vomiting
When the band on your stomach slips, it can be difficult for food to pass through. This may feel like there is food trapped in your prolapsed stomach, causing your body to want to expel the trapped food, leading to vomiting.

Acid Reflux
Feeling heartburn-like symptoms is a sign that your stomach acids are coming back up your throat from the stomach (esophagus). This can lead to chest pain, bloating, burping, choking at night during sleep and other GI discomfort.

Abdominal Pain
Some patients with gastric banding slippage describe it as “something isn’t right” in their stomachs. They can complete normal daily tasks but don’t feel healthy.

READ: Learn more about lap band removal at Prime Surgicare

If You Gained Significant Weight After Bariatric Surgery, Call Us

 

Let’s have an in-person talk where you bring us up to speed about your situation. Then, together, we will formulate an action plan for the future.

Contact Prime Surgicare’s bariatric team at 732-414-2707 to make a prompt appointment at or Jackson or Freehold offices to discuss your future weight loss goals and identify options that will help you achieve your ideal weight quickly and safely.

If you are new to bariatric surgery or need a refresher about the process and different weight loss surgery operations, register for one of our Zoom-based free monthly bariatric webinars for more information.