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Shore woman changes her lifestyle 360 degrees after weight loss surgery
Posted by: In: Bariatric Fitness, Bariatric Success Program, Bariatric Success Story, Blog Post, Gastric Sleeve, whole food plant based 15 Oct 2020 0 comments Tags , , , , , , ,

“Your life is worth the effort. Release yourself from the extra weight you have to carry around with you all day, every day. Don’t give up on yourself. Once you make the choice to proceed, do not stop for anything. When times are hard, look back where you started: Look at pictures; remember how tired you were. Fight on. You will come out on top. You will win.”

Catherine DaSilva

 

catherine before bariatric weight loss surgery

Catherine Dasilva before gastric sleeve surgery.

Catherine DaSilva lives the life of many New Jersey women, managing a demanding full-time career and being an active wife and a mother of two school age children. Living in seaside Manahawkin, she built a terrific life, except for one inescapable albatross around her neck—her weight.

She did not grow up living with obesity; the weight slowly crept on during adulthood—sitting at a desk job all day, having children and just being too busy to focus on her own health.

Doctor visits entailed Catherine getting on the scale standing backward, so she didn’t have to face that number on the scale. Reaching age 40, the extra weight began to take a toll on the otherwise healthy woman.

During both pregnancies, she had gestational diabetes, putting her at higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life. She was also taking medication for high blood pressure and an underactive thyroid.

With two very active children and a high-stress job in the legal profession, Catherine often felt exhausted and found it hard to keep up with everyday living.

When the constant cycle of dieting eventually put her weight back where she started, Catherine began asking for bariatric surgeon recommendations in New Jersey.

Firefighters recommend bariatric surgeon for Catherine

One of her husband’s business clients was the Neptune Fire Department. Several firefighters and EMT workers had also been dealing with obesity and chose to have sleeve surgery or gastric bypass. They all recommended one surgeon—Dr. Seun Sowemimo of Prime Surgicare.

Monmouth County EMT Saves His Own Life with Bariatric Surgery

“Traveling up to Freehold from Manahawkin is almost an hour drive each way,” Catherine says. “But when I heard all of the patient reviews from the firefighters, I was more than willing to do it.”

During her first consultation with Dr. Seun, she stepped on the scale backward, as always. While they discussed Catherine’s health and the benefits of the gastric sleeve, which Dr. Seun recommended for her case, he mentioned her current weight, 260 pounds.

“I nearly fell off my chair,” Catherine recalls. “I knew I had some weight to lose, but I never, ever thought I weighed that much.”

Catherine decided to proceed with the surgery that day, losing 16 pounds before April 2019, when she had a complication-free sleeve gastrectomy or “VSG.”

Catherine transforms her health and lifestyle

Now a committed runner, Catherine has transformed her health and her appearance.

As soon as she was cleared to begin exercising, she started walking around her house non-stop for 20 minutes at a time. Then she headed outside to walk longer and further.

The walks turned into jogging. Jogging turned into running, which increased to 5-7 miles five days/week (sometimes broken into two runs, morning and night, due to her tight schedule).

As the weight came off, and Catherine changed her lifestyle 360 degrees, she signed up for her first of several 5Ks.

She added light weight training 1-2/days a week when she rested her body from the running regimen.

Adopting a plant-based diet – taking nutrition to the next level

Catherine lost 115 pounds after weight loss surgery in 2019.

Catherine celebrating after losing 115 pounds.

Then she decided to transform the foods she was putting into her body.

“Dr. Seun explained why he started a whole food plant-based diet and all the benefits he had derived from it,” Catherine recalls. “He lost weight, gained more energy and just felt better.”

Dr. Seun explains his transition to whole food plant-based nutrition and his subsequent weigh loss.

plant based eating inspires many gardeners to grow their own food

Catherine’s move to plant-based nutrition inspired her backyard garden.

Catherine decided that she would transform her diet exactly the way she has transformed her fitness strategy.

She persuaded her husband to adopt a plant-based diet; he also lost weight and loved how this nutrition plan made him feel.

She also began growing her own food in her backyard, including vegetables, fruits and herbs (above).

“I follow the plan most of the time, but I will have some fish now and then,” Catherine says.

She made a game out of finding tasty plant-based recipes and recommends following chef Charity Morgan, whose recipes are filling, rich and delicious.

“Catherine was clearly motivated to improve all facets of her health, so recalibrating her nutrition strategy was a natural progression,” says Dr. Seun Sowemimo. “From the beginning, she looked at bariatric surgery as more than just an operation—it was a tool to help her transform her life.”

Dr. Seun explains that weight loss has been proven in multiple studies to significantly increase longevity and decrease risk of serious chronic medical conditions, including:

  • Heart disease
  • Diabetes
  • Sleep apnea
  • High cholesterol
  • Depression
  • Many types of cancer

Catherine loses 115 pounds and gains valuable insight into bariatric weight loss

Catherine enjoys the benefits of her hard work (Summer 2020).

In the summer of 2020, Catherine, who is 5’7”, reached her goal weight of 145 pounds, achieving a weight loss of 115 pounds in a little over a year.

“I recently saw my PCP doctor, William Glenn, DO, of the Family Medicine Center in Manahawkin, and got some great news,” Catherine noted.

“It was great to see how successful Catherine has been with her weight loss,” notes Dr. Glenn. “She was very upbeat about her lifestyle change, and based upon her lab results, we were able to reduce her blood pressure medication dosage.”

Dr. Glenn emphasized that Catherine’s successful weight loss, and achieving a normal BMI, can be attributed to her recognizing that bariatric surgery is not just an operation, it’s a lifelong commitment to healthy eating and healthy living.

He states that people who have surgical weight loss, and eventually resume former poor nutrition and health habits, can experience weight regain.

Dr. Glenn commended Prime Surgicare’s Bariatric Success Program, which includes several support services to bariatric patients: bi-monthly Support Group meetings (currently on Zoom), private sessions with a bariatric dietitian, a low-cost bariatric fitness exercise program at CentraState Fitness & Wellness Center and a monthly Saturday morning workout (walk, jog or bike) with Dr. Seun (currently done remotely).

Having the courage and dedication to lose 115 pounds, Catherine shares a few words of encouragement to others who may be considering a surgical weight loss solution—

“You can do this. It’s not going to be easy, but wow—it’s going to be so, so worth it.”

_______________________________________________________________________

Dr. William B. Glenn is a board-certified in Family Medicine, Geriatric Medicine and Sports Medicine and part of the Family Medicine Center with offices in Manahawkin and Little Egg Harbor. Dr. Glenn earned his medical degree from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed his residency at the Naval Hospital – Camp Pendleton in Oceanside, CA. For appointments, please call (609) 597-7394 or visit https://www.familymedicinecenter.info/.

 

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

Change-Up Your Workout for Cooler Weather
Posted by: In: Bariatric Fitness, Bariatric Success Program, Blog Post, COVID-19, Dietitian's Corner 09 Oct 2020 0 comments Tags , , , , , , , , , ,

By Lori Skurbe, MPH, CDE, Prime Surgicare Bariatric Dietitian

biking is a great way to burn calories and lose weight

It is that time of year again. Summer is over, fall is here, and winter is just around the corner.

Soon, colder weather and shorter days will settle in, and for too many of us, that means their daily walks, bike rides, hikes and swims disappear.

For our weight loss surgery (WLS) patients, this can pose a problem since reduced/no physical activity invites health risks and can lead to poor weight loss and weight regain.

Many of our patients have heard me say, “Do not make the weather a reason to not exercise.”

With that said, don’t let Covid-19 or any other obstacle stop you from prioritizing a workout.

We already have a million excuses not to exercise: I am too tired, too busy, too large, etc. Just because it is cold and dark outside does not mean your exercise routine gets tucked away until the Spring. 

What can you do to stay physically active all year round?

Get back to your gym

If you feel comfortable, go to your gym. Most gyms are now open at lower capacity and taking safety measures to keep equipment and the facilities clean. You can use the weights and cardio machines as well as take classes. You do need to feel comfortable exercising in a mask. Many group classes are held outside, and some gyms even have equipment outside.

Don’t forget, Prime Surgicare’s Bariatric Success Program offers an affordable small group exercise program just for you:

CentraState Fitness & Wellness Offers 16-Week Bariatric Warrior Group Fitness Classes

Home gym  

During the Covid-19 shutdown, many people invested in home gym equipment to workout at home, as the gyms were closed. Having cardio equipment (treadmill, stationary bike, elliptical or rowing machine) can help you get in your cardio without leaving the house. You can also get weights or resistance bands for strengthening and toning.

Streaming exercise videos 

Check out exercise videos from YouTube and even your cable company. Some may have exercise videos on demand. You can subscribe to different companies that offer many types of exercise, including yoga, Pilates, dance, high-intensity interval training, cardio and strength classes.

Smartphone apps

There are numerous apps to help you stay active, such as Nike Training Club, Aaptiv, and My Fitness Pal.

You can have exercise programs on your phone that you can follow at home, regardless of the weather.

Embrace the weather

There are many activities you can enjoy even in the cold weather. You can still walk outside as long as you are dressed appropriately, and there is no ice or snow, so you do not slip and fall. There are also winter activities like skating, skiing, sledding, snowboarding, snow tubing and snowshoeing that can be fun for the whole family.

The Bottom Line

winter is a great time to lose weight and burn calories, especially for weight loss surgery patients

You may need to change your exercise plans with the seasons. Keep an open mind, try new things and be flexible. Safety is always first, do not do anything you are not comfortable with and always consult with your doctor before starting a new exercise regimen.

If you have orthopedic issues, speak to your orthopedist or physical therapist for the best way, you can stay active without aggravating existing issues.

Share with us in the comments section below! What do you do to stay active during fall and winter? 

Has the stress of COVID-19 stalled your weight loss or are you steadily regaining?

Call Prime Surgicare at (732) 982-2002 to schedule a one-on-one Telehealth visit and let’s build a strategy to get you losing again.

You may also wish to read my article, “Tips for Bariatric Warriors Coping with COVID-19,” for more tools and tips to maintain control of your weight.

Increase Weight Loss with Intermittent Fasting
Posted by: In: Blog Post, whole food plant based 23 Sep 2020 0 comments Tags , , , , , , , , , ,

lose weight with intermittent fasting by Dr. Seun Sowemimo

Benjamin Franklin said, “The best of all medicines is resting and fasting.”

By Dr. Seun Sowemimo, Medical Director

Intermittent fasting has been in existence for centuries; I’d like to explain how it can help you to lose weight and gain health.

As far back as 3800 BC, an Egyptian pyramid was inscribed with this: “Humans live on one-quarter of what they eat; on the other three-quarters lives their doctor.”

Paracelsus, another great healer in the Western tradition, wrote 500 years ago that, “Fasting is the greatest remedy, the physician within.”

All the great religions encourage fasting. The Bible doesn’t ask you to fast–it simply states WHEN you fast.

I know some will say, “Are we now starving ourselves to lose weight?”

No. Fasting is the deliberate short-term abstinence from food. Again, short-term (as in hours, not days).

The simple method for intermittent fasting

Two intriguing modes of action of fasting:

1. Autophagy
2. metabolic switching

Autophagy

This term literally means eating one’s self. At the cellular level, fasting kicks in Autophagy where in a Pac-Man like fashion special cells actually eat up dying and dead cells. They then recycle this protein creating new beneficial proteins. This process of can clean up neural tangles implicated in Alzheimer’s or repair DNA promoting longevity.

It also helps to repair skin, down-regulate inflammation and up-regulate antioxidants.
Autophagy improves blood sugar and fat metabolism by increasing insulin sensitivity and even helps to lower blood pressure.

It’s like getting an oil change with new spark plugs for your car–it helps your body run smoother and the benefits outlast the period of fasting.

Imagine you keep receiving a delivery of furniture to your house on a daily basis, day-in and day-out; you never get a chance to arrange it properly or get rid or recycle of old and useless furniture.

Soon, your house will be looking like an episode of ‘Hoarders.’

This is what autophagy helps resolve.

Metabolic Switching

Generally, the body is able to use two sources of fuel for energy: sugar and fat. It is actually health-promoting that the body switches between these two modes of energy.

When we are in the fed state (we have eaten), our fuel is sugar; but in the fasted state, once we burn off all the sugar, our fuel becomes fat.

When food comes into the body, like groceries being delivered to your house, it either gets eaten up immediately or stored in the fridge. Once the fridge gets full, insulin, which always shows up whenever groceries arrive, takes the excess groceries, packages them as fat, and stores them in the deep freezer. It also prevents anyone from accessing the fat stored in the deep freezer.

It takes 8 to 12 hours for the food in the fridge to get used up, but as long as groceries keep getting delivered regularly, you never get to use up all the food and the excess is stored in the deep freezer, without being used.

The only way to access the fat stored in the deep freezer is to not have groceries delivered, slamming the door on the insulin guy.

This allows a new guy called growth hormone to enter the scene. If there’s no grocery delivery in 8 to 12 hours, the food in the fridge is used up and growth hormone starts to bring fat from the deep freezer into the fridge. It is thawed out to another form of fat called Ketones, which is now used for energy.

Switching energy sources helps burn fat.

Also, energy demands (i.e. exercise) while the body is fasting will lead to more fat burn versus exercise in the ‘fed’ state.

Watch my YouTube video that explains the process and how it can accelerate your weight loss:

How not to intermittent fast

I found this interesting story from Kayleigh McEnany, the current White House Press Secretary:

“The night before my mastectomy, I had done my best to keep my mind off of the impending procedure. I binged on pizza and ice cream and took full advantage of the doctor’s advice to eat up, until the night before, since I had to begin fasting at midnight…”

Don’t do this.

I intermittent fast during the work week:

  • I started with the 16:8 fast (fast for 16 hours including sleep and eat during an 8-hour window).
  • Breakfast at 11 AM. Dinner by 7 PM.

As my body became used to this:

  • I moved to the 18:6 fast (fast for 18 hours including sleep and eat during an 6-hour window).
  • My first meal is lunch and then I have dinner within a 6-hour window.

During the fasting period, I hydrate with non-caloric beverages.

Since adopting intermittent fasting, I’ve seen a bump in my own weight loss. Several of my bariatric and obesity treatment patients have also reported the same outcome.

I believe this is one of the most powerful tools to add to your weight management toolbox and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

Important Note: Please seek medical advice from your own physician, especially if you have a medical condition and plan to start an intermittent fasting regimen.

To learn more simple nutrition tools to lose weight and maintain a health weight, visit and subscribe to my YouTube channel.

Monmouth County Employee Loses 150 Pounds after Gastric Sleeve Bariatric Surgery
Posted by: In: Bariatric Success Program, Bariatric Success Story, Blog Post, Gastric Sleeve, whole food plant based 11 Sep 2020 0 comments Tags , , , , ,

Inspired by his father’s successful weight loss surgery, James Daniels regains his own health at age 40

Even with his tall stature and athletic build, Monmouth County Division of Buildings and Grounds employee James Daniels knew the extra weight he was carrying was beginning to take a toll on his health and overall quality of life.

At his annual check-up with longtime internist Dr. Russell Gross of Shrewsbury Primary Care in Tinton Falls, James received some concerning results from his bloodwork: He was borderline diabetic and his cholesterol levels were so high, medication would be required.

Both of these chronic medical conditions are associated with obesity.

“I’ve known James and his family for a long time,” says Dr. Gross.

“I told him if he didn’t address the weight now, there was a likelihood he could develop diabetes and potentially face additional medical issues related to his weight.”

A familiar bariatric surgeon is recommended to James

“Several of my colleagues who had lost a lot of weight had gone to Dr. Seun Sowemimo for weight loss surgery and spoke very highly of him,” James says. Four years earlier, James’ father Clifford also had gastric bypass performed by Dr. Seun. Today, Mr. Daniels continues to maintain his high school weight.

James’ cousin was also successful after having gastric sleeve surgery, the most popular bariatric procedure in the world today.

After a lengthy private consultation with Dr. Seun in early 2019, followed by a conversation with his father, James was ready to move forward with weight loss surgery.

Why bariatric weight loss surgery can be a lifesaver

Dr. Gross says that bariatric surgery can be an ideal obesity treatment for people who have yo-yo dieted for years without success and frequently gained more weight, as a result.

“Even the pre-operative testing is valuable to any person with a serious weight issue,” says Dr. Gross. “The mental health visit and the clinical health checks can uncover even more medical issues that are often brought on by obesity.”

During James’ pre-operative testing, he was diagnosed with sleep apnea, a serious sleep disorder when breathing repeatedly stops and starts. This condition is also common for people diagnosed with obesity and requires ongoing medical care. He was fitted with a C-Pap device to wear over his face while sleeping.

James asked his father for advice before his bariatric surgery. “He said to believe in God, have faith, remain calm and stay focused on your goal.”

James had gastric sleeve surgery in June 2019

On June 19, 2019, James had gastric sleeve surgery, weighing 479 pounds. Three days later, he returned home to focus on changing his lifestyle and his life.

“I knew James had a high probability of losing the extra weight because his father had taken the same journey and did extremely well,” notes Dr. Seun. “At age 39, James was wise to address his weight problem serious health threats would eventually begin to affect his life.”

James followed Dr. Seun’s post-op strategy designed specifically for him, and the weight came off steadily.

Fifteen months since weight loss surgery, James has dropped 150 pounds.

His pant size has gone from size 56 to 38; his shirt size was a 7X before surgery and today it is a 2X.

Since the weight loss, James no longer has sleep apnea; the C-Pap mask is the thing of the past.

The driver’s seat of his Dodge Ram is so much bigger now and he can easily wear his seatbelt now. The Monmouth County vehicles that he drives for work are no longer a tight fit.

Work-life tasks are no sweat

“My job requires me to be active and on the move all day long,” James explains. “I am amazed how much less I sweat during simple tasks and I can climb ladders again with no problem.”

He’s also eating differently. “Dr. Seun explained the health and weight loss value of eating a whole food, plant-based diet, so I eat mostly beans, vegetables and drink protein drinks and hot green tea.”

He says he doesn’t mind it when his co-workers do a double-take when they haven’t seen him in a while.

Looking ahead to year two after weight loss surgery

“I have a way to go to get where I want to be, but based upon my motivation a year later, I’ll definitely get there. You can count on that.”

James says his relationship with Dr. Seun has been one of steadfast positivity. “I feel good after my check-ups, regardless of what the scale says,” James says. “Their group literally hands you all the tools you need to be successful and get healthy. The rest is up to you.”

Dr. Russell Gross, board-certified in internal medicine, Shrewsbury Primary Care, Tinton Falls, is accepting new patients. Dr. Gross earned his medical degree from the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, New Jersey Medical School, Newark, N.J. He completed his training and residency at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey.

Dr. Seun Sowemimo is a board-certified bariatric and GI surgeon specializing in hernia, gallbladder and colon surgery at Prime Surgicare, with offices in Freehold and Jackson, NJ. For prompt telehealth appointments, or to learn more about surgical weight loss, call (732) 982-2002.

Surgeon Dr. Jolita Auguste Joins Prime Surgicare
Posted by: In: Blog Post 08 Sep 2020 0 comments Tags , , , , ,

We are pleased to announce Dr. Jolita Auguste has joined Prime Surgicare and Central Jersey Bariatrics as a board-certified surgeon, specializing in bariatric and general surgery.

She is a talented new addition to our team and will play an important role in our continued growth.

Dr. Auguste completed fellowship training in advanced endoscopy and minimally-invasive surgery with a focus on bariatric surgery.

She performs laparoscopic and robotic sleeve gastrectomy and gastric bypass, in addition to laparoscopic GI operations including hernia surgery, gallbladder removal, appendectomy, colon surgery, and acid reflux surgery.

Medical and Surgical Training

Dr. Auguste completed her fellowship training in minimally invasive surgery and advanced endoscopy at Penn Medicine at Princeton Health; where she also acquired her certification in robotic surgery using the Da Vinci Xi system.

She completed her general surgery training at SUNY Downstate Medical Center in Brooklyn, NY, where she was Chief Resident (2016-2017). Dr. Auguste has trained in prominent metropolitan hospitals, including Kings County Medical Center, University Hospital of Brooklyn, Brooklyn Veterans Affairs Hospital, Richmond University Medical Center, and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York City.

Professional Affiliations

American Medical Association (AMA)

American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgeons

Society for Surgery of the Alimentary Tract (SSAT)

American College of Surgeons (ACS)

Dr. Auguste will support Prime Surgicare Medical Director, Dr. Seun Sowemimo and perform surgery at Hackensack Meridian Health and CentraState Medical Center.

For telehealth appointments to discuss bariatric or general surgery needs, please call (732) 982-2002 to set up an appointment with Dr. Seun or Dr. Auguste this week.

Can You Eat a Balanced Diet after Bariatric Surgery?
Posted by: In: Blog Post, COVID-19, Dietitian's Corner 31 Aug 2020 0 comments Tags , , ,

By Lori Skurbe, MPH, CDE, Prime Surgicare Bariatric Dietitian

Lori Skurbe — Registered Dietitian at Prime Surgicare, NJ

Bariatric warriors are advised again and again to “eat a balanced diet,” but what does that really mean?  How can a person who has had Weight Loss Surgery (WLS) eat a balanced diet? 

Let’s take a closer look.

We have all heard of the different food groups:

Fruits (apples, peaches, pears, grapes, pineapples, melons, oranges, etc.) are sources of many essential nutrients that we do not get enough of, including potassium, dietary fiber, vitamin C, and folate (folic acid).

Vegetables (dark green leafy, carrots, broccoli, cucumbers, peppers, etc.) provide many nutrients, including potassium, dietary fiber, folate (folic acid), vitamin A, and vitamin C.

Protein (beans, fish, seafood, skinless poultry, eggs, etc.) are a rich source of B vitamins (niacin, thiamin, riboflavin, B12 and B6), vitamin E, iron, zinc, and magnesium.

Dairy (low-fat or fat-free milk, cheese and yogurt) foods offer mainly calcium, potassium, vitamin D, and protein.

Grains (breads, pasta, rice, potato, corn, cereals) provide dietary fiber, several B vitamins (thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, and folate), and minerals (iron, magnesium, and selenium).

Fats – Healthy fats (olive oil, avocado, nuts and seeds) provide omega 3s and other vitamins and minerals; use sparingly, however, due to high calorie content of these fats.

Each food group provides a specific set of vitamins and minerals – if we only ate from 1 or 2 food groups, we would be missing key nutrients found in the other food groups.

TIP: When you choose a variety of foods from all the food groups at each meal, you are getting a healthy dose of vitamins and minerals needed to maintain your health

Building a balanced meal

Prime Surgicare in Freehold explains how to eat a balanced diet after having bariatric weight loss surgery
Three food group are represented in this balanced diet meal.

A general rule of thumb: make sure you have at least 3 food groups on your plate at each meal. When your plate includes food from 3 or more food groups, the all-important micronutrients (vitamins, minerals) increase.

Example: if you have a meal with foods from the protein, vegetable and grain groups, your plate may include:

Broiled salmon (protein), with steamed broccoli (vegetable) and wild rice (grain). 

If you only eat protein, you are not getting fiber and other key nutrients in vegetables and wild rice.

Let’s say a meal contains a food from the dairy, grain and fruit groups, such as skim milk, healthy cold cereal (high fiber, low or no added sugar) and fresh berries.

But if you only ate cereal and milk, you would be missing the nutrients that come with the fruit.

Another example: a meal that contains a choice from the vegetable, protein, fruit, healthy fat groups: that could translate into a green salad with tofu and sliced strawberries, with olive oil and vinegar dressing.

If you only ate a salad – it certainly would be healthy, but not balanced – adding in the protein, fruit and healthy fat – you also increased the variety and amounts of vitamins and minerals in your diet.

Without question, it can be tricky for a WLS client to eat a balanced meal, especially soon after surgery, when your diet is narrow.

Keep in mind, you will be steadily adding new foods as time goes on—this is when it is essential to include foods from at least 3 food groups at each meal for good health and wellness.

Make the quality of your snacks count

It is also important to make snacks count – if you are having trouble getting in 3 or more food groups at a meal because you get too full – have the food groups you cannot get in at meals and have them as a snack.

For example, if you get too full before you consume your fruit or vegetables, save it for a snack later in the day.

Planning your meals and snacks around a variety of food groups helps ensure a balanced diet.

Get personalized guidance from your bariatric dietitian

5 Things to Ask at Your Bariatric Dietitian Appointments — by Prime Surgicare dietitian, Lori Skurbe.
I have telehealth appointments with pre- and post-op bariatric clients Monday – Friday.

How are you eating balanced meals? If you don’t have it quite figured out yet, or you need guidance, schedule a telehealth appointment with me so that we can streamline your balanced meal nutrition to optimize the vitamin and mineral count.

Of course, it’s essential to continue taking your prescribed bariatric vitamins daily to fill in any nutritional gaps.

Call (732) 982-2002 to make an appointment with me to discuss any of your pre- or post-op nutrition and dietary issues.  

If you’ve regained during COVID-19, we can talk about a specific strategy to get you back to losing again.

Restaurant Server Loses 100 Pounds after Bariatric Sleeve Surgery
Posted by: In: Bariatric Success Program, Bariatric Success Story, Blog Post, Gastric Sleeve 03 Aug 2020 0 comments Tags , , , , , , , , ,

 

Sarah lost 100 pounds after bariatric sleeve surgery performed by Dr. Seun Sowemimo in Jackson, NJ

“I was only 20-years-old when my primary care doctor diagnosed me with pre-diabetes and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD),” recalls Sarah Jablonski, a former server and now the marketing manager of a popular Ocean County steakhouse.

“I had already tried every diet and exercise plan when Dr. Feingold suggested I consider bariatric surgery.”

Dr. Marc Feingold has been a well-known primary care physician in Manalapan for a decade. His medical practice focuses on holistic health and wellness, including tools to help offset obesity, which often contributes to serious health issues, including heart disease, diabetes, sleep apnea, depression, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and even cancer.

“For some people, diet and exercise do not result in sustained weight loss,” Dr. Feingold notes.

“We have to offer these patients an alternative to take off the excess weight to improve health and reduce these weight-related medical issues.”

 

Obesity affects 4 out of 10 Americans today

More than 40% of Americans are not just overweight—they are obese. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) notes that about 1 in 10 Americans have type 2 diabetes today, a staggering 34 million Americans; many of these cases can be attributed to our growing obesity epidemic.

Dr. Feingold has recommended that several of his obese patients consult with board-certified bariatric surgeon and obesity expert Dr. Seun Sowemimo of Prime Surgicare located in Freehold and Jackson.

Dr. Marc Feingold, Primary Care Physician in Manalapan, NJ

Prime Surgicare’s comprehensive Bariatric Success Program includes pre- and post-op private sessions with a bariatric dietitian; free bi-weekly Support Group meetings; a bariatric group fitness program at CentraState Fitness & Wellness Center; and a monthly group workout with Dr. Seun.

“I fully support Dr. Feingold’s comprehensive approach to health, because he focuses on helping patients prevent chronic disease from happening, regardless of age,” Dr. Seun says.

“He has been particularly successful in helping people overcome type 2 diabetes and other weight-related diseases.”

“I’ve seen it time and time again with my patients—after weight loss surgery, they lose the weight faster and it stays off for the long-term, so long as the person continues to follow a healthy lifestyle.”

“I knew after my first meeting with Dr. Seun that I would have surgery,” recalls Sarah. “I had tried everything else and the gastric sleeve operation was less invasive, which was important to me.”

 

Why the gastric sleeve is the most popular weight loss operation in the world

The sleeve gastrectomy, also called sleeve surgery or VSG, removes part of the stomach to make a smaller, banana-sized stomach or “sleeve.” This compact stomach will make you feel fuller faster and you’ll obviously eat much less, thus losing weight rapidly, when the post-op protocol is followed.

Sleeve surgery offers another unique benefit—it removes an appetite-stimulating hormone called ghrelin.

Dr. Sowemimo says people in their 20’s can be ideal candidates for surgical weight loss.

“Younger people are just starting out in life and should not be saddled by obesity, which has been proven to cause depression, substance abuse, lack of confidence and the same health risks older obese people face,” explains Dr. Seun.

The board-certified bariatric surgeon also states that younger people are at lower risk of complications after surgery.

 

A new life just one year after weight loss surgery

*Read about Sarah in Healthy Directions magazine (Fall 2020)

In June 2020, Sarah is no longer –pre-diabetic and her chronic GERD symptoms are a thing of the past.

Sarah lost 100 pounds, pre-diabetes and GERD symptoms after sleeve surgery.

She has lost 100 pounds and is just 20 pounds from a goal weight (a normal BMI). Her clothing size was a 28 before surgery and today she is a size 12.

It’s the little improvements in daily life which have made the most impact on her life—

“I can buckle the seatbelt on a plane without needing an extension, walk into a clothing store and know I can find something to fit me, and ride on any amusement park ride,” she says with a smile.

Losing weight has considerably boosted her energy to improve her life in other ways. The 21-year-old was promoted from server to the restaurant’s marketing manager and recently enrolled in culinary school at night.

She spends her free time taking hikes around New Jersey and jogs a few times a week to keep her metabolism burning, now that she has a professional desk job.

“I could not have taken this step without the help from my doctors who started me on this path,” Sarah says. “Younger people like me who have a lot of weight to lose shouldn’t keep hoping the weight will come off someday. Don’t wake up at 40-years-old and regret not losing the weight now.”

“For my patients who may benefit from weight loss surgery, I advise them just to sit down with Dr. Sowemimo, talk and get information with no obligation to move forward,” Dr. Feingold says. “Education is power in all things.”

 

Partner with your doctor to win the war against weight

Dr. Seun Sowemimo, medical director, Prime Surgicare, is a board-certified bariatric and GI surgeon specializing in hernia, gallbladder and colon surgery. He has offices in Freehold and Jackson, NJ. For telehealth appointments or to learn more, call (732) 982-2002 or visit primesurgicare.com.

Dr. Marc Feingold is a primary care physician (PCP) who provides wellness-focused healthcare at his medical practice located in Manalapan. He is affiliated with Consensus Health Network. For telehealth appointments or to learn more, call (732) 536-8008 or visit marcfeingoldmd.com.

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