Joe McPhee shown with his beloved Jeep Wrangler in 2023.

Joseph McPhee, age 55 and a professional account salesperson at Home Depot battled severe chronic back pain after an injury in 2014. Even after surgery in 2018, his mobility was limited, eventually requiring him to wear a leg brace. Not surprisingly, he slowly added weight over the years due to his chronic condition, sedentary job and normal aging.

On and off for about 10 years, Joseph considered surgical weight loss as an option to lose weight after he surpassed 300 pounds on his 6’1” frame. Even after scheduling bariatric surgery some years back, he cancelled the operation, not convinced it was right for him. But when Home Depot offered a fully-paid surgery program with $0 deductibles and $0 co-pays, he took it as a sign to get his weight back on track.

Putting an end to a 10-year surgery postponement

In September 2023, He met with Dr. Seun Sowemimo, weighing 380 pounds, with worsening back pain and managing high cholesterol and high blood pressure. “I have always received solid medical care and CentraState Medical Center, where Dr. Sowemimo is the head of the Bariatric Surgery program. After our first meeting, I knew this time I would go all the way and commit to the surgery,” Joe recalls.

By April 2024, Joe had completed his gastric sleeve surgery and had lost over 100 pounds, including a 20-pound weight loss before surgery. He no longer requires cholesterol or blood pressure medications.

READ: Learn more about Gastric Sleeve weight loss surgery

Joe recently posted this review about working with Dr. Seun and his Prime Surgicare team on Google Reviews:

“My sleeve surgery went perfectly with very little scarring. The staff is like Dr. Seun–very friendly. They are the best doctor’s office I have ever been to. This was the best decision I ever made for myself. I would recommend everyone and anyone to go to them.”

Dr. Sowemimo commends Joe for committing to his health

Board-certified bariatric and general surgeon Seun Sowemimo, MD, FACS, FASMBS.

“We were delighted that Joe committed to taking off the extra weight quickly and safely using bariatric surgery,” Dr. Sowemimo explains. “We treat several people whose extra weight significantly increases their chronic back, hip or knee pain.” Dr. Seun said that Joe’s weight loss will reduce his back pain and help to extend his life span now that his blood pressure and cholesterol are normal.

Transitioning to better health, improved nutrition, smaller clothing

Nutritionally, Joe implemented major improvements in his diet, thanks to working with the Prime Surgicare bariatric dietitians led by Prime Surgicare’s bariatric dietitian partner Lauren Carey, RDN, and her LBS Nutrition team. “I was a huge soda drinker all day long,” Joe notes. “I can’t say I completely stopped drinking it, but my consumption is only a fraction of what it was before weight loss surgery.” Joe notes that his pants size has decreased from a 54 to a 42-44, and his shirt size decreased from a 4XT to a 2X or LV.

Ultimately, Joe plans to lose another 30-40 pounds to reach 220 pounds. With more than 100 pounds off his 6’1” frame, it’s easier and less painful for him to move throughout the store and easily complete his responsibilities at Home Depot.

Finding bariatric support from the Prime Surgicare team

Joe after losing more than 100 pounds in about 6 months (June 2024).

Joe cited his appreciation to the entire Prime Surgicare team who supported him before, during and after his gastric sleeve surgery.

“It’s a real family atmosphere there, which you rarely experience in medical care,” Joe notes. “Dr. Sowemimo is very down-to-earth and doesn’t talk to you like a doctor, he talks to you like a person.”

Joe in 2023.

Joe in 2024.

“Laura, who works in the Freehold office and also had weight loss surgery, was a lifesaver for me, answering all my questions. Jenn was also very patient and helpful. They were both like my personal Support Group and I’m very appreciative to them.” (Due to his work schedule, Joe cannot attend the two monthly Bariatric Support Group meetings.)

When asked for his advice for others considering surgical weight loss, Joe’s answer was quick and direct: “Don’t overthink it and don’t wait—that’s my only regret.”

If you’d like to meet Dr. Sowemimo and discuss your weight loss challenges and goals, call our team at 732-414-2707 to schedule a prompt appointment. Dr. Sowemimo offers surgical weight loss solutions, medical weight loss and a learning program called Dr. Seun’s Weight Loss Plan, where subscribers can learn 4 simple tools for losing and keeping weight off through diet and timed eating. Dr. Sowemimo is the head of the Bariatric Program at CentraState Medical Center in Monmouth County, NJ and is an in-network provider with corporate Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey.