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.
