“Today, when obesity has been found to be a major risk factor for contracting COVID-19, Heather’s success story reinforces that weight loss surgery can help avoid the virus and several obesity-related chronic medical conditions.”
Gina Dreizin, RPA-C, Prime Surgicare
“I got tired of my doctor telling me that my blood pressure and cholesterol was too high and that I needed to get the extra weight off,” explains Heather Gallina, a 43-year-old professional employed at a Shore-based brokerage firm.
“My whole life, I had gone through the lose weight, gain weight, lose weight, gain weight cycle. I was out of options.”
Heather has also lost a good friend in her 40’s to a heart attack. It was a stark reminder of the risks of obesity.
Trusting bariatric surgeon recommendations from two friends
The Ocean County woman knew a few people who had already had successful bariatric weight loss surgery, performed by the surgeons at Prime Surgicare in Freehold, and she attended an information seminar to learn more in early 2019. (Monthly New Patient seminars are currently being held virtually on the second Wednesday of each month).
At the time, Heather, who is five feet tall, was wearing a 22-24 clothing size.
One year after her successful gastric sleeve surgery, Heather has lost a whopping 142 pounds. She now wears a size 8-10.
She continues to work during the pandemic, but took time out to answer some questions about her resounding sleeve surgery success.
Once you were medically-cleared for surgery, what happened next?
I had the operation and had no complications. I was mentally prepared to do whatever it took to be successful. The Prime Surgicare staff told me what to do to lose the most amount of weight as quickly and safely as possible. I will tell you that I followed their instructions to the letter. They know what they are doing.
Did you exercise before and after weight loss surgery?
Even when I was heavy, I would still exercise in some way. But after sleeve surgery, I was very inspired to step it up, as the doctors and bariatric dietitian Lori told me this would speed up my weight loss by increasing my metabolism.
What is your workout routine today?
Before my gym closed due to COVID, I was lifting light weights and doing cardio five times a week. Now, I walk 45 minutes to an hour 4-5 times a week after work and continue to lift light weights on my own at home.
Prime Surgicare Offers Virtual Office Visits for Bariatric and General Surgery Patients
Can you share some of your personal bariatric tips and tools?
A year after my surgery, I still measure and weigh my food, no matter what. I have the power to manage my portions, which was a big downfall for me before surgery. People don’t know what regular-size portion of food is supposed to be.
I also did away with drinking diet soda. It did all the wrong things for my body and I don’t even miss it now.
I have to add that I will never stop exercising. I am about 25 pounds from my goal weight and I know that working out will help me maintain my weight for the rest of my life.
The Bariatric Success Program Offers Seasonal Group Workouts
How do you handle meal planning during your busy life?
On Sundays, I devote time to preparing my breakfasts and lunches for the week, which I eat at work. I make these tasty egg white muffins for breakfast and pre-pack lean meats with a vegetable for lunch.
I don’t love water, so I add Crystal Light to make it more of a treat. I drink 48-64 ounces daily.
How has your life changed?
First and foremost, I have the obesity monkey off my back. It’s something I’ve carried around my whole life and the freedom I have now not to worry about it is amazing.
Before weight loss surgery, I was hungry morning, noon and night. Since the sleeve gastrectomy, I literally have to set my phone alarm to remind me to eat. My life no longer revolves around my next meal, which is very freeing.
While I welcome the compliments about my weight loss, my reason for having a bariatric operation for purely for my health.
I knew the weight would eventually catch up with me and I had to fight back.
Over 40? You Can Still Lose the Weight
Physician Assistant Gina Dreizin offers insight into Heather’s success
“Heather beautifully illustrates how a decision to take charge of her health by forging a true partnership with Prime Surgicare’s bariatric team helped to transform her health,” says Gina.
Gina states that Heather’s 142-pound weight loss is largely attributed to her adherence to Prime Surgicare’s weight loss surgery guidelines and sheer determination to finally overcome her lifelong battle with weight.
Start Your Weight Loss Journey with Prime Surgicare’s Virtual Consultation
For the protection of patients and staff, office visits with Dr. Seun Sowemimo, board-certified and fellowship-trained bariatric and general surgeon, PA Gina Dreizin and other key staff are being performed virtually.
The benefit to people wishing to pursue weight loss surgery in the future is that they can be qualified for surgery now, and begin the subsequent pre-op process.
When non-emergency operations are being performed again in hospitals, new patients can have their procedures performed sooner.
Call our team at (732) 414-2707 to confirm your medical insurance, if applicable, set up your first consultation to talk about the sleeve gastrectomy or the best surgical weight loss procedures for you, determine if you qualify, and potentially move forward to pre-surgical approvals.
Starting Your Bariatric Weight Loss Journey
We look forward to meeting you and welcoming you to the Prime Surgicare family!