“I was raised in an Italian household where everything revolved around food. So I decided to be the one to change that tradition,” says Giovanna.
Just six months after gastric sleeve bariatric surgery, the elementary school teacher has knocked off 95 pounds from her petite five-foot, one-inch frame.
“Since my August 2021 surgery, I’ve turned my life around 360 degrees,” she explains. “All I did was follow my bariatric team’s instructions and start on the same nutrition plan that Dr. Seun Sowemimo lives by—whole food plant-based eating.”
An elementary school teacher, Giovanna’s culture celebrated life’s small and large celebrations with food—and a lot of it.
“Food is an integral part of our heritage,” Giovanna explains. “While it’s all delicious, the reality is these foods are high in calories, carbs and fat.”
From fresh-baked white flour bread to pan-fried meats dipped covered in cheese to desserts galore, it’s easy to put on weight.
Giovanna already had weight issues before the onset of Covid-19, which exacerbated the issue.
“I went from running around my school all day to sitting at a computer at home, steps away from the kitchen.”
Step one to changing her life
The 47-year-old mother of two children was already taking medication for high blood pressure. After her sister commented about her heavy breathing while trying on clothing in a retail store, Giovanna scheduled a visit with cardiologist Robert Kayser, MD, MBA, FACC, FSCAI, at Change of Heart Cardiology.
“I lost my father to a heart attack at age 52, and I knew my weight was jeopardizing my own heart health,” Giovanna says.” So Dr. Kayser suggested I consider surgical weight loss due to my weight and the fact that I’m just over five feet tall.”
Dr. Kayser recommended she consult with Dr. Seun Sowemimo at Prime Surgicare. “The more I thought about the weight loss surgery process, the more it made sense to me,” Giovanna recalls. She cites being mentally prepared to change her diet and lifestyle before the operation contributed to her quick weight loss.
“One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is that weight loss surgery is not about the operation—it’s about completely changing your mindset about food.”
Giovanna began her private nutrition meetings with Prime Surgicare’s bariatric dietitian, Lori Skurbe and dropped 30 pounds before surgery in April 2021.
She also started walking outdoors, eventually clocking up to four miles several days a week.
READ: Meet more bariatric surgery warriors who have defeated obesity
Giovanna reaps the rewards of motivated weight loss
After surgery, she started walking on a treadmill during the hot summer months and expanded her effort to a walk/run of 4+ miles done four to five times a week.
“Giovanna’s rapid weight loss shows her commitment to the bariatric process,” explains Dr. Seun. “While most patients don’t lose as much weight as Giovanna has, she is a testament to what is possible when you 100 percent commit to eating real food, exercising and following our protocol.”
In less than four months, the teacher’s clothing size has shrunk from a 3X size 20-22 to a medium/large size 14.
At her recent cardiology check-up with Dr. Kayser, he gave her the fantastic news that she could top taking blood pressure medication, as she no longer suffered from this chronic condition.
While some family members didn’t initially support her bariatric surgery plan, they have enthusiastically supported her success and regularly shower her with well-deserved accolades.
Looking younger and lighter after gastric sleeve
“The most common compliment I receive is that I look 20 years younger,” Giovanna says with a smile. “I’ll take that any day of the week.”
Regarding future goals related to her weight and health, Giovanna isn’t fixed on reaching a specific number on the scale or a clothing size.
“I’m focused on living a healthy, active life so I can make up for the years I missed opportunities because of my weight.”
Giovanna says that if she can be successful, anyone can. She advises others battling obesity to believe that you are worthy of making this change.
“You have the power to change the course of your life. So do it.”
Could better health be 90 days away for you?
You never know until you make the commitment to turn the corner and get your health and your weight back under control.
Taking this step, if you have more than 75 pounds to lose or are living with obesity-related medical conditions (i.e. diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnea, high cholesterol), can seem overwhelming, but Prime Surgicare’s Bariatric Success Program gives you all the tools you need to lay the ground for permanent weight loss.
Call our team of experienced surgical weight loss professionals at (732) 404-2717 and learn more about meeting with our board-certified bariatric surgeons, attending a New Patient seminar and planning your course for weight loss victory in 2022.