Burlington County siblings inspire each other to lose weight and regain health after gastric sleeve surgery
Over the course of five years, three sisters, between ages 50 and 59, chose surgical weight loss to regain their health, overcome chronic diseases and have the vitality they needed to enjoy life to the fullest. They all turned to Dr. Seun Sowemimo’s bariatric surgery team at Prime Surgicare and generously agreed to share their inspiring journey (times three) below:
Molly had gastric sleeve surgery in 2017
In 2017, Molly Horner of Burlington County chose to have gastric sleeve bariatric weight loss surgery after she had dutifully tried several other methods for weight loss. Fortunately, at age 46, she had no weight-related medical issues. But she did have five young grandchildren with whom she wanted to spend as much time as possible.
Weighing 289 pounds and wearing size 22 before beginning her surgical weight loss, she lost 120 pounds and has successfully maintained her weight loss.
READ: Learn more about Molly’s weight loss surgery journey
Her life-changing success did not go unnoticed. Her two older sisters, Dolly and Betsy, also faced weight issues and, like Molly, tried several diets and exercise programs, but didn’t achieve sustained success.
Dolly had gastric sleeve surgery in 2021
Dolly Chamberlain, age 59, lives the active life of someone half her age. But working three jobs left little time to devote to her health and wellness. When her weight neared 225 pounds, she realized the extra 85 pounds she was carrying contributed to her constant exhaustion. As the mother of eight young grandchildren, she knew the weight was slowing her down.
“I am on the go 24/7, working three jobs and helping out my family when I can,” says Dolly, who has four adult children and eight grandchildren. “I decided to have surgical weight loss because it was the fastest way to get the extra weight off my small frame and give me more stamina every day.”
Dolly, who has battled weight issues most of her life, had sleep apnea and used a “clunky and annoying” CPAP device while sleeping. She also suffered from hypertension and took high-dosage prescription medication daily to manage the disease.
Read: Find out if you may be suffering from sleep apnea
At 5’2”, the grandmother’s pre-surgery weight was 223, equating to a 42 BMI (a healthy BMI is 25 and under). After gastric sleeve surgery in June 2021, she lost 85 pounds; today, her weight is stable between 140 and 145 pounds. “I have a meal around 11:00 am and eat again no later than 8:00 pm,” she explains. “After dinner, my kitchen is off limits.”
Dolly, like her sisters, is committed to a consistent distance walking regimen. “I convinced my co-workers to walk around the cafeteria every day on our breaks, so this helps to motivate each other.” Her free time is spent walking her dog and kayaking with her son, an activity she could not have done before bariatric surgery.
Today, Dolly no longer has sleep apnea and is overjoyed to be free of the CPAP. Dolly still takes medication to manage her hypertension, but the dosage has been significantly reduced.
Tackling weight issues together
“It’s not unusual for family members, friends and spouses to have surgical weight loss as a team,” notes Dr. Seun Sowemimo. “The added support from the other person is invaluable during the pre-op preparation and post-op weight loss.”
Dr. Seun says that the twice monthly Bariatric Support Group meetings (in-person and online) are also an invaluable resource for navigating the weight loss surgery journey.
READ: Learn more about Prime Surgicare’s exclusive Bariatric Success Program
Betsy had gastric sleeve surgery in 2022
Betsy Yaccarino, age 51, a customer service representative, also experienced chronic health issues that kept her from fully enjoying her life. She had asthma, depression and GERD, which resulted in chronic heartburn and gastrointestinal discomfort. Further, she was about to turn 50 and didn’t want to face another decade saddled by obesity.
“I had a history of yo-yo dieting, which tricks you into thinking this time you will finally keep the weight off,” Betsy explains. “It’s a deceiving cycle to fall into and I realized I needed a better option.”
The pandemic gave Betsy time to re-think her life and implement changes. One of her first goals was to prioritize her health and weight.
“By the time I had surgery in May 2022, I was committed to changing my health in three ways–physical, mental and financial.”
Betsy Yaccarino
Betsy was tired of declining social invitations because she felt uncomfortable about her weight, didn’t care for her wardrobe and felt too tired to participate. Since bariatric surgery in May 2022, she has lost an impressive 100 pounds and currently weighs 138 pounds. At 5’4”, she plans to lose eight to 13 more pounds and then begin weight maintenance.
“Seeing my sisters go through the process, from the pre-op paperwork to post-op weight loss process, gave me a clear vision of the program, which was very helpful,” she notes. “They also encouraged me when I was discouraged and celebrated when I went down another clothing size.”
Transitioning a nutrition strategy to plant-based foods
WATCH: Dr. Seun explains the simplicity of a whole food plant-based diet
Recently, Molly and Betsy have started to transition to eating mostly a whole-food plant-based diet, with guidance and encouragement from Dr. Sowemimo, who founded the online course, Dr. Seun’s Weight Loss Plan.
“When you lose a large amount of weight, you see food differently. To me, food is medicine to prevent disease and illness and it fuels me throughout the day. It’s not a crutch to abuse when I have a bad day.”
Molly Horner
Dr. Sowemimo concurs. “Eating real food from plants transforms how you feel mentally and physically, similarly to surgical weight loss. I’m so proud that Molly and Betsy are doing this as they approach a normal BMI.”
“My sisters and I agree that self-care is essential to protecting and even prolonging your life,” Betsy says. “But make no mistake—you must be mentally and physically ready to change your life. Once you are there, don’t wait another minute to get started.”
Are you ready to change your life?
Molly, Dolly and Betsy each had their own specific reasons for choosing gastric sleeve surgery. Today, they are healthier, happier and more active than ever. Best of all, the sisters will live longer because of the effort they made to lose weight and regain health. If you are frustrated by living with obesity, call our friendly and respectful team of weight loss surgery experts at 732-414-2707 to schedule an appointment to talk with our bariatric surgeons about your health goals. We can’t wait to meet you!