Fifty-four-year-old Angelina, from Middlesex County, NJ, had too many health problems for a woman of her age. “From polycystic kidneys to high blood pressure and cholesterol, I was spending too much time and money on my chronic medical issues,” Angelina explains.
“I was also constantly bothered by arthritis in my knee, which wasn’t helped by my weight.”
Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) is an inherited disorder where clusters of cysts develop in the kidneys, causing them to enlarge and lose function over time. One of the strategies to keep symptoms from worsening is to maintain a healthy weight.
Fighting for Her Health
As Angelina’s PKD worsened, her nephrologist Dr. James Matera recommended she consider bariatric surgery and advised her to call the Prime Surgicare weight loss surgery doctors in Freehold.
“I attended the free weight loss surgery seminar at CentraState Medical Center in Freehold and met Dr. Seun Sowemimo,” Angelina recalls.
“At the time, I thought I wanted the lap-band, but after meeting privately with the doctors, we decided the gastric sleeve would be better for me and offered better long-term results.”
>>> Learn more about the vertical sleeve gastrectomy (gastric sleeve or VSG).
Health Improvements a Year after Weight Loss Surgery
Angelina entered the hospital for her weight loss surgery, wearing size 18-20 clothing, determined to change her health and her life.
A year later, she is free of daily arthritis pain and no longer hesitates before climbing a flight of stairs. Her kidney condition is also stable and the size of her cysts have not increased since her bariatric operation.
Angelina’s cholesterol dropped significantly and her blood pressure is stable, although she still takes medication to keep it regulated due to her PKD.
“Lori, the dietitian, has helped me stabilize my nutrition so much, she says. “I no longer skip meals and religiously read food labels.”
Lori provided her with a personalized nutrition plan based upon her lifestyle and food preferences. “I eat vegetables now, which actually taste pretty good!” Angelina says she still loves a piece of cheese now and then, but just a little goes a long way.
So Long Size 20 and Hello Size 6
Best of all, she has donated six large bags of clothing which are far too large since her 85-pound weight-loss. Today, she wears size 6 clothing, which she can find at any store.
When asked to share words of advice for someone considering the gastric sleeve bariatric weight loss solution she responds without hesitation:
“You deserve to be healthy—take advantage of this opportunity.
It is ok to do something for yourself.
Follow the doctors’ orders and soon they’ll be writing a success story about you!”
>>> Read about more people just like you who have also lost a significant amount of weight.
Angelina’s Resolved Medical Issues
“It has been gratifying to watch Angelina’s determination and success at sustained weight loss since her sleeve gastrectomy,” says Dr. Sowemimo. “Beyond her impressive weight loss, her kidney function has been stabilized, which will hopefully offset any further progression of her PKD.”
The board-certified weight loss surgery MD explains that bariatric surgery can lessen or resolve several serious chronic medical issues:
- Cardiac risk/heart disease
- Decrease in blood pressure
- Diabetes remission
- Decrease in cholesterol levels
“Weight loss surgery improves virtually all aspects of health. It’s been Prime Surgicare’s privilege to partner with Angelina on her successful weight loss journey.”
About Prime Surgicare – Freehold and Jackson
Dr. Seun Sowemimo and Dr. Jolita Auguste are board-certified and fellowship-trained, general, laparoscopic and bariatric surgeons in NJ. They specialize in minimally invasive weight loss surgery and general surgery procedures including diverticulitis, gallbladder and hernia conditions. They are the top NJ surgeons at Prime Surgicare, with offices in Freehold serving Monmouth and Ocean counties.
To learn more, visit our YouTube channel or call Prime Surgicare at 732-414-2707.