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Meet some of our recent patients who have undergone weight loss surgery. One of their stories may just be similar to your own!
June 24, 2011
Tony Paulino
(Ed. Note: Tony, a recent gastric sleeve patient, posted this update on his Facebook page and we would like to share it. Thanks for your inspiring words, Tony! Keep up the amazing work!)
"Hi Dr. Seun, I just wanted to let you know that today it is four months since I had the sleeve done and could not be a happier person. When I look back, I really cannot believe that I had the surgery, but am very happy that i did. My medical doctor has been monitoring my diabetes and high blood pressure medications and so far he has taken three pills away. I am extremely grateful for all the help that you have given me, especially at a time of need."
Pastor Ricky White
After 11 years of service in the military, pastor Ricky White of Freehold, NJ was an active and healthy 165 pounds. But when a construction accident in 1999 left him with a broken back, he put on a considerable amount of weight as a result of his dramatically deceased mobility.The screws and metal plates in his back soon became the least of his health concerns. After adding 100 pounds, Ricky was diagnosed with additional health complications, diabetes, high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol levels and sleep apnea, which required him to sleep wearing a CPAP mask. At his peak weight of 340 pounds, the cartilage in Ricky’s knees was destroyed by the weight his joints were supporting.
The most frustrating challenge for Ricky during the height of his weight struggle was his body telling him “no” when his mind wanted to do something. “I felt like a hostage in my own body.” “I knew what I wanted to do, so I went online and checked out bariatric surgeons. After reading about Dr. Sowemimo, I knew this was the doctor to help me—he was truly my only hope,” recalls Ricky. After undergoing medical testing, meeting with the doctor, his staff and the registered dietitian, he was approved for gastric bypass surgery. Today, Ricky has lost a remarkable 140 pounds and says his wife of 23 years loves his transformation. Based upon her husband’s positive experience, she too is preparing for bariatric surgery.
At 202 pounds, Ricky is a very young 46-years-old. He puts in between three and four hours of cardiovascular exercise each week and weight-trains his upper body, although his disabilities prevent extensive leg training. “My wife sees that I’m now able to do the things I haven’t been able to do in years.” Ricky still attends the support groups he found through Dr. Sowemimo.
As a pastor, Ricky finds meaning in supporting and inspiring others—but he looks forward to these group meetings to inspire and support him to stay healthy. Today, Ricky has a new lease on life and is keeping his two adopted special needs children, age 10 and 13, on their toes. “They can’t believe I can run circles around them now!”
Nancy Santoriello
Nancy Santoriello, 45, says she’s always been a happy person. Although she has continuously struggled with her weight, Nancy has maintained a tight-knit family life and an upbeat, positive outlook on life. Since making the decision to have bariatric surgery, Nancy says her full life has only improved. At some point last year, she realized she couldn’t lose the weight on her own. “I needed professional and personalized weight loss help and support. My personal doctor recommended Dr. Sowemimo who turned out to be a true lifesaver. Initially, the Freehold resident was not convinced gastric bypass surgery was the right option for her. “But Dr. Sowemino listened to me and explained most weight loss surgeries are equivalent to having your gallbladder out!”
She began attending the bariatric support group and completed her own research in order to determine all of her surgical options. “That’s when I realized it’s all or nothing,” Nancy says. Nancy worked with Dr. Sowemino to lose approximately 20 pounds prior to her surgery. The procedure was performed at CentraState Medical Center, when she spent two days in the hospital. Including the initial loss and the eight months since Nancy’s surgery, she has dropped a total of 100 pounds. Her first gift to herself after surgery was a Terrier rescue puppy named Benny. “Now I have a walking partner,” she says. “After the surgery, I was feeling better. So I called my brother and said, ‘It's time. I want another dog!’” Now, Benny and Nancy keep each other active every day.
Nancy’s family was an invaluable support system to her. Following surgery, she consumed a liquid diet for a few weeks. Although her procedure was performed only a few months before the holidays, Nancy’s dedicated family consistently planned healthy meals. As a result? “Now they’re all eating better!” laughs Nancy. “My life is pretty much the same after bariatric surgery and yet I look at everything in a different way now. I have so much more energy,” she explains. Nancy looks forward to continuing to enjoy the benefits of her healthy lifestyle. She’s planning to purchase a bicycle so she can join her brother riding around the nearby scenic reservoir. Being able to stay active with her family— and Benny—has given her a renewed zest for life. She continues to attend a monthly support group, where she has made several friends. “Weight loss surgery has been a life-changing, positive experience for me. I’ve always been happy, but now? Forget it!”
Stephen Naples
Stephen Naples is articulate, engaging and self confident. After years of struggling with his weight, the Jackson resident researched weight loss surgery, talked with family members and selected Dr. Sowemimo from Prime Surgicare to consult with after viewing his bariatric weight loss webinars at www.PrimeSurgicare.com.
"Mr. Naple’s goal was to lose a substantial amount of weight," Dr. Sowemimo (Dr. Seun) explains. "With my guidance, Mr. Naples chose the minimally invasive vertical sleeve gastrectomy as a solution because, as a seaman, he could not attend frequent follow-up visits necessary for the gastric band procedure.
Gastric sleeve surgery, a laparoscopic procedure also known as gastric sleeve resection or vertical sleeve gastrectomy, is a less invasive weight loss procedure that removes up to 80 percent of the stomach leaving only a small tube (called a sleeve) that will serve as the new and smaller stomach. This procedure promotes weight loss by limiting food intake and lessening the sensation of hunger, but does not involve more complex intestinal rerouting or food malabsorption (lack of absorbing nutrients from consumed food).
"Before and after surgery, I met with Karen Scott, RD, Prime Surgicare, about what foods were right for me to eat immediately after surgery and once I was eating regular food again," Stephen, age 52, explains. "I learned that losing weight is not just about eating less-it’s about eating and living a healthy lifestyle every day." Stephen also says the meetings with Karen and Dr. Seun reinforced that he had a solid support team behind him and he could be successful for the long term.
The average amount of weight loss from this type of bariatric procedure is typically 60 percent of excess weight in the first 12 months after surgery. Studies have shown that after this procedure, patients may also show marked improvement in diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and sleep apnea conditions.
Dr. Seun performed Stephen’s surgery at CentraState Medical Center in Freehold, which is accredited as a Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence by The American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery. The procedure took place on Friday morning and he went home Saturday afternoon. Stephen consumed a clear diet for about a week and then moved to creamy liquids and soft foods. He was eating regular food a month after the procedure.
Nine weeks after surgery, Stephen has lost more than 50 pounds. "The most important advice I can offer anyone considering weight loss surgery is not to worry about what other people think or say. Do what is right for you and don’t look back-look forward."
Gizelle D.
On February 3, 2010, I had the pleasure of meeting Dr. Oluseun Sowemimo and his staff. I inquired about gastric banding due to ongoing health conditions related to my weight. From day one to today, I am truly glad to have “Dr. Seun” assist me in getting my health back to a normal range via this bariatric procedure. The doctor explained in detail what would take place. His professionalism, as well as patience, is remarkable.
He offers monthly informational seminars about weight loss surgery and is there to answer any question or concerns. I selected gastric sleeve procedure. Although uncomfortable at first, Dr. Sowemino re-assured me that each day would get better–and he was right. He also kept me on course, as I have a tendency to rush through the process of healing in my eagerness to lose pounds. He keeps me grounded and I am feeling very good these days!
I have not encountered such dedication and personal attention from a staff that is so “committed to excellence”. Dr. Sowemimo and his team have shown great care of the highest quality, both in the OR and out. Karen Scott (registered dietitian) and Jessica (office staff) greeted me with compassion and answered any concerns I had with the utmost professionalism and care. They are outstanding!
I can’t say enough about the quality of care expressed to me by this team. I would also gladly commend and recommend CentraState Healthcare System (Freehold, NJ) for having a team that represents the hospital and themselves in a manner that is Top Notch and consistent with superior hospital care.
