GASTRIC SLEEVE SURGERY

I had been overweight since my early 30's. Trying to lose weight was like a rollercoaster. For years I would go on diets like Atkins, lose the weight and then gain it back plus more. I tried Weight Watchers but did not like counting points, then I moved to counting macros but once again, I did not do well.  I've used MyFitnessPal for years logging in everything I eat. The numbers on the scale would go up and down which was depressing because I was always athletic and worked out alot. Along with weight issues, my family has a history of high blood pressure, diabetes and heart attacks. I knew that I did not want to become a statistic. I needed help and a second chance at life. 

Gastric sleeve surgery gave me that second chance - a do over. Coping with asthma and being overweight definitely affected my breathing. I was tired often. Because of weight loss surgery and the cues I've learned from my nutritionist Clarissa, my energy level is so much higher. I continue to workout at the gym lifting weights, taking spin classes, and  kickboxing classes. I  cycle, participate in mud runs and 5k races. This past November, I participated in the Hashathon which is a 6 mile trail run. I was able to shave my time by 25 minutes - completing it in 1 hr and 27 minutes! I am so much happier and I want to continue to lead by example.

The staff at New Jersey Bariatric Center were very professional, warm and caring. Dr. Buwen took his time and explained the process to me and answered any questions that I had. If it wasn't for gastric sleeve surgery, I would not have known that I had a hiatal hernia which he corrected when I was having the surgery. The staff kept me informed of the steps needed and when I had any questions, especially related, they took the time to answer. 

Clarissa was awesome. She explained how to eat and what I needed to do to prepare myself before and after surgery. Now I know what my plate should look like. I am more confident in myself. My asthma has improved drastically. I played on a softball team over the summer and enjoyed making new friends. Since my weight loss surgery, I love that I can now walk with my head held high. On April 7, 2021 I weighed in at 254 and as I’m writing this on February 13, 2022 I am down to 166 and my journey continues.