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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. <\/span><\/p>\n 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.<\/span><\/p>\n 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. <\/span><\/p>\n 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\u2019m writing this on February 13, 2022 I am down to 166 and my journey continues.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":27,"featured_media":29077,"template":"","story-tag":[46],"patientsuccess_stories":[39,38],"yoast_head":"\n