CentraState - Healthy Directions

A new life after weight-loss Surgery As a nurse at CentraState Medical Center, Karen Fabiny, 51, from New Egypt, understood the health risks of being overweight. After years of trying multiple diets with no success, Karen knew it was time to take a different approach. "Initially, the idea of gastric bypass didn't appeal to me. When I turned 50, though, I knew it was time to try something else before my health problems increased," Karen says. "When the gastric sleeve procedure became available at CentraState, it sounded like the right choice for me." Seun A. Sowemimo, MD, board-certified bariatric surgeon When a patient undergoes a gastric sleeve procedure, 85 percent of the stomach is removed to make the patient's stomach resemble the shape of a sleeve or a banana. "This minimally invasive approach has many benefits," says Seun A. Sowemimo, MD, FACS, board- certified bariatric (weight-loss) surgeon and general surgeon with Central Jersey Bariatrics and Prime Surgicare and on the medical staff at CentraState. "Unlike other weight-loss procedures, there is a decreased risk of long-term complications." tAKinG the FiRSt SteP Karen enrolled in the bariatrics program in April 2010, attending nutritional and exercise classes where she learned about appropriate portion sizes. "The classes were really helpful—they taught me to control my portions and incorporate healthful foods into my diet," Karen says. "I lost 10 pounds before undergoing surgery in June." Karen successfully underwent the procedure and says she felt totally comfortable in Dr. Sowemimo's care. "As a physician, he's caring and maintains a lighthearted approach when talking to you, so you feel more at ease," Karen says. liFe now Since undergoing surgery, Karen reached her goal of losing 130 pounds and maintains her weight by walking 2 miles a day. The gastric sleeve procedure reduced her appetite and cravings, so she has no difficulty watching what she eats. "Before surgery, I couldn't walk up stairs because my hip joints hurt from the extra weight I was carrying around. Now that's no problem, and I take the stairs at work," Karen says. "My husband and I can take the motorcycle out, an activity that I was unable to do before because of my weight." To learn more about weight-loss surgery at CentraState, visit www.centrastate.com/weightloss or call (866) CENTRA7 (866-236-8727). HD Following a gastric sleeve procedure at CentraState, Karen Fabiny lost 130 pounds, leaving her feeling far more active and healthy. 6 March/April 2012 Healthy Directions

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