CentraState - Healthy Directions

Double Down Seun Sowemimo, MD, board-certified bariatric surgeon SISTERS-IN-LAW TEAM UP TO LOSE ALMOST 300 POUNDS AFTER GASTRIC SLEEVE WEIGHT-LOSS SURGERY T hey say that one of the key components to success is inspiration, which is exactly what Julie Sims found in her sister-in-law, Alana Sims, after Alana melted off the pounds following successful gastric sleeve weight-loss surgery. Alana had been overweight her whole life and felt it held her back from many experiences and opportunities. She was also experiencing some serious health problems, particularly a condition called pseudo tumor cerebri, which is prevalent in young, overweight females. "I experienced debilitating headaches and pressure in my head, and it caused me to lose some peripheral vision," explains Alana, a 34-year-old insurance claims adjuster and mother of three from East Windsor. GOING THROUGH WITH IT A little over four years ago, Alana, realizing that losing weight on her own wasn't working, decided to make a lifestyle change by discussing bariatric surgery with Seun Sowemimo, MD, a board-certified bariatric surgeon with Prime Surgicare and Central Jersey Bariatrics and on staff at CentraState. Together, they determined that a gastric sleeve was her best option due to its lower risk and less-frequent office visits compared to other bariatric surgeries. She had the operation and experienced tremendous success in her weight loss (eventually shedding 150 pounds), which inspired Julie, who had also been overweight for several years and feared a deterioration of her health, to look into bariatric surgery for herself. "I had considered weight-loss surgery for years but I was always determined to lose the weight on my own," Julie says. "I finally realized that doing it 'my way' wasn't working. Drawing inspiration from Alana's incredible success, and with her support and encouragement, I attended Dr. Seun's New Patient Seminar at CentraState." Julie, a 36-year-old elementary school teacher from Hightstown, says she decided immediately after the seminar that she was going to schedule gastric sleeve surgery with Dr. Sowemimo. She had her surgery in June 2014, and has now lost 130 pounds and turned her health around. "I'm happier, healthier and in the best shape of my life," she says. "My self- esteem has improved and I've become more active and social. I no longer feel self-conscious, ashamed, or embarrassed about my appearance. I am no longer controlled by food." NO EASY WAY OUT Alana and Julie point out that a gastric sleeve is not the "easy way out," but a tool that is a catalyst for lifestyle change. "I still need to make the right choices regarding diet and exercise, which was something that had been almost impossible for me to do prior to surgery—in spite of my best efforts," Julie says. "Gastric sleeve allowed me to change my life for the better, and I have never been happier, healthier, or more confident." Alana adds, "I now feel a part of society, which I never felt prior to the surgery." Alana and Julie say they're grateful to Dr. Sowemimo and his team for the incredible care they received before, during, and after their procedures. "From my first visit to Dr. Seun's office, he and his staff made me feel like a human being," Alana recalls. "I didn't feel I was being judged for letting my body and health get out of control." Dr. Sowemimo believes that going through this experience together helped both Alana and Julie. "Having a support system, or knowing someone close who has been through weight-loss surgery successfully, definitely helps to overcome the pre-op fear of surgery, one of the biggest obstacles for qualified bariatric patients," he says. Julie agrees, and adds that her bond with Alana through this process was crucial for her. "Alana never doubted for a moment that I could do this, and her absolute trust in Dr. Seun's professionalism and expertise is what finally made me take that first step," she says. "Now that I'm on the other side of it, I can't recommend Dr. Seun and his staff enough." Gastric sleeve surgery at CentraState and each other's support helped Julie and Alana Sims lose almost 300 pounds collectively. For more information on CentraState's bariatric services, visit www.centrastate.com/bariatric or call 866-CENTRA7 (866-236-8727). HD www.centrastate.com Summer 2016 9

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