Your stomach pain may develop in a variety of ways.

Common Abdominal Symptoms

Following weight loss surgery, the “feeling of fullness” that you might experience after eating too much solid food is different from the “feeling of fullness” experienced by those who have not had a bariatric operation. Your post bariatric “feeling of fullness” could feel more like the discomfort that is occasionally associated with nausea.

Some patients will also develop watering in the mouth or even the eyes. Typically this will decrease and become more controllable as time passes.

Note that these are common abdominal symptoms. As a post-op patient, you’ll learn how to adapt to or accommodate the changes caused by your bariatric operation. However, persistent or excessive symptoms that do not improve should be evaluated by your bariatric surgeon. Such symptoms could indicate a serious problem.

Dangerous Abdominal Symptoms

There are a variety of abdominal symptoms that can occur after bariatric operations that are of great concern. Several of these more troublesome or “red flag” symptoms are mentioned below in association with the different types of bariatric surgery.

Laparoscopic Banding (LAP-BAND Surgery)

Consult your surgeon immediately if you experience the following symptoms after having LAP-Band surgery in NJ:

• Excessive or unrelenting vomiting
• Inability to drink or keep liquids down
• Severe gastro esophageal reflux (GERD)/heartburn

At a minimum, these symptoms suggest that the band should be deflated immediately. If the symptoms don’t resolve quickly after deflation, it’s possible that the band has “slipped.” A slipped band might require urgent surgery, especially if you cannot keep liquids down.

Gastric Sleeve

Consult your surgeon immediately if you experience the following symptoms after having gastric sleeve in NJ:

• Excessive or unrelenting vomiting
• Inability to drink or keep liquids down
• Severe gastro esophageal reflux (GERD)/heartburn
• Severe progressive abdominal pain
• Left shoulder pain

Vomiting and/or the inability to drink suggests blockage or severe narrowing (stricture) of the sleeve. This condition may require emergency hospital admission and endoscopy. Progressive abdominal pain and/or left shoulder pain within the first few weeks after sleeve gastrectomy could be caused by a late leak or perforation. These types of leaks can develop “late” after a gastric sleeve and require emergency admission to the hospital. In some cases, urgent surgery is required.

RY Gastric Bypass

Consult your surgeon immediately if you experience the following symptoms after having gastric bypass surgery in NJ:

• Excessive or unrelenting vomiting
• Inability to drink or keep liquids down
• Severe gastro esophageal reflux (GERD)/heartburn
• Severe progressive abdominal pain
• Left shoulder pain
• Sharp, burning pain below the breast bone
• Nausea, cramps and bloating

Excessive vomiting and the inability to keep liquids down can occur following gastric bypass. These symptoms are typically caused by a stricture (narrowing of the stoma from scar tissue) or ulcer. Again, hospital admission and endoscopy are likely necessary.

A stricture can usually be successfully treated by endoscopic balloon stretching of the stoma. An ulcer will require antiulcer medication in conjunction with endoscopy/dilatation. Most ulcers will respond to this treatment over a few weeks to several months. Patients who have ulcers that don’t respond to drug treatment may require revisional bariatric surgery, which can usually be done electively rather than as an emergency.

In the case of intermittent nausea, vomiting, cramps, and abdominal bloating, frequently these symptoms are followed by loose stool/diarrhea. Such symptoms are typical of an intestinal or bowel blockage. If you have these symptoms for several hours, you should go to the nearest hospital emergency room. Often diarrhea accompanies resolution of these symptoms. More than one episode of abdominal pain, nausea, and bloating followed by diarrhea warrants a prompt appointment with a bariatric surgeon.

Complete blockage/obstruction of the bowel are characterized by nausea, cramps, bloating, and vomiting but NO passage of gas or diarrhea. This may represent a surgical emergency and is potentially life-threatening.

The Bottom Line

The most important take-away message regarding stomach pain after bariatric surgery is that these symptoms should be evaluated by a bariatric surgeon.

It’s common for patients to want to take these symptoms to their primary physician. But usually your primary care doctor has very little knowledge of the side effects of bariatric operations. There have been cases in which serious, even potentially life-threatening symptoms are treated by primary physicians with either over the counter medications or with prescription medications without performing appropriate diagnostic tests.

If you’ve had bariatric surgery, it’s important that you continue to follow up with your bariatric surgeon. Follow up is particularly crucial when new (or more severe) abdominal symptoms develop.

If you’re considering weight loss surgery, we’d love to help you get started.

Click here to Start »

I was a new patient to the practice going for a routine check-up. Of course, as with all other doctors I had visited before, the topic of my weight came up. He mentioned the ideal weight range he wanted to see me in based on my height and build, and that I had to lose 50 pounds.

I stared at him with an astonished look. I told him that he either had the best scale in the world, or there was a mistake, because the numbers weren’t adding up. Unfortunately, it was the later. His nurse had written down the wrong number in my chart. I wasn’t 50 pounds overweight — I was 90 pounds overweight. Now it was his turn to look at me astonished.

He started saying words like “pre-diabetic” and “high blood pressure” and “heart disease.” All I could hear was “90 pounds overweight.” At 27 years old, I was 90 pounds overweight and talking with my doctor about the possibility of heart disease. I had to do something.

My aunt had the lap-band procedure done three years prior, and knowing of my own weight-loss struggles, she asked me if I would be interested in it too. My immediate reaction was “absolutely not.” Even though she had tremendous success, surgery was not for me. I could do it on my own. But sitting in that doctor’s office, three years and 90 pounds later, it was clear I was not doing anything on my own but making excuses.

I had tried weight loss programs before. If there was a shake, I drank it. If there was a point, I counted it. Nothing stuck for me. I would lose weight, and always gain it back… and then some. I needed to do something else. Something that would set me up for long term success and give me the tools I needed to keep the weight off for good. It was then that I made the decision to have my lap-band surgery with Dr. Chau at NJ Bariatrics.

From the moment I made that first call to schedule my consultation, I knew that I had come to the right place. The staff at NJ Bariatrics was so welcoming and comforting. They never made me feel embarrassed or ashamed of my weight. My mother came with me to my first consultation, and Dr. Chau took his time to answer every question we had, and trust me, there were quite a few. He actually ended up staying with us an hour past the office’s closing time just to make sure we were comfortable with all the information he had given us.

NJ Bariatrics also has a life coach on staff to help counsel you on your weight-loss journey, and what won me over about Donna is that she was a bariatric patient herself, and she had reached and maintained her weight loss goals. If she could do it, then I could to!

I had always been scared at the thought of getting surgery, but hearing my doctor say “pre-diabetic,” and “high blood pressure,” and “heart disease,” I knew that I should be more scared of those very realistic things that would happen if I didn’t make a change.

Getting the lap-band surgery was the best decision I have ever made. I still watch what I eat and exercise three times a week, but weight loss surgery has given me the missing tool that I needed for long-term success. Now, four months after my surgery, I’m down 43 pounds, and I have Dr. Chau and the amazing team at NJ Bariatrics to thank for helping me reclaim my life!

I still have a bit of a journey ahead of me, but I know with the ongoing support I receive at NJ Bariatrics, I will reach my goal.

— Jackie M.

You’ve heard Jackie’s success story.  Now it’s time to create your success story!

Click here to Start »

In the past, I’ve lost weight, gained back, lost again, gained again. It’s been an up and down rollercoaster ride since the age of 12. By the time I had the bypass, I exceeded my ideal weight by over 100 pounds. Enough was enough. I was unhappy, obese and embarrassed, especially for my children. It was time to get serious and do something that I was told would change my life. That’s when I met Dr. Chau.

Dr. Chau came highly recommended so I felt certain about his credentials. We discussed all options, as well as the pros and cons of each type of surgery. All my questions were answered in clear, concise detail. It was his practice to spend as much time as necessary to make his patient feel comfortable and reassured about the procedure. There were no doubts in my mind as far as choosing NJ Bariatrics as my weight loss surgery provider and Dr. Chau as my surgeon.

The truth is that I’ve lost around 90 pounds and I physically feel better than I have since before high school. My weight will always be an issue for me, and I need to make sure that I stay motivated to exercise and eat right. There are times that are more difficult, and times that are not. Everyone has their ups and downs. NJ Bariatrics offers an excellent support system.

I believe gastric bypass surgery is the most effective means of losing weight and keeping it off. With a smaller stomach, you continue to be mindful of how much food to consume at a particular meal. The bypass also forces your stomach to feel full faster, helping you know when to stop eating. If you decide to continue to eat anyway, the discomfort is extremely intense, and not worth the ‘enjoyment’ you believe your getting from the food. I’ve found the best method is to eat frequent small amounts of food at a time.

I never want to go back to being that “fat” person again, but I do want to enjoy my life and not feel deprived. Therefore, every once in a while, I will enjoy the “forbidden” and keep it to a minimum, realizing that it’s OK to do once in a while.

Most importantly is my health. I was probably headed towards type II diabetes, since diabetes runs in my family. I also have narrowing issues of the artery in my left leg. Since I’ve reduced my weight, it’s been feeling much better. Walking up and down the stairs, as well as walking around in general has been more manageable and helps me to keep up with my highly energetic son.

— Lori Chevrette

You’ve heard Lori’s success story.  Now it’s time to create your success story!

Click here to Start »

“I was a chubby kid,” Silver says. “I went to my first weight loss meeting when I was just 10 years old. I’ve lost 100 pounds three times, but each time the pounds would creep back. I’ve tried everything imaginable—diet pills, gadgets, you name it—but I’ve never been able to maintain the weight loss, until now.”

Two years ago, Silver consulted Princeton NJ Bariatrics’s Dr. Wai-Yip Chau, a board certified surgeon who has performed more than 750 bariatric operations, including LAP-BAND® procedures, open and laparoscopic Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass, sleeve gastrectomy and revision operations. Dr. Chau recommend LAP-BAND® for Silver.

An FDA-approved system, LAP-BAND® is implanted by a surgeon around the upper part of the stomach much like a belt. The system helps restrict food intake so that individuals who are severely overweight and have not been able to lose weight and keep it off can finally achieve safe, successful weight loss.

“Debra came to see me as a young, determined individual,” says Dr. Chau. “The LAP-BAND® assists only with hunger and portion size, so the individual needs determination to achieve the best results they can following the procedure.”

“I weighed 289 pounds and was tired of not feeling like myself,” Silver explains. “It affected everything about my life.”

Silver underwent the minimally invasive laparoscopic banding procedure. Today, Silver weighs 160 pounds and is still losing. She has lost 129 pounds since October 2008.

LAP-BAND® Offers a Low-Risk Tool for Weight Loss

The LAP-BAND® is a very safe form of weight loss surgery, Dr. Chau says.

“The band fits at the top of the stomach and restricts food intake,” he explains. “It’s also adjustable, so people can be provided more or less help as they need it. The goal is lifestyle change, but lifestyle change with help.”

Silver agrees: “The band was a good tool because it forced me to eat smaller portions and to eat slower. It conditioned me to change my habits.”

Support, Diet and Exercise Are Crucial Parts of Weight Loss

The average LAP-BAND® patient loses 50 percent of his or her total excess weight, which Dr. Chau describes as the weight over an individual’s ideal weight. Dr. Chau has seen the most success from patients who are determined to make long-term lifestyle changes and those who take advantage of the support offered through his office, including monthly support group meetings.

“I think support is critical to have real success,” Silver says. “It helps to talk to at least one other person who shares similar experiences and struggles.”

Silver also credits her success to Dr. Chau and his team for offering consistent support.

“Dr. Chau is wonderful. He’s got an excellent bedside manner, and he’s always willing to talk to me if I call,” she says. “His nutritionist also helped me a lot in the beginning, as I literally had to relearn how to eat.”

Exercise has played a key part in Silver’s weight loss as well. “I have always exercised,” she explains. “Now, of course, I can ride my bike farther and swim more laps. At this size, I actually enjoy exercising every day.”

Weight Loss Gives Patient New Life

Before the weight loss, Silver was a single mom who had put her education on hold. Her outgoing personality was stifled by her weight, and she was always exhausted.

“Now, I’m my true self,” she says. “I feel so much better. If you have a positive attitude about yourself, others will have a positive attitude about you too.”

Not only has Silver lost weight, she’s earned her bachelor’s degree, enrolled for graduate classes, advanced her career and fallen in love.

“Before LAP-BAND®, it was hard to get out and do things,” she says. “Now, I’m going out there and just living!”

— HealthFocus Cover Story · Nov/Dec 2010
Republished with permission from Princeton HealthCare System.

You’ve heard Debra’s success story.  Now it’s time to create your success story!

Click here to Start »

I spoke with Donna and scheduled my appointment. She was also extremely helpful. My insurance provider required that I do three months of nutritional visits. Every time I went to the NJ Bariatrics office, the staff was so supportive and helpful.

I was nervous and indecisive about what procedure I wanted and whether I should have surgery at all. My age was always a concern. Anytime I had a question, Dr. Brolin always made the time to answer my questions.

In the end, I had my surgery in December 2009. I was so nervous that morning, but Dr. Brolin was there for me and made me feel comfortable. My hospital stay was so pleasant. All of the nurses were wonderful.

I live so close to the NJB office. I easily got into the habit of going to the office weekly for my weigh in. Miriam continues to greet me with a smile and is very encouraging. She’s a great cheerleader!

I really find the support group so helpful and informative. I can call Donna anytime with questions. She is both motivating and knowledgeable. Lauren, the dietician, has helped me a lot too — especially after surgery.

I’m so glad I found Dr. Brolin and his staff. The continued support they offer is just what I need to maintain my success.

— Pat Cassaro

You’ve heard Pat’s success story.  Now it’s time to create your success story!

Click here to Start »

My name is Antoinette Cocozza. I’m 38 years old, a single mother of an 18 year old son and a grandmother of a 22 month old grandson. On November 13th, 2010, I underwent the gastric sleeve procedure, performed by Dr. Brolin and his team.

I have struggled with my weight almost all my life. When I was in 1st grade, I already weighed 110 lbs. The years went by and although I enjoyed school, it was difficult to listen to the other kids remark as I became heavier and heavier. I only had a handful of good friends that didn’t judge me by my size.

In 1986, I was in 8th grade and weighed about 260 lbs. That same year, my father passed away, which caused me to become more distressed and I started to rebel against my mother. I started high school, but never really fit in due to my size and shyness. So, by 11th grade, I ended up quitting, which I have always regretted.

When I was 18, I became pregnant and had my son at 19 and raised him by myself, with a lot of help from family members and close friends.

I was employed as a deli manager for a small grocery store from 1995 until 2005, when I had to leave to have my gallbladder removed. While I was on medical leave, I wound up gaining 40 more lbs and losing a lot of muscle usage. When I returned to work, I couldn’t even stand for 10 minutes without being in pain from the weight which, unfortunately, ended my days of working. Very discouraged at this point, I turned to food for comfort and continued to gain weight, topping the scale at 609 lbs in 2009.

In February came the birth of my grandson, which changed everything for me. The moment of his birth was when I decided I needed to change my life so I would be around for him for a long time.

In July of 2009, I met with Dr. Brolin for the first time, weighing just under 600 lbs. He told me I was a candidate for surgery, but I would need to lose at least 75 lbs. before he would perform the surgery, because of the risk. I agreed and told him I would do it.

In the months that followed, Donna, NJ Bariatrics’ bariatric life coach, was extremely helpful with reviewing menu plans, coaching me through struggles and praising me when she knew I deserved it. I couldn’t have gotten through this without her and the support from my family. It was difficult changing my eating habits, but it was also a big challenge and a lifelong dream for me, so I set my mind to do the best I possibly could.

By September, 2010, I had lost 112 lbs and Dr. Brolin said I lived up to my end of the bargain and he would live up to his. He explained the bypass was not a very good option for me because I have severe anemia and suggested we do the gastric sleeve. By the surgery date, November 22nd, I was down to 499 lbs. Since my surgery only a few short months ago. I have lost an additional 75 lbs and counting! I feel like I am breathing better, more active (walking everyday!) and definitely eating less. I feel like a new person already and I’m just starting my weight loss journey.

This is a lifetime commitment to which I have promised myself to stay strong and keep. With the help of NJ Bariatrics and support from my family and support groups, I’m determined to give it my all.

— Antoinette Cocozza

Check back for updates to Antoinette’s remarkable story in the month’s to come.

You’ve heard Antoinette’s success story.  Now it’s time to create your success story!

Click here to Start »

After years of yo-yo dieting and the combination of age and obesity beginning to show their signs, I knew something had to be done. I decided to look into gastric byass surgery. Ten years ago, there was a 6 month wait just to see Dr. B. and another 6 months until surgery would be performed. Little did I know that this was the start of a family journey. It was only a few weeks following the surgery that my wife, amazed with the results she saw, asked Dr. B about the surgery for herself. Seven months later, Dr. B worked his magic on her, and then both our daughters decided they wanted to leave obesity in their past too.

It was a new lease on life for all of us. For years, we watched our children being made fun of for being overweight. When walking down the street or into a room, all eyes are on you as you go about your everyday business. Now we are normal people. We no longer stand out among the crowd for our weight.

Some of my highlights of this journey have been:

• Being mistaken for someone I know that is tall and thin.
• Walking through a restaurant and no heads turning my way because I no longer stood out for being obese.
• Almost nine years after surgery, meeting someone I haven’t seen in over 30 years and the double take they had when I told them who I was.
• Being diagnosed with a little arthritis in my hip and the doctor saying I would have needed hip replacement a long time ago if I was still carrying all that excess weight.

Life is good, and so much better when you’re healthy enough to enjoy all the things you want to do. Without Dr. B, who knows if we would’ve even been around to enjoy our childrens’ weddings or the recent blessing of our first grandchild.

— Mark Zalaman

You’ve heard Mark’s success story.  Now it’s time to create your success story!

Click here to Start »

This flurry of negative publicity for weight loss surgery followed a deluge of positive publicity in newspapers, magazines, blogs and television programs, touting the weight loss that can be achieved after gastric bypass surgery. Indeed, a number of well known celebrities, including Al Roker, Carnie Wilson, and Star Jones have received a lot of public attention following their successful weight loss.

The Mortality Risk of Severe Obesity

One important issue that has escaped the attention of the media is the underlying mortality risk associated with severe obesity. Until recently, the magnitude of this risk has been largely unknown.

In 1980, the late Dr. Ernst Drenick published an article in a major medical journal entitled “Excessive Mortality and Causes of Death in Morbidly Obese Men.” This study examined the mortality rate and causes of death in a group of morbidly obese veterans studied through the VA hospital system over a seven year period. Drenick found that the death rate in young (25-34) and middle age (35-44) obese men was 6-12 times higher than that of normal weight men of the same age.

Since 1980, very little information associated with mortality rate and morbid obesity (100 pounds over ideal body weight) has appeared in the medical literature. Although the mortality rate of a variety of surgical procedures performed for treatment of morbid obesity has been published numerous times during the past 40 years, there have been no studies since Drenick’s comparing this surgical mortality with a matched (similar age and gender) group of patients who did not have surgical treatment.

Recent Studies of Bariatric Surgery Mortality

In 1997, MacDonald and colleagues from East Carolina University evaluated 232 morbidly obese diabetic patients who volunteered as candidates for surgical treatment. 154 of these patients actually had gastric bypass surgery; the remaining 78 did not have surgery for a variety of reasons. These authors found that the annual mortality rate in the non-surgical group was nearly 5 times higher than that of the surgical group during the 6-9 year follow up interval. In fact, 28% of the non-surgical group died during this time versus only 9% of the surgically treated patients.

Recently several sophisticated formulas were used to simulate life expectancy in severely obese patients who had gastric bypass surgery versus those who did not. These researchers found that gastric bypass surgery added two or more years of life expectancy in all age groups. The greatest gains were predicted for younger male and extremely obese patients.

The Washington State Study

During the past several months, two large studies have reported lower mortality rates for surgically treated patients in comparison with obese patients matched for age and gender that did not have weight loss surgery. Two authors from Washington state found that the mortality rate over a 15 year period was 1/3 lower in patients who had surgical treatment via a number of different procedures versus those who did not.

A more dramatic difference between surgical and non-surgical patients was found by a group in Canada who reported a mortality rate of less than 1% in the surgical group versus more than 6% in the non-surgical group representing a reduction in mortality risk by nearly 90% during the 5 year study. The remarkable feature of the two most recent studies is that the non-surgical group was known only to be “obese” rather than morbidly obese. This suggests that many of the patients in the non-surgical group were probably not heavy enough to qualify for surgical treatment, making the difference in mortality rate all the more striking.

The Washington state study also reported that surgical mortality rate was correlated with surgical experience. Indeed, the surgical mortality rate among inexperienced surgeons (less than 20 operations performed) was nearly five times higher than that of more experienced surgeons. Another study in Pennsylvania reported similar results with an almost five times higher major complication rate in patients whose surgeons had performed less than 50 anti-obesity operations.

Conclusions

Today, we have solid data supporting the position that the mortality risk of untreated morbid obesity is extremely high — much higher than the mortality risk associated with bariatric surgery. Medicare is now taking a serious look at the results of surgical treatment for severe obesity in light of the huge cost associated with treating the so-called comorbid illnesses, e.g., diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, degenerative arthritis, high cholesterol, etc.

Since obesity has nearly overtaken smoking as the number one cause of “preventable” death in the US, Medicare and other health care providers are looking for ways to effectively treat obesity and its related illnesses. At this point in time, surgery offers the only realistic hope of sustained, long term weight loss for the severely obese.

If you’re considering weight loss surgery, we’d love to help you get started.

Click here to Start »

1. Drenick EJ, Bale GS, Seltzer F, Johnson DG.; Excessive mortality and causes of death in morbidly obese men. JAMA, 1980; 243: 443-445.
2. MacDonald KG, Long SD, Swanson MS et al.; The gastric bypass operation reduces the progression and mortality of non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus. J Gastrointest Surg, 1997; 1:213-220.
3. Flum DR, Dellinger EP.; Impact of gastric bypass operation on survival: a population based analysis. J Am Coll Surg, 2004; 199: 543-551.
4. Christou NV, Sampalis JS, Lieberman M et al.; Surgery decreases mortality, morbidity and health care use in morbidly obese patients. Ann Surg 2004; 240:416-424.
]]> http://www.njbariatricspc.com/weight-loss-surgery-articles/the-risk-of-not-having-weight-loss-surgery/feed/ 0 http://www.njbariatricspc.com/success-stories/denas-story/ http://www.njbariatricspc.com/success-stories/denas-story/#comments Sat, 22 Jan 2011 16:28:33 +0000 Administrator http://blue.njbariatricspc.com/?p=240 Continue »]]> When I was 39 years young, I was in desperate need of new knees. I had arthritis in both of them and the 350 pounds of body weight I carried just wore them down, bone on bone. My orthopedist refused to replace them until I lost a substantial amount of weight. He suggested that I see Dr. Brolin and have Gastric Bypass Surgery. It would offer me the quickest way to lose the weight and then I could get my new knees.

At that time, I had to wait quite a while for my consultation so I took the opportunity to join a weight loss program. I could have used all that time waiting by eating myself into oblivion, but I chose to do the opposite. I also joined NJ Bariatrics’ support group. I met some incredible people, some of whom have become lifelong friends. I also made a promise to myself to give back when the time was right. I managed to lose 30 pounds before my consult and miraculously maintained that weight until my big day.

My surgery took place July 5th of 2001, my new Independence Day! That’s the day that I crossed over to the “lighter side” and my new life had begun. I had lost enough weight by December that same year and I finally received my new knees.

Life was beautiful!

I never felt better and I could walk all day long. I could go into regular women’s stores and purchase regular size clothing. Plus-size was a thing of the past! I was able to sit comfortably in an airline seat without needing a seatbelt extender. I could sit at a booth in a restaurant and I was finally able to enjoy lots of extra room. My sleep apnea was gone and I had an endless amount of energy.

All and all, I lost a total of 150 pounds.

The time had come for me to give back. I volunteered to help run the NJ Bariatrics support group meetings. I was asked to “angel” many patients and it was always my pleasure. An angel is someone who spends the day with the patient and their family at the hospital the day of their surgery. They also report the progress of the “newbie” post-op to the support group members and continue to follow-up during their recuperation once home. I myself had the honor of having a wonderful angel.

In time, a friend and post-op patient by the name of Deb D’Angelo stepped up to help me run the support group. She also worked tirelessly to put together a newsletter for our support group each and every month. Eventually we passed the group along to other volunteers who also wanted to give something back.

On a sad note, Deb passed away in May of 2010. As Dr. Brolin said when he consoled me, “She had 10 more years of life than she would have had without her surgery.” When she came to him, she had numerous medical problems and she was extremely morbidly obese. She had already lost one leg to diabetes before the surgery. While the severity of her diabetes continued to be a problem, she managed to lose an unbelievable amount of weight.

After Deb’s surgery, she was never happier. She had been wheelchair-bound when I met her and one of her biggest joys was the day she was able to walk again. Despite all of her health issues, she was probably the most upbeat person I was blessed to have ever known. She is missed by so many whose lives she’s touched.

Deb inspired me to end my posts and emails with the following:
“When you live with a heart of compassion you have the heart of an angel. When you fill your life with deeds of compassion you do the work of an angel.”

Dr. Brolin has been one such angel to endless amounts of people over the course of his career, including myself.

— Dena Zucker

You’ve heard Dena’s success story.  Now it’s time to create your success story!

Click here to Start »

]]> http://www.njbariatricspc.com/success-stories/denas-story/feed/ 0 http://www.njbariatricspc.com/success-stories/brendas-story/ http://www.njbariatricspc.com/success-stories/brendas-story/#comments Sat, 22 Jan 2011 16:27:33 +0000 Administrator http://blue.njbariatricspc.com/?p=238 Continue »]]> My name is Brenda Liz Mendez.

At the age of 34, people would tell me that I was a very beautiful person. But my outer appearance did not match my inner beauty. So in September 2008, I made up my mind to have gastric bypass surgery.

For my whole life, I have been overweight. Really, I thought I was fine. And I DOOO MEAN FINE! Until I started having complications. Everyone knows when you’re overweight you’re prone to having diabetes, sleep apnea, high blood pressure, joint problems, stress and depression. I HAD IT ALL!

I started losing time from my job with health problems. That’s when I had to do something. My parents depend on me. They don’t speak English and they don’t drive. They are up there in age, so they rely on me to help with doctor’s appointments and grocery shopping, etc.

So in September of 2008, a coworker asked me how I felt about gastric bypass to lose weight. I joked about it with her and she said, “Seriously, why you don’t look into it?” With her encouragement, I started my journey of finding out exactly what this would do for me.

Since my job is in Central Jersey, she suggested that I go to a place in Plainsboro. So my journey took me to NJ Bariatrics.

I actually missed my first visit mostly because I was so scared. So I made a second appointment and this time I went.

When I got there, the waiting area was very calming it made me feel at ease. The receptionist was also very helpful. Now don’t get me wrong — I still had butterflies about the doctor. My starting weight on my first visit was 296 lbs and climbing. I had no idea I weighed that much. They set my surgery date for March 23, 2009. It was on now.

I was scared to death.

What if I don’t wake up? All the WHAT IFs started raising my blood pressure. Butterflies were now buzzards — big black ones. I was going crazy. But I got through it and today I can truly say I feel good and I look GREAT!

Since that day I’ve lost 146 lbs! I would like to think of the weight I lost as my evil TWIN SISTER. I would like everyone to know that my life has changed tremendously. From the way I look at myself to the way I approach life’s different venues.

To all the people that are contemplating weight loss surgery, life is good and I wish I’d done it sooner. Please understand, it was an adjustment, but well worth it in every way. I’m loving every minute of my life.

— Brenda Mendez

You’ve heard Brenda’s success story.  Now it’s time to create your success story!

Click here to Start »

]]> http://www.njbariatricspc.com/success-stories/brendas-story/feed/ 0