Before & After Gallery

All of my life words like husky, big boned and fat were used to describe me. I remember being in the pediatrician’s office and hearing the words morbidly obese. I was only a kid but I knew it wasn’t good. Being tall helped disguise my actual weight. Even though I was overweight I was always athletic. I was on the track and basketball teams in high school. In high school, I fought to get into a size 42 pair of pants. When I started my career, my weight continued to go up. The unhealthy eating habits at work and my love of snacks made my weight skyrocket. I was now on two blood pressure medications and was diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea and using a CPAP machine.

I knew I was unhealthy and was working on it. I tried every diet in the book – low carb, counting points, diet pills, and starvation. I lost a few pounds and always put back more. I had thought about weight loss surgery for years and always thought it was an easy way out … the lazy way. After ballooning up to 366 pounds I had enough. I couldn’t walk a few blocks without getting winded. I had to do something. My wife and I made an appointment with Dr Yurcisin and Garden State Bariatrics after the recommendation of a family friend that was his patient.

The moment we walked into the office we felt comfortable. Jessica was there with her big smile and our sit down with Michael Caromano and Dr. Yurcisin made us feel even better. Dr Yurcisin explained the different options and we agreed the sleeve would be best. Our next conversation was with Julie. She walked us through all things needed pre op. She had great references for every test needed. It was then I scheduled my first meeting with Anna the nutritionist. At our first appointment Anna truly opened my eyes. That cheeseburger deluxe from the diner? Yea, that’s actually 3 serving sizes of fries and meat. My life was changed. Anna taught me how to eat (slowly) and what to eat (protein). Anna and I worked through 6 months of nutrition education and I was losing weight. I went from 353 to 330. The surgery went perfectly and the new me was born. I had made the changes I needed to make pre op and was ready to go. Michael Caromano and Dr Yurcisin were comforting and calming on the day of the surgery and assured me I would do great.

Since the surgery I am down to 244 in less than 6 months. I am off my blood pressure meds and feeling great. One of my goals was to run a 5k. I did it!! I ran my first 5k and actually finished. The surgery has been life changing. One thing I learned is weight loss surgery is definitely not the easy way out. Follow the plan laid out by the team at Garden State Bariatrics and your life will change. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!