My name is Dawn Chokov and I am 40 years old. I had the Duodenal Switch on August 25, 2014 and have since lost 164 lbs and I am not done losing yet! Having weight loss surgery was the best decision of my life. Before surgery, I was always tired and it was hard to move and forget about exercising. Today, I feel awesome and my energy level is through the roof so I can go all day long. I also love working out with my personal trainer, which is something I never had the energy or strength to do before (I actually like doing planks!).
The most rewarding part of this journey has been the fact that my 16 year old daughter has lost 50 lbs over this last year as well. She eats healthy with me and she also works out with my personal trainer. She is so motivated that she works out at home too – I am so proud of her and proud of the influence I have had on her!
As far as the way I look, the reaction I get from people who haven’t seen me in a long time is crazy when they finally realize it is me. I have to admit, although I do it less often now, I have been known to pass a mirror and then back up to look at myself because I just can’t believe the transformation.
I can’t thank Dr. Bilof enough for giving me back my life. What I remember most was that when I was apprehensive about doing the Duodenal Switch, which Dr. Bilof recommended because it would yield the most weight loss for me, I asked him to convince me why I should choose that surgery. Surprisingly enough, he responded that he wasn’t going to try to convince me because it was ultimately my choice. But he gave me one bit of advice that immediately changed my mind; he said you have to be happy with the results. So I decided right then and there that I wanted to go all the way that I could and didn’t want to look back and wonder “what if”, so I chose the recommended surgery and I haven’t looked back!
The staff at Garden State Bariatrics is phenomenal. They are helpful, friendly, knowledgeable and caring. I especially look forward to our monthly support group meeting where I have met a lot of great people and have learned so much from them and the staff running it. I truly consider the staff and my fellow patients friends.
This surgery was a life changer for me and I just know that I would not have been as happy as I am today without it. I love this new lifelong journey that I am on and can’t wait to see where it takes me!
Dawn
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