Toms River educator and coach wins the obesity battle after weight-loss surgery

Before George Peters of Toms River underwent gastric sleeve resection, he weighed 425 pounds and needed four insulin shots and 15 pills per day to control a long list of chronic diseases—ranging from sleep apnea to heart disease and type 2 diabetes.

But since his weight loss surgery, his overall health has improved dramatically ─

· Eliminated all insulin injections

· Eliminated all blood pressure medications

· No longer suffers from sleep apnea

· No longer controlled by the emotional roller coaster that comes with diabetes (due to blood sugar changes)

· George lifts weights and walks five days a week

· His improved health and energy allows him more quality time with his daughter before she leaves for college next year.

“Since my knees don’t hurt anymore, I can do seated squats with about 395 pounds of resistance which was my weight less than a year ago. I remember lugging that weight around and it’s no wonder I was in pain every day.” Today, at 285 pounds, George is closing in on achieving his goal weight of 225 – 245 pounds.

Gastric sleeve resection is one of the newest and safest types of bariatric surgery. This surgery is also referred to as sleeve gastrectomy, vertical sleeve gastrectomy, tube gastrectomy or laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy. The procedure is performed by removing approximately 85% of the stomach, resulting in a tube-like appearance resembling a “sleeve.” The reduced stomach (the remaining 15%) is then stapled closed.

The sleeve may be a recommended alternative to gastric banding for those who can’t make the frequent office visits required by other bariatric procedures. Since the surgically reduced stomach is considerably smaller after the procedure, hunger and food cravings subside allowing for reduced food intake without hunger. Another marked benefit of sleeve resection is that it is performed laparoscopically, requiring only very small incisions. Benefits of gastric sleeve resection are significantly shorter hospitalization, less scarring, and reduced post-operative pain.

“I have to say that I have one regret about undergoing the bariatric sleeve surgery with Dr. Adeyeri — that I didn’t do it ten years ago,” Mr. Peters says. Should you wish to pursue any kind of bariatric surgery, first, get the facts. Locate a board certified bariatric surgeon and meet with the doctor or attend an Information Seminar. Ask if the bariatric center or surgeon offers one-on-one pre- and post-surgical nutritional counseling with a nutritionist or licensed dietitian. Finally, make sure they offer regular support group meetings that include other bariatric patients.