Weight Loss - Before & After

Allison C – lost 58 pounds after weight loss surgery*

Note: Individual results may vary.

Describe your life before you had Weight Loss Surgery.

I had been a thin, athletic, fit teen, and after two torn ACL's, two c-sections, and genetics, put on 100 pounds. Being obese affects every little thing in your life. I was diabetic, had high blood pressure, the beginning of fatty liver, and had 2 bouts with cancer. Every time I flew on a plane, every time I was seated at a booth in a restaurant, every time I thought about going on a ride in an amusement park, I worried about my size. I wanted to walk with my husband when on vacation, but I never could because my back, my feet, my knees hurt. I was so ashamed of how I looked and had no self-esteem.

How long were you considering Weight Loss Surgery before you came in?

I had tried many diets but could never sustain them. I put off even considering surgery for the past 15 years because I was afraid of surgery, I was embarrassed to admit I was overweight enough to even need the surgery, and I had given up hope of ever succeeding with weight loss.

What was it like to work with our team?

The team was great! It was daunting, at times, to ensure that I met all the deadlines imposed by the insurance company and attended the numerous doctor appointments necessary. But the team was always there and laid out the information in a format that was easy to understand. The nutritionists were especially helpful, and the support group before surgery was amazing since we all were in it together.

Describe your life now, after Weight Loss Surgery.

I cannot adequately describe how wonderfully it has changed my life. I have lost 58 pounds since my surgery 6 months ago, and 68 since I started the process. I AM HEALTHY first and foremost! I am no longer considered obese (a nasty word) and am no longer diabetic nor have high blood pressure. But what it has done for my self-esteem is immeasurable. I love buying clothes and getting dressed every morning again. My husband says my demeanor has totally changed and I am happy again. We went on our first hike together in years, and I felt like a kid again (I am 61, going on 35). I find that people smile and say hello to me in stores, because I exude happiness and confidence.

Deborah P – is almost at her goal weight six months after weight loss surgery*

Note: Individual results may vary.

Describe your life before you had Weight Loss Surgery.

I have been on diets since I am three years old. I have had multiple health issues. I have Hashimoto’s, PCOS , insulin resistance , connective tissue disease, lymphedema and two pituitary adenomas. As I approached turning 49, I was completely frustrated. I had done anything and everything to lose weight from diets , potions , holistic approaches. I was constantly telling my doctors this makes no sense that I don’t lose weight. I stopped wanting to go out with friends and family. I avoided situations worrying my weight would be a factor anywhere from amusement park rides to the beach to flying. While I was hurting emotionally from how I felt and looked my body was suffering. I was in pain all the time. Minor things like walking around Disney or walking to the beach began to be difficult for me. I decided I had to do something out of my comfort zone to get this weight off.

How long were you considering Weight Loss Surgery before you came in?

I put it off for almost FIVE years. I feared surgery. What would life be like ? Food is part of every event in life. What if it didn’t work just like all the other attempts ?
A relative had the surgery. I had many friends who did. I finally just said this had to be the year that you focus on your SELF, and I said let me go for the consult and see what happens. It’s history from there.

What was it like to work with our team?

Everyone was great. There was no judgment. The fact that everyone heard and believed that I really have tried it all without success. The fact that they listened to all the health issues I had which contributed to my weight. For so many years doctors were like just lose weight here’s a diet. Time and again I did what they said with zero success in the long run. Everyone in the office is welcoming , you don’t feel judged , they explain the process and go over what you need to do. The nutritionists are amazing.

Describe your life now, after Weight Loss Surgery.

I am six months out from surgery. I am almost at my goal weight. The feeling of freedom. I flew for the first time in years and didn’t have to worry if the seatbelt fit. I went on rides again not worrying can I fit. Being able to walk around anywhere without worrying can I. Being able to wear the clothes that match who I am as a person. All my labs look amazing. My lymphedema is under better control. I realize my health issues are not cured by weight loss. But they were exacerbated by being overweight. I feel like I am ME again. I have my life back. I enjoy going out again with my husband , kids , family and friends. My whole mindset has changed.

Jessica V – can go shopping and everything fits after weight loss surgery*

Note: Individual results may vary.

Describe your life before you had Weight Loss Surgery.

Before weight loss surgery I couldn't do activities with my family. I would be out of breath walking in my yard. I suffered from joint pain that made everyday tasks difficult

How long were you considering Weight Loss Surgery before you came in?

I contemplated weight loss surgery for a few years. I felt surgery was way too extreme and drastic and I could do it on my own. I finally got tired of the weight controlling my life and stopping me from doing things I wanted to do

What was it like to work with our team?

From the very first consult with Advanced Surgeons and Dr. Cerabona I knew I had come to the right place. They were knowledgeable and professional setting my mind at ease. As an RN that is no small feat.

Describe your life now, after Weight Loss Surgery.

I love so many things now. I can go shopping and everything fits. I can do all the activities with my family that I had always wanted to do without the pain.

Down 125 lbs 9 months after sleeve thanks to Dr. Maffei and his team! *

Note: Individual results may vary.

Down 125lbs 9 months after gastric sleeve thanks to Dr. Maffei and his team!! Sleeve in conjunction with hormone optimization, personalized/evidence-based exercise + nutrition program + patient who is determined = results!

Down 80 pounds after sleeve thanks to Dr. Maffei and his team! *

Note: Individual results may vary.

Down 80 pounds after gastric sleeve thanks to Dr. Maffei and his team!!

Tom – 5 year post sleeve gastrectomy update! *

Jack – Gastric Sleeve

Note: Individual results may vary.

Down 227lbs 1 yr after gastric sleeve thanks to Dr. Maffei and his team!!
Jack

Angela Maraglino – *Gastric Sleeve

Note: Individual results may vary.

Another success story for Advanced Surgeons! You can be a success story too! Call 914-347-4401 today to find out how to get started on your life-changing weight loss journey!

I am so grateful for Dr. Maffei, his hard working team and especially my nutritionist Janet Borra for helping me get my life back! I’m 9 months out from the gastric sleeve and lost a total of 120lbs from the start of my journey. I’ve struggled my whole life with my weight. I finally found the opportunity to change my life into a healthy living style and enjoy running after my 3 boys. This tool has helped save my life in so many ways!

Thalia- Down 160 lbs after Gastric Sleeve thanks to Dr. Maffei and his team! *

Note: Individual results may vary.

Stacey Grace Biggio – Sleeve Gastrectomy*

Note: Individual results may vary.

Another success story for Advanced Surgeons! You can be a success story too! Call 914-347-4401 today to find out how to get started on your life-changing weight loss journey!

The Road to Inner Peace

Grace Biggio has long been at peace with herself. In fact, she has never been ashamed of being overweight. “I used to say that I was a healthy fat girl,” she says, “I’d go to the beach, swim and dance.”

But two years ago, she wanted to do an event that entailed a lot of walking. She had to buy a rolling walker, and was told by a doctor she’d have to lose weight to undergo a knee replacement. Her weight was holding her back.

As a speech pathologist with a background in massage therapy, the 57-year-old Poughkeepsie, New York resident felt that, “I’m not really a ‘surgery person,’ but physically I got to the point I knew that I didn’t have a choice.”

After trying numerous diets without success, she was spurred to a decision: to undergo weight loss surgery.

Finding Care and Compassion at Advanced Surgeons

Since childhood, Grace was always overweight, a trait she shared with other family members. In addition, she is a survivor of sexual abuse, which she points out is associated with obesity by using food to cope.

As a therapist herself, Biggio has “done the work” on her own life. That includes a lot of therapy. She characterizes herself by saying, “I’m a very outgoing person, and very positive.” Her decision to explore surgery was part of that.

Biggio had family members who, a decade ago, had benefitted from Advanced Surgeons. She followed up with them and met Dr. Anthony Maffei, a fellowship trained surgeon who also takes a lifestyle approach to care, including nutrition and exercise. “I was nervous,” admits Biggio of the appointment. “I didn’t want to screw this up. One of my big fears was gaining the weight back after the surgery.”

But at Advanced Surgeons, she found the empathy and support of an entire team. Dr. Maffei and staff answered all of her questions, in person and subsequently through email, and his assistant spent a good hour of intake with her as well. She also received the important ongoing counsel of the staff nutritionist prior to and following surgery.

In fact, the recommended doctors for pre-surgical testing were so good as well, says Biggio, that she now uses one of them for her continuing care. “Everyone is so wonderful at Advanced Surgeons,” she says, “from the front desk to the back room.” That includes the special shout-out she gives to nutritionist Janet Borra, RD, as well as Robin Mariconi, Dr. Maffei’s scheduling coordinator and Lisa Giorgi at the front desk.

As a therapist, Biggio really appreciated how the staff at Advanced Surgeons, and Dr. Maffei, combine medical expertise with compassion and understanding. “If I was having a rough time, we talked about how to deal with it.”

“Dr. Maffei is very personable,” explains Biggio. “I felt like I could ask him anything. I told him about my fears. He is very engaging, and made me feel comfortable and respected. As someone who is fat—I call it the ‘dirty F word’—there is a certain perception in the outside world that we’re just not trying. But I never felt that attitude at the doctor’s office. I was listened to and not judged.”

Sleeve Gastrectomy and Beyond

As part of the extended and comprehensive services at Advanced Surgeons, Grace attended a support group prior to her surgery. From that, she felt she knew what to expect. “I was ready; I did the work,” she says.

Of the surgery itself she feels, “It was easy.” The same day, she was doing laps around the hospital hallway. “I had a great surgery and a great recovery.”

At her first appointment with Dr. Maffei six months prior to surgery, Biggio weighed 374 pounds. Today, fourteen months following her surgery in June 2018, at 5’4” she’s down to 197 pounds. She’s on the way to her goal weight of 175 pounds, a number that was reached in collaboration with nutritionist Janet Borra. Biggio’s success was achieved with sleeve gastrectomy, the most popular weight loss surgery. Family and friends have consistently provided steady support, even giving her clothes at every stage of her weight loss. “There are weird things I thought I’d never wear,” she confides with a laugh.

Post-surgery was methodical, as everything is prescribed: when and what to drink or eat. “It’s actually harder now that I can eat almost anything,” she admits of the challenges.

Exercise helps with those challenges. “I had been working out prior to surgery, and then got even more serious,” Biggio explains. She goes to a gym to work out with a personal trainer. Some days are better than others, but she pushes on with the treadmill, free weights, kettlebells and a weighted ball. She even pounds a sledgehammer. “And I love it!” she proclaims.

Life Lessons

Grace Biggio reflects on the person she has become with wisdom and grace. It is also her message to others.

“The real key is to be where you are. Don’t judge yourself. Be kind, gentle and loving of yourself. My stretch marks are my badges of honor, because my body and my weight, and how I carried it, speaks of my surviving what I went through, what I’ve learned and how I’ve grown. In my job, I work with children aged three to five, some of whom can’t walk, talk or even move. So particularly when I go to the gym, I think about how blessed I am to have what I have.”

But she knows it can be hard, so her final piece of advice: “We’re all doing the best we can. That’s all we can do. Just keep chugging along.”

At Advanced Surgeons, we specialize in changing lives one patient at a time. If you are ready to get healthy and feel great, Advanced Surgeons can help. Request an appointment today.

Katia – Gastric Bypass*

Note: Individual results may vary.

Gastric bypass surgery has change my whole life for the better. I was seventeen years old weighing 280 pounds. I am now twenty years old weighing 160 pounds. I am so thankful that Dr. Maffei was my surgeon. He is the best doctor. He was there for me from the first day i went into his office until now. Dr. Maffei has guided me through all the steps and procedures that were necessary to take in order to be able to do the surgery and b able to continue loosing weight and maintaining my weight loss. I am a more confident person ever since i got the gastric bypass surgery. Its not a struggle going into a store anymore to look for clothes because everything fits now. It is easy to now eat healthy because i realized that it i a lifestyle change, and not just a diet. I hope i can encourage people to get the v because it will change your life for the better just like it has changed my life. Thank Dr. Maffei for changing my life and making me a happy, healthy, and confident person.

Katia

Allen – Gastric Bypass*

Note: Individual results may vary.

Another success story for Advanced Surgeons! You can be a success story too! Call today to find out how to get started on your life-changing weight loss journey! 914-347-0162

Trinity – Sleeve Gastrectomy*

Note: Individual results may vary.

My name is Trinity, I am 33 and, my story began one day when I met an amazing man. I was alone raising my son for the last 8 years. I met Paul and his wonderful family. His daughter a 2 year old ball of fire. Even though I was happy I didn’t feel like I should. I noticed I was gaining weight and couldn’t run and play with her or my son who was already 11. I then started to have a hard time sleeping and staying awake at work. I married Paul, and noticed how large I was getting. I was keeping Paul awake with my snoring, forcing him On The couch. I tried all kinds of diets, pills and weight loss products. I wasn’t happy with myself. Wasn’t performing my job as well as I should. I was falling into a depression, and gaining more weight.

One day I heard of the gastric bypass on the radio. I figured I would check it out. I went to a seminar about it put on by Dr. Maffei. I learned of the gastric sleeve. After weighing my options I felt it was a better choice. I set up an appointment, and met with the doctor. I was so upset to find out that 90lbs over weight it wasn’t enough!? My bmi was 37. So discouraged Dr. Maffei said I should do a sleep study. I did and was diagnosed with sleep apnea. That was the key to be accepted in having the sleeve. I was told not only will I loose weight to be healthy, live longer, and be able to play with my kids. I could also be cured of the sleep apnea, and be able to perform to my fullest at my job.

I have lost 90lbs in the last year. I am healthy, happy, and will be around for my children for a long time. My husband and I have bought a new house. We are planing to renew our vows in a few years. I want to be able to fit In A normal size wedding dress for my dream wedding! I never in my wildest dreams thought I could be so happy with myself. I am a nicer, happier person after this life change.

I owe it all to my Dr. Maffei! Thank you for my life back,

Trinity

Denine – Gastric Sleeve*

My name is Denine and I am 39 years old. In December of 2016 I had the gastric sleeve procedure and in 6 months I have lost 90 lbs. I wore a size 24 and now wear a comfortable size 10. My BMI was 41 and now is a normal 25. I am so happy with my decision and my only regret was waiting until I was almost 40 years old to start living my life. Dr. Maffei has completely changed my life. He is the key to my success and happiness. He, and the tremendous support of his team, made this process easy and understandable. He accurately laid out all the information regarding this life changing decision and left me feeling confident and comfortable. I now eat everything I want but because of the knowledge and motivation I gained I have no desire to ever eat carbs again. Coming from an Italian family were pasta and breads were my normal, I now “choose” to eat protein and veggies and absolutely enjoy it. I love my new diet. I love how I feel. I love looking in the mirror. And most importantly, I love myself which is something I never thought I can truly feel..

Denine

Note: Individual results may vary.

RoseAnn- Sleeve Gastrectomy*

Note: Individual results may vary.

Another success story for Advanced Surgeons! You can be a success story too! Call today to find out how to get started on your life-changing weight loss journey!

Liana

Davis – Sleeve Gastrectomy*

Note: Individual results may vary.

I just want to thank the group there for all the help they provided before and after the surgery. This Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy has re-opened my eyes to this new life I am experiencing. There is not a day that goes by that I am not grateful for this tool. I wake up each day wanting to get out of bed and start moving because I no longer feel the pain in my knees and joints that I used to when I was 375lbs.

Thank you again for this new lease on life.

Davis

Andrea – Gastric Bypass*

Note: Individual results may vary.

“I had the gastric bypass 3 years ago and weighed 320 pounds. Today I am 176 pounds, and no longer have High blood pressure or diabetes I feel wonderful to be here and thank Dr Kaul, Janet and Mary for being there for me. Most of all I thank my best friend, my husband Richie, the love of my life! Dreams do come true!”

Andrea

Rose – Gastric Bypass*

Note: Individual results may vary.

Another success story for Advanced Surgeons! You can be a success story too! Call today to find out how to get started on your life-changing weight loss journey! 914-347-0162

Lisa – Sleeve Gastrectomy*

Note: Individual results may vary.

Lisa took a unique approach in documenting her testimonial and journey. Below is a link with a PDF that Lisa herself compiled and is very proud to share it with the world…

Lisa

My Testimonial & Journey (PDF) »

John – Gastric Sleeve*

From Fear to Ferrari: A Journey of Radical Transformation

John Renaldo had just about everything. Happily married to his high school sweetheart and a father of three, the MBA graduate has worked as an account director responsible for website design and development in Manhattan for the past 11 years.

But the 36-year-old Port Chester, New York, resident didn’t have the one thing that ultimately mattered: a clean bill of health. That’s because a life of being overweight resulted in fear for his longevity.

“I was always overweight, even as a child,” he says. One of two siblings (his sister also used to be overweight), Renaldo feels that having two working parents and being physically inactive combined with a particular cultural heritage contributed to his condition.

“I’m from an Italian family, the kind where grandma is always trying to stuff you,” Renaldo says. “We were served a platter of food and told to eat as much as we wanted. It’s a cliché about Italian families, but it’s true.”

Having that foundation, he entered college, a landmine of food freedom. Renaldo said he then went “beyond being chubby.” As a college freshman, he went up to 220 pounds, and by the time he finished graduate school seven years later, he weighed in at 272.

He began going for physicals, and his numbers had climbed off the charts. His blood pressure was very high, his glucose was borderline and his kidneys were compromised. “These were all things you shouldn’t normally have to deal with at this age,” he points out. By his mid-20s, he had consulted a kidney specialist and was on three blood pressure medications in an effort to bring his numbers down.

His motivation to change was born with his first child. By now weighing in at 308 pounds, he recalls, “Comfortably holding my son was difficult; it was taxing for me physically. And he was only going to get more active.”

Renaldo began to worry that due to his health, he might not be around for his son long-term. That worry triply escalated when his son was joined by twin brothers.

The twins were five months old when, on Christmas eve of 2016, says Renaldo, “God’s honest truth, I saw the light.”

“Approaching New Year of 2017, I thought about how everyone talks about resolutions for diet and exercise,” he says. But his wife, who he says “has always been my biggest advocate and knows me better than anyone,” felt what he really needed was bariatric surgery.

New Year, New Man

It was the new year of 2017 when John Renaldo began his quest for better health. He began researching bariatric surgeons. He discovered that Dr. Ashutosh Kaul, an award-winning surgeon at Advanced Surgeons, not only has stellar credentials and surgical experience, but trains other surgeons as a professor. In consultation, Dr. Kaul and, Renaldo decided on sleeve gastrectomy.

Facing Fear

“I was nervous,” admits Renaldo. “I wasn’t really completely comfortable with surgery. Subconsciously, I was looking for a red flag in order to justify not doing it. ‘This really starts the process; there’s no turning back,’ I realized.”

But with Dr. Kaul’s help, Renaldo came to a realization. “We only can fear what we see in front of us, the surgery. Dr. Kaul detailed what I was looking at down the road, with and without the surgery. If I didn’t go through with it, the long-term implications are what I feared the most,” he says.

Dr. Kaul’s bedside manner was crucial in helping Renaldo feel more comfortable about his upcoming surgery. “He was calming, soft-spoken, and even though he’d seen hundreds of others, he didn’t make me feel like just another patient,” Renaldo says. “He spent a lot of time talking with me about my family and continually asking me if there was anything about the surgery I wanted to discuss. I trusted him with this significant task, and he exceeded my expectations from the very beginning.”

“Where Did Daddy’s Belly Go?”

As Renaldo began to lose weight, life changed in ways large and small. His clothes got smaller as he did. Prior to his procedure, he says “It was embarrassing to be falling out of my suit. At one point, in a business meeting, I had to use the restroom. I bent over and split my pants.”

He used to have to turn sideways to maneuver, but as the weight dropped off, he could walk straight down the aisles on the commuter train and through the subway turnstiles. He could sit on the couch and finally see his kneecaps. And he was free from public scrutiny. “All these looks I no longer got,” he says with relief.

A photo array of his progress shows his journey, at the end of which his young son was motivated to asked, “Where did daddy’s belly go?”

A Ferrari Kind of Life

Today, John Renaldo celebrates better health and his newfound “comfort and confidence.” Despite his 14-hour days of working and commuting, he walks the 28 city blocks to and from the train station. He is at his goal weight, 185 pounds, which he has steadily maintained. His doctors stopped his three blood pressure medications over time.

“At 36 years old, I’m able to do things with this body that I never thought existed,” Renaldo says. “How fast can I move, jump, run? I haven’t experienced these things since I was a child. I feel like I’m test driving a Ferrari.”