Neighbor News
How Weight Loss Can Be the Key to Staying Independent as You Age
For many, successful weight loss means helping to prevent injury, build strength and maintain independence.
By Dr. Seun Sowemimo - Freehold, NJ
As a central New Jersey-based bariatric surgeon for the past 15 years, I’ve witnessed hundreds if not thousands of incredible patient weight loss victories—but sometimes, it’s the unexpected changes that happen after significant weight loss that make the biggest impact.
One of my gastric sleeve rock stars, Sherry Seeds, recently shared a social media post about a weight loss benefit for her that that stopped me in my tracks. It is rarely addressed but vitally important. She gave me permission to share it with you:
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“I just realized this morning that I no longer fall. When I weighed 400 pounds, I could easily go down just by stepping on a stone or turning too fast. Once, I even fell and hit my head on the kitchen table at home. Now that I’ve lost 170 pounds and built up my core and leg muscles, I’m stable—even when I step wrong. This is no small thing.”
Sherry Seeds – Gastric Sleeve Warrior 2023
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Carrying excess weight can throw off your balance, strain your joints, and increase your risk of serious falls—especially as we age. For people living alone, a fall isn’t just risky—it can be dangerous.
We also know someone who has taken a simple fall and was suddenly faced with a debilitating fractured hip or broken ankle.
Since her bariatric operation, Sherry hasn’t just lost a remarkable 170 pounds—she’s gained:
- Strength
- Stability
- Balance
- Confidence
Kathleen Palmer, ANP, who oversees Sherry’s primary care, reported last week:
"Exciting benchmark today! I was able to decrease one of Sherry’s two blook pressure meds and I'm pretty sure we going to halve the other one at the next visit!"
And that’s what bariatric surgery, lifestyle change or using GLP-1 medications is really about: helping people reclaim their lives. If you're looking for help with weight loss, we welcome you to reach out to us at primesurgicare.com.
Sincerely, Dr. Seun Sowemimo
