Bariatric Surgery: Before and After Stories (with Photos)
Curious if weight loss surgery really works? Check out these patient testimonials from people treated by Richmond University Medical Center’s Bariatric and Metabolic Institute. Meet Harry, Janet, and Jean. Read what they have to say about their weight loss journeys and why they chose Dr. Alex Barkan for their life-changing bariatric surgery.
Harry’s Story
Life before Surgery:
“Looking at my two daughters and two grandchildren — I wanted to see them graduate high school, get married, etc. You get to a point in life where you have to make a very important decision, and having the surgery was the most important decision I have ever made.”
Experience at the Bariatric and Metabolic Institute:
“Dr. Barkan’s a prince — a marvelous, brilliant man. Dr. Barkan’s team was so supportive. These people are genuine, and it’s the highest compliment I can give them. Have you ever heard of a nurse staying on the phone with you for 10 minutes? And they’re always asking, ‘how are you feeling?’ That means a lot to me.”
Janet’s Story
Life before Surgery:
“I was on ten different medications, and I felt like I couldn’t do anything. I avoided walking and going places. I was unable to spend time with family or friends because walking and standing in line was impossible. I had to limit going up and down the stairs. I had so much pain in my knees. Life was miserable – in fact, I had no life. Finally, I decided it was time to get my life back and be healthy again.”
Experience at the Bariatric and Metabolic Institute:
“Richmond University Medical Center’s Bariatric and Metabolic Institute was absolutely the best experience. Dr. Barkan has such a personable bedside manner. He is empathetic and caring, and he listened to my concerns and what my goals were. The other doctors I had seen previously were so adamant that my results needed to match certain guidelines and that I had to reach a certain weight. I told Dr. Barkan, ‘I just want to be healthy,’ and he understood. I couldn’t imagine going anywhere else – I stopped looking immediately.
“I can’t believe people still stop me wherever I go and don’t recognize me. Before my surgery, I was walking 800 to 900 steps per day, now I am up to around 10,000 or more. I started out on ten medications, including five for blood pressure, and now I am down to only two. If this is something you really want to do — don’t put it off, do it. You will regret the time you wasted not doing it.”
Jean’s Story
Life before Surgery:
“For about 20 years, I wasn’t able to lose weight on my own. Everything I was doing wasn’t working, and I knew I couldn’t do it alone. I needed help, and I needed a team that was all hands-on. I was also looking for something medically approved that came along with a sense of commitment and community. I really found that with Richmond University Medical Center, Dr. Barkan, and his team.”
Experience at the Bariatric and Metabolic Institute:
“I found Dr. Barkan extremely warm, knowledgeable, and seriously caring. I’ve said to him, ‘You are saving lives.’ It truly comes across that he loves his patients. He is trustworthy, explains everything, and is thorough. He even helps with insurance. You can tell this whole process is a passion of his. After attending the bariatric support group, I learned how everyone raves about him. He is a caring doctor, and his staff treated me with respect.”
Kristen’s Story
“I just wanted to be healthy. I wanted to guarantee a spot for me in my children’s future.”
Start Writing Your Weight Loss Story Today!
You can change your life today with a simple phone call. Contact Richmond University Medical Center’s Bariatric and Metabolic Institute to learn more about weight loss surgery. You are welcome to schedule an appointment with Dr. Barkan and attend our next free bariatric seminar to hear more stories from real patients. Call (718)-818-4020 to get started.
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