Judy Marc has always led a healthy lifestyle. She maintains a healthy diet and doesn’t eat carbs or sweets. Many would think her actions make her a perfect candidate for losing weight. However, after several contributing factors, including a knee replacement, the Rockland County, New York, native continued to gain weight, became prediabetic, and began having joint pain.
After trying several medications with no results, she shifted her mindset to weight-loss surgery.
Judy contacted Valley LifeStart: The Center for Weight and Wellness™ and spoke with Edward Yatco, MD, Medical Director of Robotic and Minimally Invasive Surgery for Valley Medical Group and Subspecialty Director of Bariatric Surgery for The Valley Hospital.
“I had a discussion with him about my options and he was very honest and straightforward with me,” said Judy. “Many people think surgery is a shortcut to losing weight, but it isn’t a quick fix. You need to be committed to yourself and be mentally prepared.”
Dr. Yatco discussed the risks and benefits of surgery, went into detail about each surgical technique, and explained the need to continue to commit to eating well, exercising, and putting work in for a successful outcome
“I didn’t even need to ask any questions because Dr. Yatco was so thorough and personal with me,” continued Judy. “He opened the doors to all the possibilities of the surgery and emphasized the life-long commitment this would be.”
After three months of careful consideration and research, Judy decided to undergo surgery and was scheduled to have a sleeve gastrectomy on November 14, 2023. Approximately 80% of her stomach was removed, creating a smaller stomach. Through this surgical technique, weight loss is achieved through decreased portion sizes and changes in the body’s gut hormones that control and regulate hunger and satiety.
Judy’s surgery was successful. She was walking following the procedure and spent two weeks at home recovering.
A month after her surgery, Judy lost 18 pounds. Now, six months into her weight-loss journey, she has lost 65 pounds. She goes to the gym, watches what she eats, takes vitamins, and overall continues to take care of herself.
“I can’t express how supportive those at Valley were,” said Judy. “I wouldn’t go to another hospital now after my treatment here. I am so thankful for Dr. Yatco and his teaching and motivation. He didn’t push me to do the surgery but emphasized the importance of the life-long commitment it would be if I did do it. I committed, and Valley gave me the time and information I needed to make that choice.”
For more information about surgical weight loss options at Valley, please visit ValleyHealth.com/WeightLoss.