After having researched weight loss surgery online, Nick Curci found and participated in a virtual seminar to learn more about the services at Valley LifeStart: The Center for Weight and Wellness™. This monthly virtual seminar, titled “All About Weight Loss Surgery,” is held to provide information on both the medical and surgical treatment options for obesity.
“After the virtual seminar, I scheduled a consultation in October 2023. After the consultation, I felt the team had presented a satisfying amount of information, so I decided to use them as my hospital for weight loss surgery,” the 33-year-old said.
Seema Dhorajia, DO, general and bariatric surgeon, worked with Nick to develop a personalized treatment plan, which included a sleeve gastrectomy. In this surgery, approximately 70-80% of the stomach is removed, creating a smaller stomach. Through this restrictive surgical technique, only the stomach is made smaller, so weight loss is achieved through decreased portion sizes and changes in the body’s hormone, ghrelin, which controls and regulates hunger and satiety, the state of feeling full.
“My experience was great from the start. In my first meeting with Dr. Dhorajia during my consultation, she did an amazing job of explaining which procedure would be the best for me at the time. In addition, her visual aids explained what part of the stomach she would be removing and how the procedure would be performed,” said the Wood-Ridge, New Jersey resident.
“The team gives you all of the details regarding what testing needs to be done prior to being approved for surgery and helps you schedule a lot of your appointments. This helped me be a little more at ease as this can be very overwhelming with so much going on. The team also made it very easy to contact them if I had any questions.”
In mid-February, Nick underwent a successful sleeve gastrectomy. Six months post-op, Nick had lost nearly 100 pounds. He continues to lose weight following this six-month post-op check-in, exceeding his 100-pound weight loss success.
“I feel like a completely new person. My energy is like it never has been before, and I just overall feel healthier now that I can move around a bit easier,” said Nick. “I am continuing to get out to walk and go to the gym, as well as do some weight-lifting. I do not feel sluggish anymore throughout the day, no matter if it is busy or not,” Nick continued.
Nick has cited the doctors as being positive and uplifting during this journey. He recalled one instance where Dr. Dhorajia called him on a Saturday to check in. “To have a doctor call you on Saturday and make sure you are doing well gave me a real sense of comfort. I felt I did the right thing getting the surgery, as well as getting it done at Valley and with Dr. Dhorajia,” he said.
“I had heard a bunch of times people saying they wished they did weight loss surgery sooner, and I didn’t think anything of it. But after the success I have had, I thought about it a lot more. If you are considering this, try not to psych yourself out as the outcome is so rewarding,” said Nick. “I hope others can hear my story, feel more comfortable, and get the confidence to proceed with this journey if that is where they feel led. I am forever grateful for doing this surgery, and I feel there are new and enjoyable things to do now that I never thought I would want or be able to do.”
For more information about surgical weight loss options offered through Valley LifeStart, please visit ValleyHealth.com/WeightLoss.