Duodenal Switch: Vickie’s Journey to Lifelong Weight Loss Success

From Setback to Success: How a Middlesex County Woman Took Back Control of Her Health

Weight loss is a journey with ups and downs, but for many, the path to long-term success involves finding the right medical expertise and support. Middlesex County Human Resources professional Vickie Braswell understands this firsthand. After initially undergoing gastric sleeve surgery, she faced weight regain—an all-too-common challenge. But with the guidance of Ayotunde Adeyeri, MD, FASMBS, a board-certified New Jersey bariatric surgeon, Vickie found a long-term solution through the duodenal switch procedure.

A Lifelong Weight Struggle Leads to Bariatric Surgery

Vicke Braswell with NJ bariatric surgeon Dr. Ayotunde Adeyeri in 2025.

Like many, Vickie struggled with her weight for most of her life. When she first attended a Bariatric Support Group meeting at Old Bridge Medical Center, she heard firsthand about Dr. Adeyeri’s expertise from a fellow patient who strongly recommended his services and expertise.

“Her weight loss story corresponded closely with mine and she lost a large amount of weight and was very happy with the results of her weight loss surgery experience.”

After her gastric sleeve surgery in 2011, she lost nearly 80 pounds. However, over time, the weight slowly crept back. In 2015, she returned to Dr. Adeyeri to discuss how to get back on track.

A Second Chance with Bariatric Duodenal Switch

“By that time, I had regained more than 50% of the weight I lost initially after the sleeve,” Vickie recalls. Along with the weight regain came serious health concerns, including the risk of sleep apnea and Type 2 diabetes.

After a thorough consultation, Dr. Adeyeri recommended duodenal switch surgery, a more advanced metabolic procedure designed to help:

• Curb appetite
• Improve metabolic function (calorie burning)
• Prevent stomach re-stretching

Dr. Adeyeri explains it’s not uncommon for people to experience weight regain after bariatric surgery. “Over time, the stomach pouch from a gastric sleeve can stretch, leading to increased food intake. But unlike the sleeve gastrectomy (VSG), the duodenal switch helps regulate hunger hormones, such as ghrelin, and enhances metabolic function, leading to more sustained long-term weight loss.”

Working with a Surgeon Who Listens and Cares

One thing Vickie appreciates most about Dr. Adeyeri is his straightforward, compassionate approach to patient care.

“I work in HR, so I can tell when people are genuine,” she says. “Dr. Adeyeri never patronizes me—he tells me exactly what my job is to lose weight and keep it off.” Another key factor in her success? Direct access to the doctor.

“He doesn’t just pass you off to his staff. He works with you before and after surgery, ensuring you always have access to his expertise,” Vickie says.

A Healthier, More Active Life

Since undergoing the “bariatric switch,” Vickie has successfully maintained

her 80-pound weight loss for the past 10 years.

Now a youthful-looking age 59, she feels healthier and more energetic than decades ago, and is further delighted to be back to wearing her size 10-12 work suits. Her husband’s ongoing support has been instrumental to her weight management success by encouraging her to prioritize daily exercise and overall health.

“Even in the colder months, I walk about three miles before work,” she says. “I also love swimming and plan to start strength training to build muscle and speed up my metabolism.”

One of her favorite weight management strategies is small-plate eating. “I only eat from smaller salad plates so I can keep my portions bariatric-sized,” she shares. “That way, I’m satisfied with half the calories of a typical dinner plate.”

Back-on-Track with Personalized Nutrition Support

To further support her success, Vickie reconnected with Sterling Surgicare’s certified bariatric dietitian to develop a nutrition plan tailored to her lifestyle.

“Having a customized plan that includes foods I genuinely enjoy makes all the difference,” she says.

Sterling Surgicare offers a Bariatric Back-on-Track program designed specifically for bariatric patients experiencing weight regain. A key part of the program includes working with a nutritionist to identify what went off track and develop a customized strategy for long-term weight management.

Words of Encouragement for Bariatric Warriors

For others struggling with weight regain, Vickie has one crucial piece of advice:

“I remember the moment I had to tell Dr. Adeyeri about my weight regain,” she recalls. “And do you know what he said? He admitted that he also struggled with weight gain in recent years. His candor at that moment in time made me feel like I wasn’t alone in this battle.”

Ready to Take Control of Your Weight Loss Journey?

If you’re struggling with weight regain after bariatric surgery, you don’t have to face it alone. Dr. Ayotunde Adeyeri and his expert team at Sterling Surgicare offer advanced surgical solutions, including duodenal switch surgery, to help patients achieve lasting weight loss success.

Contact us at 732-217-3897 to schedule a prompt consultation within the next two weeks and explore your weight loss options.