After Successful Colon Cancer Surgery, Daisy Returns to Dr. Adeyeri for Gastric Bypass
“I had two surgeries with Dr. Adeyeri. My first operation was to remove a cancerous tumor in my colon,” recalls Daisy Velez, an administrator for a global power service provider. “This man literally saved my life.”
When Daisy experienced chronic gastrointestinal issues, her gastroenterologist, Dr. Srinivas S. Vasireddi, recommended she contact board-certified laparoscopic surgeon Dr. Ayotunde Adeyeri after a colonoscopy showed multiple concerning polyps on her colon. Dr. Adeyeri surgically removed the growths, including a cancerous tumor.
After she fully recovered from colon surgery and was deemed cancer-free, Daisy decided to fully transform her health by addressing her weight issue. In 2021, she was medically cleared for gastric bypass surgery and contacted Dr. Adeyeri.
“Obesity stresses the body and causes inflammation, which can lead to the development of several serious chronic diseases, including cancer,” Dr. Adeyeri explains. “I’m impressed and thankful Daisy sought medical care when her belly pain and other gastrointestinal symptoms didn’t subside over time. It may well have saved her life. I was honored when she reached out to me again about gastric bypass surgery.”
Starting weight loss above 300 pounds
Weighing 350 pounds, Daisy had hoped to undergo weight loss surgery sooner, but her employer’s medical insurance did not cover bariatric surgery at the time. Fortunately, she accepted a new job, where her medical benefits covered surgical weight loss for qualifying employees and covered family members.
In April 2022, Daisy’s surgery date arrived and she experienced more excitement than nervousness. “I already had an operation performed by Dr. Adeyeri, so I knew everything would be fine.” After her gastric bypass operation, she had no post-op complications and even declined pain management. “I was so excited to start losing weight, I just went for it from day one.”
Daisy’s weight loss transformation becomes a passion
“Once I was in weight loss mode, I was introduced to a whole new world of health and fitness tools,” she recalls. Invigorated, Daisy lost 50 pounds quickly and began a walking regimen on her new treadmill to boost her metabolism and calorie-burn rate. Before work, she walks for 15-30 minutes and has an active job where she is on her feet throughout the workday.
Approaching her first holiday season after surgery, Daisy was concerned about staying on track while savoring all her favorite foods. “Dr. Adeyeri reminded me to enjoy small portions or a few bites because that would fill my need and he was absolutely right,” she recalls.
READ: “Dr. Adeyeri is Now an In-Network Provider for Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey!”
“Choose your bariatric surgeon with care”
“My best piece of advice is to carefully choose your bariatric surgeon,” Daisy explains. “You are looking for a weight loss surgery program to guide and support you long after the operation.”
Daisy joined several online bariatric weight loss communities to give and share advice. She was shocked to hear about other people’s negative surgical experiences. “So many people had their gastric bypass or gastric sleeve surgery and never heard from their surgeon again,” Daisy notes. “I felt badly for them, but also fortunate that I was under Dr. Adeyeri’s care.”
She noted that she has regular visits with him and one-on-one nutrition counseling with Sterling Surgicare bariatric dietitian Lori Skurbe. “He also offers a monthly Support Group meeting at Hackensack Meridian Health’s Old Bridge Medical Center, which is so valuable.” Dr. Adeyeri also serves as the Medical Director of the Institute for Weight Loss.
“I just feel so fortunate to have Dr. A in my corner, today and years down the line.”
Daisy Velez
100 Pounds Lost and heading toward a weight starting with the number ‘1’
In less than a year, she had lost almost 100 pounds and dropped three clothing sizes. This year, her goal is to lose another 50 pounds, putting her under 200 for the first time in over 20 years. “I’ve build a weight loss and weight management system that will be in place for the rest of my life. I know all too well what it’s like to be unhealthy and I’m never going to be that person again.”
Find out if you qualify for gastric bypass or gastric sleeve weight loss surgery
If you have more than 75 pounds to lose, or dealing with weight-related medical issues like type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol or sleep apnea, call our friendly team of bariatric weight loss experts at (732) 217-3897 to learn more and schedule an appointment within the in the next two weeks. Dr. Adeyeri is an in-network provider with Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey.