For me, battling my weight has been a life long struggle, and I felt I was losing this war. Over many years, I have tried healthy and unhealthy approaches to weight loss. High carb, high protein, and vegan lifestyles. Part of my regimen for weight loss included jogging, tennis, racquetball, and group exercise fitness classes at local gyms. None of these efforts proved successful.

By 2015, I weighed more than 370 pounds. My doctors all advised me that many of my health issues AFIB, back surgery, edema in my lower legs, hip replacements, and sleep apnea were related to being overweight. My primary care physician, gastroenterologist, and urologist all recommended that I consider a surgical weight loss procedure as a life saving measure.

Along with the support and advice from these medical professionals, I did extensive research on various bariatric programs. I considered the number of surgeries performed, success rates, and follow up care. Based on all this information, we decided that the program offered by East Coast Bariatrics at Halifax Health, by all standards, was the best program. Some of our research included the following:

• Dr. Joel Sebastien and his surgical team have performed more than 2,000 bariatric procedures over a 15 year period of time with a 99 percent success rate.
• Prior to surgery, a patient is required to attend a series of workshops that prepare one for the surgery and gives you nutritional advice based on good science to guarantee long term weight loss success.
• Once the surgery is completed, follow-up visits by the surgeon and his support staff is done on a regular basis to ensure your success. Office visits are frequent immediately following surgery; however, the medical team responds quite promptly to telephone or email questions.
• East Coast Bariatrics at Halifax Health routinely conduct at least 3 support group meetings each month for all patients. Highly skilled professionals provide emotional support and encouragement as well as answer all questions about nutrition and exercise.

Since my gastric bypass surgery in February 2015, I have lost 150 pounds. I have lost this weight and have maintained this weight loss. There are so many ways that Dr. Sebastien and his team have changed my life. In medical terms, I have reduced the number of prescriptions by more than 50 percent. In addition, I have greater energy and physical mobility. In personal terms, I no longer have to buy clothes in the Big & Tall Department. While traveling, I can fit in airplane seat and not require a seatbelt extender. When dining out with friends, I can now fit in a booth at restaurants. Finally, I feel like I might actually be on the winning side of the battle with my weight.