Personal trainer Shaneé Lara has successfully transformed many lives, so for the past four years, after struggling with her weight, she thought it would be easy to transform herself.
“Reality hit me, and I could not get the weight off. I did not know who I was anymore, and it put me in a dark loop,” said the 36-year-old. “I had heard about surgical weight loss from others who had gone to Valley LifeStart: The Center for Weight and Wellness™ and knew I needed to see the doctors there.”
Valley LifeStart works with patients to evaluate the many traditional and evolving treatments for weight loss and customize treatments based on the patient’s medical history, family history, lifestyles, and personal preference. Valley LifeStart provides patients with the tools to lose weight successfully, maintain success, and live healthier, fuller lives.
Shaneé met with Naser Gharaibeh, MD, Medical Director of the Metabolic Medicine and Weight Loss Program for Valley Health System, and Edward Yatco, MD, Subspecialty Director of Bariatric Surgery at The Valley Hospital. They discussed how to reach her goal and decided on lifestyle changes – such as diet and exercise modifications – and surgical weight loss.
On March 15, 2025, the Mahwah native underwent a successful sleeve gastrectomy at The Valley Hospital. In this restrictive surgery, approximately 70-80% of the stomach is removed, creating a smaller stomach. 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.
Since her surgery, Shaneé has had consistent weight loss results and has strictly followed the planned guidelines. She has lost 77 pounds, going from a size 16 to a size 2.
“I wanted to prove to myself and my son, Bryce, that anything is possible, no matter how hard things get, as long as you follow through,” said Shaneé. “I tell my clients and son to never change who you are, just become a better version of yourself, and that is exactly what I have been doing. I have never felt better.”
Shaneé continues postsurgical treatment with both medical and surgical bariatric programs to ensure she stays on track with her lifestyle changes to transform who she is, ensure she does not have nutritional deficiencies, and make sure she continues to build muscle mass. The goal of treatment is not surgery or medications, but rather total body transformation.
“This has changed my life and health, and I recommend Dr. Gharaibeh and Dr. Yatco to everyone. They truly care about you, hear you, and make you feel heard. They want you to succeed. I consider them family, and I will forever be grateful for them,” said Shaneé.
For more information about weight loss options offered through Valley LifeStart, please visit ValleyHealth.com/WeightLoss.