At 59, Toni Caminsky felt worn down due to the extra weight she was carrying. Her petite frame, mixed with being overweight, caused pressure on her hips and joints. She began to discuss weight loss options with family and doctors, and decided weight loss surgery would be beneficial for health reasons and to get the weight off.
“At the time, I was thinking about how in the next year I would be 60 and I would want to go somewhere to celebrate,” said the Paramus resident. “So, I made it my goal to lose 60 pounds by the time I turned 60.”
After having a previous appendectomy with Seema Dhorajhia, DO, general and bariatric surgeon, Toni turned to Valley LifeStart: The Center for Weight and Wellness™ to discuss bariatric surgery options.
Valley LifeStart works with patients to evaluate the many traditional and evolving treatments for weight loss and determine the best approach based on 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.
“Before my surgery, I was given instructions on what to eat with a special diet, and I followed it to the letter,” said Toni. “By the time I went for my surgery, I had already lost 11 pounds.”
On July 26, 2023, Toni 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.
Within a few months post-op, Toni reached her goal of losing 60 pounds by age 60. She celebrated by going to Aruba in May of 2024.
“This was not just a physical change, but it affected me mentally and emotionally,” said Toni. “When I look in the mirror, even though I'm looking at myself physically, it's still hard to wrap my head around the fact that I look so different. You really need to set your mind to how things are going to change.”
Toni continues to walk every day and moves more easily than she was able to before. Her food portions are now smaller, which she says she doesn’t mind, and she recognized the importance of having a solid support system through this journey.
“I have been able to do things I never would have imagined I would ever do,” said Toni. “I feel a lot of pride in myself that I was able to see my goal come to fruition. Everyone at Valley was top notch, and if it was not for Dr. Dhorajhia and the team, I am not sure I would have gone through with this life-changing journey.”
For more information about surgical weight loss options offered through Valley LifeStart, please visit ValleyHealth.com/WeightLoss.