Rachel Dolahan, a New Jersey music teacher, experienced a great life change whenever she decided to visit Dr. Karl Strom, bariatric surgeon with Mountainside Medical Center. Prior to this visit, she had an initial bariatric surgery that was not successful.

“When I first saw Dr. Strom, he discovered that my lap band had failed,” said Rachel. “He recommended that I have the sleeve surgery, which I underwent in September of 2014. With that surgery, I lost 100 pounds. It’s really been the best experience I’ve ever had. I’ve never felt healthier.”

Rachel gave birth to her son in September of 2017. “I’m about six pounds away from where I was before I had him which is great progress,” said Rachel.

Rachel attends monthly support groups when her schedule allows and is still seeing Dr. Strom for annual checkups.

The entire experience left a lasting impression on Rachel. “Everyone who worked in the hospital, as well as Dr. Strom and the team at the Center for Advanced Bariatric Surgery at Mountainside Medical Center, have been wonderful,” said Rachel. “I know I have had the best possible experience that I could have had with this type of surgery. My life has truly changed for the better.”

For those considering bariatric surgery, Rachel encourages individuals to make sure they are ready for a big life change. “This isn’t a quick fix,” said Rachel. “Success won’t happen overnight. It’s something you have to work for every day but it’s more than worth it.”

Are you a candidate for bariatric surgery? If you answer “yes” to any of the following questions, you may be a candidate.

-          Are you having difficulty with physical activity because of your weight?

-          Has your weight led to other health issues like diabetes, high blood pressure or high cholesterol?

-          Is your BMI above 35?

Consider attending one of our monthly seminars presented by Dr. Strom to learn more about bariatric surgery. Visit www.mountainsidehosp.com/weightloss for more information.