Russell Brown 
Wading River, NY
Age: 50
Surgery date: May 9, 2016
Weight lost: 205lbs
When Russell Brown was admitted to Mather Hospital in 2015 with an infection in his foot and his sugars spiraling, he knew it was time for a change. “I had tried dieting. I’ve dieted and lost a hundred pounds and gained it right back,” said Mr. Brown. After developing diabetes at 30 years old, he decided it was time for a more permanent solution to keep the weight off and his sugars under control. Mr. Brown was then introduced to Arif Ahmad, MD, director of Mather Hospital’s Center of Excellence in Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery™.
Dr. Ahmad suggested Mr. Brown attend an informational seminar about the program. Here, he heard success stories from other patients and learned of the free support groups and nutrition guides that are offered. “Dr. Ahmad doesn’t sugar coat it. He says it’s going to be a tool to your success. It’s not the answer. He really prepares you for an entire lifestyle change,” Mr. Brown said.
After six months of presurgical preparations, Mr. Brown had a gastric bypass procedure on May 9, 2016 and is no longer diabetic. “I can say it really did work. No more medication. Nothing at all,” Mr. Brown said, adding that he attended a support group session every week for a year. “They were very helpful with what to eat, what not to eat, what to stay away from. They helped me change my entire lifestyle.”
Mr. Brown credits Mather Hospital’s Center of Excellence in Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery™ for helping him to get his health on track. It’s been four years since Mr. Brown’s had his gastric bypass and he has lost 205 pounds, eats healthier and can climb in and out of his truck with ease.
“It’s the best thing in the world being healthy,” Mr. Brown said. “I didn’t do this just to look better. I wanted to be healthy and feel good.”