Bariatric Patient's Commitment to Healthy Weight After Surgery

Edwin Oquendo was 48 years old and weighed 330 pounds when he realized he needed to make a major change in his life.

“I could no longer bend down to tie my own shoes,” he said. “That was a big, red flag for me.”

After talking with others and researching weight loss programs, Edwin found Federico Serrot, MD, a bariatric surgeon at Cleveland Clinic Martin Health in Stuart, FL.  As part of Cleveland Clinic Florida’s Bariatric & Metabolic Institute, Dr. Serrot has witnessed the successful weight loss journeys of countless patients. He prepares each new patient with this key message: “You must commit to a lifetime of healthy eating and regular exercise to have long-lasting results.”

Edwin Oquendo has taken that message to heart. Nine months out from having sleeve gastrectomy surgery, Edwin says, “I can swim laps, ride my bike, I feel like a normal person again.”

Since his surgery, Edwin has lost 110 pounds.

Now he not only keeps up with his grandchildren, but he can even out-run them. “When we are playing, I tell them, ‘catch me if you can!’”

Weight loss tools for life

Edwin credits Dr. Serrot and the bariatric team for providing him with the tools to radically change his life. These tools include a personalized weight loss plan, one-on-one training, regular consultations and pre- and post-surgery follow-up care.

“Our team works closely together to educate and support our weight loss patients and provide them with a path to a healthier future,” Dr. Serrot says. “We want them to stay engaged with us and be successful for the rest of their lives.”

“It’s a really good program and a great team,” Edwin says. “They made me feel confident I could do this and encouraged me to call them anytime I have questions or concerns.”

Edwin is proud of the success he has experienced so far and committed to maintaining the healthy habits he learned, including: making smart food choices; drinking 64 ounces of water each day; and engaging in aerobic exercise and resistance training.

“I eat smaller portions and more vegetables,” he says. “I have cauliflower rice with beans, chicken, fish, hamburgers with lettuce instead of a roll. I pace myself and eat slowly.”

At one time, Edwin thought he could lose the weight on his own. But now he realizes he needed the support of his team, as well as family and friends. “I’ve had great support from my family, and I’m happy to be inspiring some of them to lose weight, too,” he said.

Dr. Serrot is pleased to share in the successes of his patients and recognizes the hard work they must be willing to do. “Bariatric surgery isn’t just about losing weight,” he says. “We continue to support our patients throughout their weight-loss journey with the goal of making our patients healthier and helping them change their lives forever.”

When Edwin started the bariatric program, he was driven by the desire to be there for his family and his grandchildren. In the process, he also learned to take good care of himself. “You have to put yourself first, participate in the program and follow the rules,” he says. “I’m healthier now, I don’t have pain, or feel exhausted or out of breath. I’m so happy with the decision I made to go through this program. I feel fantastic!

Photos courtesy of Cleveland Clinic Florida.