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Jennifer Birch
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Surgeon Testimonial

David Buchin, M.D.
The decision to have weight loss surgery is a monumental one. It is frightening. From the moment you meet Dr. David Buchin and his staff, you are put at ease and come to understand that this is the best decision you can make for yourself. They give you all the alternatives and discuss which is the best procedure for you - all the pluses and minuses. From that moment on, he and his staff guide you through all that is necessary to achieve success. His skill as a surgeon is fantastic. Your aftercare does not stop when you leave the hospital or finish your follow-up visits. He and his PA. Sophia, lead support group meetings twice a month - no charge. They are always available if you have any questions or concerns. You are now part of the "family". This is a life-changing journey and they are the best guides you could possibly want or need.
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My Story

Except for when I was first born, I have been fighting my weight.  I specifically remember as a child, when Mr. Softee came around, my older brother would get a pint of ice cream (we called him string bean) and I would get the tiniest of cups.  My weight yo-yoed over and over again.  I have said repeatedly that I have gained and lost enough weight to make 10 people.

Four years ago, I was on vacation in New Orleans and was on a tour.  I had to repeatedly stop because my lower back was killing me and I was out of breath.  I had been seeing ads for lap-band surgery and it kept sticking in my mind.  I was so disgusted with my physical condition at that point.  I was embarrassed when I get on a plane and had to ask for that extender piece for the seat belt.  I hated that I had to think twice and three times about how far something was from my car and would I be able to make it without gasping for air.  I was on blood pressure meds.  I JUST HAD ENOUGH.  I was literally sick of being fat.

I started researching online lap-band surgery and surgeons in the local area.  I found Dr. David Buchin who, at that time, operated out of Long Island Jewish Hospital - my hospital of choice for everything in my life.  I made my first appointment with hime and never looked back.

We discussed the different options and what he thought was best for me and my eating habits.  Gastric bypass was chosen instead of the lap-band.  I was given my list of doctors and assignments that I had to complete.  The support of Dr. Buchin, his PA Sophia and the rest of his staff was amazing.

Then I had to tell everyone in my family.  I remember sitting (and I should say squeezed into a seat) at a Mets game with my daughter and I mentioned to her what I was thinking of doing.  She was 100% supportive and thrilled that I was finally doing something about my weight because she had been so worried about me.  My son, on the other hand, couldn't understand why I just couldn't do it on my own and was afraid for me.  We talked and talked and talked about it time and time again until I convinced him that this was my best option and that it was not life-threatening but life-saving surgery.  I have been very lucky that all the rest of my friends and family have been 100% supportive and have cheered me on from the beginning.  They had all watched my weight-gain with dismay and concern and were glad that I was being so proactive.

It is now 3 years later - yesterday was my 3-year surgi-versary, and I am a new person.  It has been a hard journey and it still remains a challenge.  WLS is not a quick-fix.  It is life changing only if you follow through and do what your are supposed to do.  Food addicts do not get over our addiction just because we have WLS.  It is a constant battle but one worth fighting.  I am off all blood presure meds.  I take all my vitamins and supplements daily and feel 20 years younger.  Walking marathons do not frighten me compared to  the mental measuring I use to do before getting out of my car at a shopping mall.

Yes I am a lot thinner - 200lbs down from before - but I am a lot healthier and looking forward to an active life for a long time.