Martin Health System | For your health | Winter 2018

martinhealth.org 9 Following through In the months following surgery, they enjoyed experimenting with low-carbohydrate recipes and gradually began to build in a routine of regular physical activity. “We follow all of the guidelines the bariatric nurse gave us,” Pena said. “Protein first, work out four to five times a week, take daily vitamins. If we go out to eat, we might split an entrée. We both like to cook, so our refrigerator is filled with fresh food. Our grocery bill has gone down considerably.” At the nine-month mark, Pena had lost 144 pounds and Fernandez had lost 140. They are walking, cross-training and appreciating the newfound stamina they have. They both say choosing bariatric surgery was the best decision of their lives. “There is nothing wrong with asking for help,” Fernandez said. “Failure is the reason we’re here. I don’t see that as a negative; without the failure, there wouldn’t be a chance for success.” “Martin Health made this pos- sible,” Pena said. “I’m so grateful!” Are you eligible for bariatric surgery? Appropriate candidates for bariatric surgery must have a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or greater or BMI of 35 to 39.9 with comorbidities such as diabetes, heart disease, sleep apnea, hypertension and others. WHAT’S A HEALTHY WEIGHT FOR YOU? Find out your BMI with this online tool: martinhealth.org/bmi . Nine months after having sleeve gastrectomy surgery, Joshua and Alex were well on their way to living a healthier life: They each had lost 140 pounds! WATCH OUR INTRODUCTORY VIDEO at martinhealth.org/bariatrics as Richard Follwell, DO, Martin Health Physician Group surgeon, describes morbid obesity and the surgical options used to treat this disease. Then submit our online form. To speak directly with our bariatric nurse, call 772.223.4969 or email BariatricWeightLossSurgery@martinhealth.org . GET STARTED.