May 2, 2013

At 26-years-old, Moriches resident Kim Sikes realized it was time to pursue a healthier lifestyle. She weighed nearly 400 pounds and had Type II Diabetes, high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol and sleep apnea. She was told by her doctors she would not live to see age 30 if she continued her lifestyle.

Following her doctor’s advice, Ms. Sikes did diet, losing 90 pounds, but unfortunately gained it all back. She later needed to have her gallbladder removed, which for someone who is obese can be a life-threatening procedure.

“It was then I decided this was enough. I was no longer willing to put my life at risk, said Ms. Sikes. “I decided to look into bariatric surgery.”
As part of her research, she met with Jonathan Klonsky, MD, affiliated bariatric surgeon at Good Samaritan Hospital in West Islip. He explained her options including gastric bypass, gastric banding and sleeve gastrectomy. Ms. Sikes decided on the gastric bypass procedure, designed to reduce food intake when diets and exercise have failed. Gastric bypass also can greatly reduce the number and severity of health problems associated with being overweight.
Five months after her surgery, Ms. Sikes now exercises six days a week, runs marathons and enjoys doing the things she was never able to do. Most importantly, she is no longer diabetic and has no other weight related health issues.

“I have lost 180 pounds since having gastric bypass surgery five months ago. I know with behavior modification, exercise and support from my surgeon, personal trainer, family and friends, I will live a long and healthy life while enjoying everyday,” said Ms. Sikes.

Bariatric surgeons at Good Samaritan have been performing weight loss surgery since 2003 with excellent outcomes, and among the lowest number of readmissions and reoperations nationwide. A recognized Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence by the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, the medical center adheres to strict guidelines, participates in outcome-measurement programs and supports quality improvement initiatives.

For more information on Good Samaritan’s award winning Bariatric Surgery Program, call (631) 376-4444 or visit www.goodsambariatricsurgery.com.

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Colleen Valdini,

Public & External Affairs Manager

(631) 376-4483