Father and son duo, Clifford and James “Scotty” Daniels, are almost certain that bariatric surgery at CentraState saved their lives. Clifford, a Neptune resident who was diagnosed with diabetes at 27, had watched his weight climb to 435 pounds over the years. He experienced neuropathy in his legs and toes and required multiple shots of insulin daily. “I knew that I had to make some major changes if I wanted to live into old age,” says Clifford, now 74 and retired. He underwent gastric bypass surgery performed by Seun Sowemimo, MD, medical director of CentraState’s Bariatric Surgery Program, in 2013. He’s since lost 150 pounds, maintaining this weight loss through diet, exercise, and regular aerobics and pool Zumba classes at CentraState Fitness & Wellness Center. Now at 285 pounds, Clifford has diminished his dependence on insulin from five shots a day to just one. Plus, as an avid fisherman, he’s able to enjoy this favorite pastime with greater ease.
Like Father, Like Son
James was inspired by his father’s success. At 479 pounds, he knew his health was also in jeopardy if he didn’t act soon. In 2019, he had gastric sleeve surgery, also with Dr. Sowemimo.
Since then, James has lost an astounding 250 pounds through his strict adherence to the whole-food, plant-based diet Dr. Sowemimo recommends, along with a disciplined gym regimen. The Monmouth County Building and Grounds supervisor can now get in and out of his vehicle and climb ladders easier. He shares the many benefits of his new life on social media, letting those interested in weight loss surgery know that they should consider the long game.
“It’s really about lifelong wellness,” he says. “If you keep at it, the results will come.”
“James portrays the realities of a sustained weight loss journey in an accessible way that encourages others to change their lives for the better,” says Dr. Sowemimo. “One person can create a domino effect that improves the health of generations.” James is grateful that he was able to share the experience with his dad. “We lean on each other to maintain our progress,” says James. “I have so much life ahead of me now, and much more of it will be spent with my dad by my side. I wouldn’t trade this experience for anything.”
For more information about bariatric surgery at CentraState, visit centrastate.com/bariatrics or call 866-CENTRA7 (866-236-8727).
