We at the NJ Bariatric Institute are proud of our organization and its success. Our PATIENTS ARE our success. We know how much effort goes into the life changing decision to seek bariatric surgery. That decision is made daily by people just like you. We would like to introduce you to a sampling of our group. These are regular people, not paid actors or fictional people. They are real, and have made life changing decisions. They choose to share their stories as a way of “giving back” and to spread the word to other “regular people” that it IS possible to overcome the prison of your weight.
NOTICE: None of the people featured here are paid for their services. They are not employees of the NJ Bariatric Institute. Their appearance is with permission, and completely voluntary. NJBI
Here are Real Life Success Stories:
Click the picture for more details.
Chef
This Chef owns a restaurant and cooks six days per week. He was 150 lbs. heavier when he decided to change his life. He went to Dr. Nicholas Bertha and had bariatric surgery. He tells all, that will listen to his miraculous transformation and the healthy and happy life he now lives. In his own words, being health “is your choice”!
Samantha Ciampi
I have always struggled with weight. I felt I was never an average size around my peers. When I got to my highest weight at the age of 18 I knew I had to do something.
I wanted to be active and social with my friends but I felt embarrassed to show my face. In 2009, I met Doctor Bertha. I got the lap band done losing over 100 pounds, than in 2015 I got sick. Doctor Bertha found out that my band had slipped. He immediately took action and removed the band. I was disappointed in myself and scared I would gain the weight back. I did gain 50 pounds back. But, Doctor Bertha reassured me that once I healed and if insurance would cover it, he would do the sleeve. In 2016 I got approved and had the sleeve done. I have never felt better!
I recommend Doctor Bertha to anyone that is struggling. He has always been compassionate and understanding. I cannot thank Doctor Bertha and his team enough! THANK YOU, THANK YOU!
Alan Stern
“The doctors told me I had Metabolic Syndrome!!
For the first 50 years of my life, I may have enjoyed living just a little TOO MUCH!
Admittedly so, I had eaten and drank to excess a little more than I should have, for a little too long.
The onset of Type 2 Diabetes and the complications surrounding it, had me obese, on 13 oral meds and 5 insulin injections per day — not to mention a recent Angioplasty and Stent insertion procedure, to clear a blockage in my artery.
I was admitted for Bypass Surgery in December of 2009, more than 100 lbs overweight with a BMI of 39. It seemed that for years now, the more meds I took, the more weight I gained. I was bloated, always physically tired and my body felt like it was giving out. I was eating to support my meds and when I tried dieting under medical supervision, I became Hypoglycemic. I felt like I was eating my self to death. The year it took to qualify for Gastric Bypass Surgery by my health insurance plan was agonizing, but well worth the results.
Three days post surgery; I left the hospital off insulin and have not had another injection since. Today, almost 3 years later, I am still off insulin, down to 3 oral meds per day and have lost and kept off 100 lbs and have an excess of energy. The Gastric Bypass surgery was a modern day miracle for me, which no doubt saved my life and allowed me to complete a metamorphosis back to physical health and a healthy lifestyle. While I’ve had to re-learn how shop for food, cook and eat, it has been an incredible journey — one that I recommend for anyone to consider with obesity issues beyond control.”
Andrea Barnacz
“After contemplating having the surgery for 3 years I finally made the decision to follow through and attend a seminar. In Dec 2007 I gave birth to my son and ended up in ICU with a hematoma on my liver due to severe pre-eclampsia and HELP syndrome. At my 6 month follow up they thought I had metastatic disease and sent me for a liver biopsy. Turned out I had a severe fatty liver (NASH) as well as hepatic adenomatosis. So not only having 3 different liver issues, high blood pressure and high triglycerides, my glucose was now rising as well. I knew in order for those numbers to come down, I needed to lose weight. I tried numerous diets only to lose and gain the same 15 lbs. On September 10, 2012, my life changed forever. I’m currently 6 months out and 17 lbs from my goal weight but will be VERY happy if I maintain where I am at now. I can not THANK Dr. Bertha enough for this life altering change and a new life being healthier and around for my son!!!!
THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!!”
Robyn Pistilli
“I am a type 1 diabetic for 33 years. I had severe insulin resistance and taking prescription meds for many co-morbid health problems. High blood pressure, Cholesterol, sleep apnea, depression, etc, etc. I was taking 160 units of insulin a day and was over 300 lbs. I had been told for quite a while that having a child was not a possibility for me. Within the first weeks of surgery I was taking only 30 units of insulin a day. No more sleep apnea, high cholesterol, blood pressure. They were gone and so were prescription drugs for them. Though it was risky to happen so fast, 6 months after surgery, surprise!!! I found out I was pregnant. Last week I gave birth to a healthy 9 lbs., 2 1/2 oz. baby girl named Katherine Hope. She is perfect and the biggest blessing of our lives. We chose the middle name Hope right away because it fit perfectly. Without the gastric bypass surgery and the great help and support I received from Dr. Bertha and his team my life felt Hopeless. Now we have been blessed with Katie HOPE!! My life has turned around full circle and I no longer feel trapped in the body I had. It was hard to make the decision to do the surgery. I struggled and struggled to commit to it, but in the end it was the greatest commitment I ever made.”
Grace Phillips
“I have struggled with weight since I was a baby. After spending my life trying different tricks and solutions, Dr. Bertha was my answer! I began my my journey looking for a doctor that I felt comfortable with. Dr. Bertha was so patient with me and very sensitive to my fears and concerns. My lap-band has given me a new life full of energy and excitement! I went from getting out of breath from going up a flight of stairs to running in 5Ks as a hobby!”
Thank you, Dr. Bertha!
Mike Steinhardt
“My name is Michael Steinhardt and in 2003 I decided to have Roux-N-Y gastric bypass surgery. Initially I had serious apprehension about taking such a life altering course but my family Doctor told me that if I didn’t do something soon and significant I would begin to develop all kinds of obesity related health issues such as high blood pressure, diabetes, joint problems, and even heart disease. I had lost weight before but it always found me again somewhere down the road. I knew I had to make a major step in my life if I wanted to be healthy.
After extensive research I decided to meet with Dr. Bertha and his staff. They were very honest with me and very reassuring through the entire process. The initial adjustment post op was a bit tougher than I first expected but when the pounds flew off and I really started to feel better, I knew I made the right decision. I was so impressed by how well I was cared for that one year later, when I developed a hernia due to totally unrelated causes, I asked Dr. Bertha to perform that surgery as well. I recommended gastric bypass surgery to a close friend and after serious consideration he opted for the same procedure. He is about 6 years post op and also doing quite well.
Nine years have passed. I feel that the operation gave me a second chance and I am so glad that I decided to do this.”
Best Regards,
Mike Steinhardt
Anthony Polo
“For me this surgery was a miracle in my life. It gave me the opportunity to exercise and become fit again and have quality of life. I wish I had done it sooner, but better late than never. While I’m sure there are many doctors qualified to perform this procedure, I am thankful that Dr. Nicholas Bertha was my surgeon. From the confidence he instilled in the initial consultation through the step by step education of his professional staff and his post-surgery follow up and analysis of blood work for vitamins, minerals and all the important quality checks, I can’t imagine there is anyone better than Dr. Bertha.”
Sincerely,
Anthony Polo
Alexandra Bickel
“Before surgery I was very overweight. I had mental and physical health concerns that were affecting my life. I was tired all the time, I was lethargic and it took allot of energy to do things. My joints in my knees, feet and back were starting cause problems with day to day activities. I suffered from acid reflex to the point where the inflammation in my esophagus was so bad that I needed medication. I was also suffering from headaches at a more constant rate. And the amount of fat in my blood was at a high rate. I was also becoming very depressed. I would look in the mirror and cry at who I saw in the mirror because the person I saw in the mirror was not the me I know I could be. I felt that I was unlovable, that no one wanted to be with me because of my weight, and I was treated differently because of it.
When I brought these problems to my doctor she told me my life was in danger. She said that I was borderline diabetic, and that if you did not change soon I would be on a lot of medication for my problems. She mentioned the surgery as an alternative, at first I was wary of this option, thinking I could lose the weight on my own with diet and exercise. But it was unsuccessful because I could not stick to the diet long enough; it would last about a month to 2 months and then I would stop. I tried a couple of different kinds of diets: slim fast, paleo, weight watchers (twice), lean cuisine, dietary supplements combined with exercise two to three times a week. But again I was going nowhere, and finally decided enough was enough and started to look into the surgery.
I asked my doctor for a recommendation for weight lose surgery and she suggested Dr. Bertha. His website’s home page was very informative, and encouraging. The first thing you notice is the question; “Are you ready for a Change?” and this question is very important. It lets you know that this is a serious decision and if you are not ready you don’t have to go any further, but that they have information to help you make that decision. Going to the seminar was also very helpful in helping confirm my decision to get surgery.
I decided on the gastric sleeve procedure. It has been one year since my surgery and I do not regret my decision at all. I have lost over 100 pounds, and feel great. I have more energy to do day to day activities, and do more in the day without back, knee or foot pain. I can control my cravings and the portion size of my food. I eat healthier, and encourage others to do the same when they eat around me. My headaches have disappeared and my acid reflex has subsided to almost nothing with only the occasional flare up only when I attempt spicy food. I have in increase in self-esteem, where I am proud of the way I look and I am happy with myself and not afraid to show it. Sometimes you don’t realize it but people treat you differently when you are overweight, and I defiantly noticed this after my surgery and have arrived at my goal weight. I found that people are willing to give you more of a chance when you’re not over weight. Even though this breakthrough is hard to accept, it does happen. Dr. Bertha gave me back my life. He gave me the chance to be the person I always knew existed inside of me. I would recommend Dr. Bertha for anyone who wants to make a change, who is determined to become a better person and a person who wants to live for tomorrow and fight for their future.”
Robert Sharrer
“Can’t thank Dr. Bertha and the entire staff at both his offices including The Florham Park Surgery Center. Incredible people who truly care about their patients. They made me very comfortable throughout the process and handled all of the details with precision and ease. I’m only 12 days after the surgery but already seeing significant results. Work the plan, stay the course and success in guaranteed.”
“Thank you again to everyone at both locations, your amazing!!!”
Maria Catana
“I am a type 1 diabetic for 33 years. I had severe insulin resistance and taking prescription meds for many co-morbid health problems. High blood pressure, Cholesterol, sleep apnea, depression, etc, etc. I was taking 160 units of insulin a day and was over 300 lbs. I had been told for quite a while that having a child was not a possibility for me. Within the first weeks of surgery I was taking only 30 units of insulin a day. No more sleep apnea, high cholesterol, blood pressure. They were gone and so were prescription drugs for them. Though it was risky to happen so fast, 6 months after surgery, surprise!!! I found out I was pregnant. Last week I gave birth to a healthy 9 lbs., 2 1/2 oz. baby girl named Katherine Hope. She is perfect and the biggest blessing of our lives. We chose the middle name Hope right away because it fit perfectly. Without the gastric bypass surgery and the great help and support I received from Dr. Bertha and his team my life felt Hopeless. Now we have been blessed with Katie HOPE!! My life has turned around full circle and I no longer feel trapped in the body I had. It was hard to make the decision to do the surgery. I struggled and struggled to commit to it, but in the end it was the greatest commitment I ever made.”
David Gambuzza
“I was almost 300 lbs my cholesterol was thru the roof,my triglycerides were off as well. I attempted all the conventional diets but nothing worked, I sat in one of the seminars and new that this was my last hope. I had the gastric sleeve surgery, everything went smooth and was released from the hospital the same day. I knew it was going to be the start of a new life, i attended the monthly support groups watched what i ate followed all the guidelines took all the supplements and not 10 months later i have lost a total of 115 lbs. I feel great look great and my health has improved immensely.
I thank Dr Bertha and his team for the support they give and like he says he gives you the tool it’s up to you how you use it.”
Joyce Scalley
“WEIGHT LOSS SURGERY SAVED MY LIFE!
At 39-years-old, 5’3″ and 220 lbs and steadily gaining, I was on a fast track to disaster! I was not always overweight, but after 3 pregnancies in 5 years, I had gained 98 lbs and totally lost all control! I was on 8 medications for everything from diabetes, depression, insomnia, high cholesterol, high blood pressure…. you name it! I had tried EVERYTHING to lose weight… and then came DR. BERTHA!!! I had RNY Gastric Bypass surgery March 2011 and have since lost 90 lbs!!!! I am down from a size 18 pants to a size 6!!! I am off of ALL MEDICATIONS!!!
This surgery has given me an amazing tool to regain my life! It is a life-long journey which I take day-at-time, and throughout the ups and downs, Dr. Bertha has been there for me all the way!!!!”
Eleanor
“Before having my surgery in August of 2007, I was 260lbs and sometimes more. I tried every diet out there. From Weight Watchers, Herbal Life, Slim Fast, the Fen-Phen diet and Jenny Craig. By the time I researched the lap-band diet and Dr. Bertha, I had developed high blood pressure, sleep apnea and on my way to other health issues.
Prior to my surgery, I was wearing a size 24 or 26 women plus sizes. I now wear a 14 or 16 misses, can cross my legs and walk up and down the stairs without getting out of breath. I now weigh less then 200lbs for the first time in over 20 years. Finding Dr. Bertha and having this surgery has been the best thing ever for me!!!!”
Matt Jones
“I have struggled with weight since I was a child. I lost the weight in my teenage years with much of diet and exercise. I was up and down in weight throughout my early 20’s. I was happily married at 25 and slowly began to gain weight. I tried diet after diet. I spent many a morning at the gym. After 20 years of marriage I had gained over 100 lbs and ballooned to 160 lbs. by the time I was 45. I suffered from diabetes, sleep apnea, constant acid reflex, as well as plantar factitious. And constant joint pain. I felt like I was 45 going on 70.
It all culminated when I has a stress test. (I was so tired. I had to take a nap I the middle of the day to function) I was not prepared for the news I received from the cardiologist. He told me that my blood pressure shot up to 200 over 100 with little exertion. He feared that I was in the beginning stages if an enlarged heart.
My doctor referred me to Dr Bertha. After a free information seminar, I scheduled a consultation with Dr Bertha. He was so encouraging! He spent the time to discuss my situation and unique needs and advised roux n y gastric bypass. He put no pressure on me he but offered a path to renewed health though gastric bypass surgery. He renewed my heart with hope that life was far from being over. I did not have to settle for the poor health and limitations i was living with! I had the gastric bypass procedure one month later on August 31, 2010.
I must admit the first few days I asked myself “What did you do?”
I was never in all out pain, but I was uncomfortable, especially the first week. It is surgery. there is a recovery period. By the end of the first week I said “I can do this”. After the first month I said “I’m so glad I did this!”
I lost weight very quickly. By march I was down to 170 lbs. I am still the same weight 20 months later. As soon as I had clearance, I began to exercise more vigorously again.
This past spring of 2012, I finished Shawn T’s Insanity program and I ran in the 5k Lincoln Tunnel run! I now feel like I’m 47 going on 28!
Diabetes, gone! Heart troubles, gone! Sleep apnea and acid reflex gone! Even the damage to my eyes from the diabetes reversed itself!
What do I attribute this great success to?
First and foremost, God’s blessings.
Second, the finest Bariatric Dr. and medical group in the world that covered everything from insurance to support groups to nutritionist! They were there to help me with every question, and walk me through every difficulty.
Third, I followed the rules. Vitamin supplements, exercise, plenty of water and protein, eating slowly and thoroughly and not over stuffing my new stomach.
Last, I did not wait until I had done irreparable damage to my body.
The journey has had some challenges along the way. . . Nothing I wasn’t able to handle. They were also short lived. It certainly has not been a free ride. I still watch what I put in my mouth. I still must exercise good judgment and yes, sometimes I fail and give in. Dumping syndrome takes care of those moments quite effectively!
I am eternally grateful to Dr. Bertha for the happy and healthy life I had almost gave up on.”
Marc Luliani
“First – I cannot begin to thank Dr. Bertha and his team for the amazing transformation that I’ve gone through in the past 13 months. I have contemplated surgery for quite some time until I finally decided to take the first step and schedule a consultation back in mid-2015.
Dr. Bertha came as a recommendation from my wife’s co-worker. My wife and I visited with Dr. Bertha and I immediately knew that this was the person that I wanted to perform my surgery. The staff was amazing and very accommodating, compassionate and sensitive to the road I was about to undergo. My surgery was completed on September 21, 2015 and I weighted 342 lbs. the morning of the surgery. I opted to go with the gastric bypass surgery. I began to second guess myself as it got closer to the date of the surgery, but after having a conversation with Dr. Bertha – he reinforced my decision.
Dr. Bertha, never once made a suggestion or recommendation – he asked specific questions that made me answer my own question. The hardest part of the transformation was the first 2 weeks, but as long as you follow the rules, and know what to expect – it becomes very easy. The staff at NJ Bariatric Institute provided a great deal of information leading up to the surgery so expectations were set properly up front.
I’m happy to report 13 months later – I am down 155 lbs., and have made significant improvements to my life. I’m able to enjoy time with my 4 yr. old daughter. Where I’ve previously been tired after 3 minutes, I can now enjoy hours of playing soccer in the front yard or at the park and can now interact with her on the swings. There has been a significant amount of QUALITY time now spent with my family. Going on rides at amusement parks where I wasn’t able to do so prior to the surgery. This has honestly been the best decision that I’ve ever made in my life. It has given me my life back.
One thing I would highly recommend to anyone that will make the decision to move forward is to exercise through the course of the weight loss. Not only will this help your weight loss, increase your health and metabolism, but will dramatically have a positive impact in tightening your body during the transformation. Positive reports as a result of the surgery: No more medications (Blood Pressure), No more Sleep Apnea, Life Insurance went from $290/month to $77, My health “numbers” went from high in total cholesterol, LDL, Triglyceride, and Glucose and low in HDL to normal in every area. I couldn’t be happier with my results in every area. People that haven’t seen me since before the surgery do not recognize me . . . I’m constantly getting compliments and am being told that I’ve been an inspiration for them to lose weight and get healthy.