Two years ago my life changed for the better and I am so thankful for the tool I received. In January 2018, I had the Gastric Sleeve procedure by Dr. Mathews at Princeton. I was 22 years old, struggling with my weight, and in poor health. For years, I gained an excessive amount of weight and attempted many things to try and lose it. I was never successful because it was all a domino effect – I couldn’t exercise enough because of my lack of energy from being overweight, so then I would get depressed and find comfort in eating, especially overeating. Nothing I did could break the cycle. I had high blood pressure, low vitamin levels, terrible acid reflux, restless leg syndrome, depression, and anxiety. I was taking almost 10 pills a day and close to being diabetic. I was sick and tired of feeling sick and tired, so I wanted (and needed) a change. Through a lot of research, discussions, and prayers, I decided the step I needed to take was weight loss surgery. Not simply for a fix in my size, but for a full lifestyle change. I was finally motivated and prepared to make a positive move to get out of the rut I was in. I knew I wanted to use Dr. Mathews as a surgeon because he is dedicated to his patients, careful and thorough, and his team of nurses are so supportive. The resources at the Princeton Bariatric Center were (and are) so helpful, especially as I began my journey. I chose to have the Gastric Sleeve procedure. Being younger than the typical WLS patient, this was the best option for me and I would highly recommend it to anyone! My life today is so much healthier, brighter, and enjoyable. I don’t have to take as many medications because I no longer have high blood pressure or RLS, my acid reflux is very minimal, and my depression and anxiety aren’t nearly as bad. I can walk a flight of stairs and not lose my breath. I can run around and play with all of the children I babysit.

– Rebecca

You can’t start the next chapter of your life if you keep re-reading the last one.” – Michael McMillian

I had spent my entire life as a person of size and struggled to manage my weight. If you named a fad diet, weight loss medication or exercise program… I had probably tried it!

I had been appropriately counseled by all of my physicians on the need to lose weight which would manage, even possibly cure, the high blood pressure, diabetes and PCOS that were wrecking my body. I am a Registered Nurse and I understood the implications of morbid obesity combined with my family history.

The final straw was when I began to fall. I’m stubborn, so it took three falls to wake me up to the reality that I could not support my 320 pound body. I was only 35 years old and this was a hard pill to swallow.

I prayed for God to reveal the path I should take to reclaim my health and He led me to one of Dr. Mathew’s weight loss seminars. Dr. Mathews answered every question I asked and made me feel at ease. Dr. Mathews’ coordinator, Nancy, explained what my insurance would require and the next several months were filled with doctor’s appointments and evaluations. I received valuable education and support to prepare me for this journey from the Princeton Bariatric Center.

November 21, 2016 is a day I will always remember. I underwent Sleeve Gastrectomy with Dr. John Mathews.

I did not fully realize how the disease of morbid obesity was literally robbing me of joy! I have lost 140 pounds and gained so much quality of life! I remember the first time I bent over at the waist to buckle the strap on my sandal… I didn’t lose my breath and my face didn’t turn beet red!

I will be forever grateful to Dr. Mathews, his office staff and the hospital staff at Princeton Baptist Medical Center for providing such wonderful care and helping me discover a life I never dreamed possible.

Amazingly enough, God led me to work in the field of Bariatrics. I now function as the Bariatric Coordinator at Princeton Baptist Medical Center. I am overjoyed and thrilled to help others struggling with the disease of morbid obesity. I want everyone to know there is hope in bariatric surgery!

– Megan

“I have always had weight issues. I’ve been a high school football coach for 18 years so I was never inactive. Health wise, I didn’t have issues until I was 30 and then it was downhill. In the course of 3 years I was diagnosed with high blood pressure, fluid retention, tendonitis in my feet, arthritis in my knees, and sleep apnea.

“As I said I was active, so all my problems were mostly genetic. No diet or exercise plan worked. At this point, I stated researching the next option. I read about gastric bypass, lap-band and the doctors in the area. After praying and meeting with Dr. Mathews I knew he was the doctor for me. This man has given me the tool to change my life. By doing all I was asked to do (what to eat, how to eat, taking vitamins and exercise) I have lost almost 160 lbs.

“My weight loss has allowed me to enjoy a totally new lifestyle. I can shop in regular clothing stores. I’m not embarrassed by my size anymore. I can go to amusement parks and “fit” in the rides with my kids. I’m comfortable in any confined area (auditoriums and theaters). I haven’t taken any medications or used my C-Pap machine since the day before my surgery. The most meaningful changes in my life were when my daughter hugged me and said, ‘Dad I can reach all the way around you now!’ And I can rock my son and we fit in the same chair. I love my new lifestyle and so does my family. Thank you Dr. Mathews.”

– Brandon

“Thanks to my decision to have gastric bypass surgery performed by Dr. Mathews. I am 4 years post surgery and have had nothing but a great experience. My surgery was April 24, 2008. I know that my decision to have the gastric bypass surgery has saved my life. I lost 205 lbs. in a year after my surgery.

“I began with just walking to the mailbox when I returned home from surgery. Now I have recently run a 50k (31 mi) trail run. I can eat almost anything I want, but just small portions. Dr. Mathews and his staff have been a blessing to me and my family. They have always taken time to answer any questions for me. It has truly been a life changing experience.”

– Patrick