Danil’s Weight Loss Story:

A Life Altering Decision

“Constant back pain, exhaustion, and a deep self-loathing became my everyday reality.”

Let me introduce myself. I’m Dan, a proud father of two sons, four dogs, two cats, and one bearded dragon. Oh, and I have a wonderful wife too. As a nurse practitioner specializing in gastroenterology, my life took a significant turn two years ago, thanks to the incredible Dr. Abkin and Dr. Jawed. Today, I’m here to share my life-changing story with all of you.

At the age of 42, I weighed 260 pounds and was on the brink of becoming insulin-dependent due to my diabetes. I struggled with high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and sleep apnea. My triglycerides were consistently high at around 2000, and my liver was enlarged and fatty, with early stage fibrosis. Constant back pain, exhaustion, and a deep self-loathing became my everyday reality.

It wasn’t an overnight realization, but a lifetime of being told I was overweight that led me to despise myself. I experienced countless ups and downs, attempting various diets and weight loss methods. Each time, fleeting success would be followed by long-term failure, causing my weight to spiral out of control along with the number of medications I relied on. Though I was aware of the option of bariatric surgery, being a gastroenterologist myself, I had previously scheduled one five years ago only to back out a week before the surgery. I had lost around 20 pounds through dieting at that time, and I foolishly believed I could continue on my own without the surgery. I was wrong. Not only did I fail to maintain the weight loss or adopt a healthy lifestyle, but none of my health issues improved, and I was still dependent on nine medications.

“Once I realized and accepted what it would take, I made a life-altering decision.”

Drinking and drugs were never vices of mine, but I found solace in food. Eating became my crutch and coping mechanism for managing stress. The more stressed and miserable I felt, the more I turned to food for a fleeting sense of comfort. Countless nights were spent tossing and turning in bed, unable to sleep, until I would finally give in to the urge to raid the fridge. I was desperately seeking positive emotions, and eating was the only thing that provided a fleeting illusion of happiness.

At the age of 42, I came to the realization that if I continued down this path, within a year, I would likely be dependent on insulin, experience my first heart attack, and possibly not live past the age of 50. Depression had consumed me, robbing joy from every aspect of my life, including my work and family. I had lost touch with who I was. It was clear that something had to change. So, I picked up the phone and scheduled an appointment to meet with Dr. Abkin.

I understood that bariatric surgery would provide me with a tool for lifestyle change. However, I also recognized that for real change to occur, I needed to transform myself and the way I approached every aspect of life. I had to change the way I managed stress, perceived myself, ate, and exercised. Once I realized and accepted what it would take, I made a life-altering decision.

“I discovered that I needed to learn to love myself, something I had never truly known how to do.”

On December 2, 2020, I underwent gastric sleeve surgery.

That day marked my rebirth. Just a month later, I stepped foot into Power House Fitness gym for the first time. I didn’t care about my appearance or how much weight I could lift, nor did I worry about anyone’s judgment. I went there for myself, to rebuild who I was, and I succeeded.

I discovered that I needed to learn to love myself, something I had never truly known how to do. Whatever I did, I had to do it for myself, not to please others. I no longer allowed the opinions of others to dictate my self-worth. Only my own perception of myself mattered, and I began to see myself as a success, not a failure.

It wasn’t about meeting a deadline or reaching a specific weightlifting goal. It was about improving my physical and emotional well-being. The gym became an outlet for managing stress. Setting small achievable goals and accomplishing them gave me a sense of pride. I meticulously tracked my food intake, steps taken, flights of stairs climbed, and calories burned. I planned ahead and established a routine that I faithfully followed. Day after day, week after week, month after month, these healthy habits became second nature to me. Any setbacks I encountered were overshadowed by significant successes. I refused to let myself stay down. I picked myself up and kept moving forward. By focusing on realistic and attainable goals, I built a foundation of positivity and success, rather than succumbing to misery and fear of failure.

Throughout this journey, Dr. Abkin, Dr. Jawed, and their staff provided unwavering support and guidance. Four months after my surgery, I joyfully went shopping for new clothes. Six months later, I bid farewell to all my medications. I hadn’t required them since the day of my surgery, but it was after six months of successful blood work, confirming that I was no longer diabetic and had healthy lipid and cholesterol levels, that I confidently discarded them into the garbage. The CPAP machine soon followed suit.

Two years later, Dr. Jawed helped me tighten a few wrinkles and loose skin from my belly.

“I have found purpose once again. And now, I am eager to share my story with all of you.”

Today, at the age of 45, I can confidently say that I am in the best shape of my life. I feel great, and my depression is a thing of the past. I have found purpose once again. And now, I am eager to share my story with all of you.

I want you to know that there is hope! There is a way! It may not be easy, but we are often unaware of our own capabilities until we take action. If you have the willpower, you will discover the way forward. Don’t make excuses anymore! Don’t wait for a specific date to start, like the first of the month. Start now! Begin making changes today!

Dr. Abkin and Dr. Jawed, you have saved my life! You have given my wife her husband back, and my children have their father again!

Remember, this is not a race. There’s no deadline to meet. It’s a lifelong journey, and you must take it one day at a time. You can do it! Do it for yourself, just like I did.

Call 973-410-9700 or contact us online to get started on your journey!

1 reply

AP says:
June 29, 2023 at 10:17 am

Great Job Danil! Your story is a testament to what can be accomplished with the proper tools, expertise and determination to succeed. Your story should inspire others to change their life. Thank you for sharing!
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Dr. Abkin is a master at his craft…

“Dr. Abkin was so friendly and explained each procedure thoroughly. I never felt forced or not heard, which really made me feel very comfortable with going forward with the surgery. Well a year later and I’m reflux free and still losing weight and extremely happy with all my services from him and his staff! I have referred him several times to my friends and co workers and will keep referring him!”

Jennifer

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Danil’s Weight Loss Story:

“Constant back pain, exhaustion, and a deep self-loathing became my everyday reality.”

“Once I realized and accepted what it would take, I made a life-altering decision.”

“I discovered that I needed to learn to love myself, something I had never truly known how to do.”

“I have found purpose once again. And now, I am eager to share my story with all of you.”

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Dr. Abkin is a master at his craft…

Samantha

I feel like a new person…

Allison

The best choice I’ve made…

Judith

A life-altering decision…

Danil

Enormously thankful and forever grateful…

Nicole

Still losing weight and extremely happy…