Obesity has become a widespread public health crisis in the United States, affecting individuals of all age groups, from young children to the elderly. This epidemic leads to a variety of severe health issues, including musculoskeletal disorders, respiratory conditions such as sleep apnea, high blood pressure, heart diseases, and diabetes. Obesity can severely limit mobility and diminish overall quality of life.
The 2021 documentary, produced by Java Discover – Free Global Documentaries & Clips (You can follow them on Instagram as @JavaDiscover), explores the obesity epidemic in America. It highlights the struggles faced by millions of Americans dealing with weight-related issues while also offering insight into potential solutions. Featuring Dr. Choi, a world-celebrated bariatric surgeon with over 4,000 successful surgeries, the film explores medical interventions and lifestyle changes to combat this national health crisis.
About Dr. Choi
Dr. Michael P. Choi, a highly regarded bariatric surgeon, is board-certified and recognized for his expertise and unmatched success in various weight-loss surgery procedures. He holds credentials at several prestigious medical institutions, including Broward Health Imperial, Broward Health Medical Center, and Broward Health North.
Dr. Choi is actively involved in the American Osteopathic Association (AOA) and the American College of Osteopathic Surgeons (ACOS), demonstrating his dedication to the highest standards of medical practice and ongoing education. Dr. Choi is licensed to practice in Florida, New York, and California. He has built a reputation as a trusted leader in bariatric surgery, dedicated to improving the lives of his patients through cutting-edge surgical solutions.
Alex Perez’s Life-Changing Journey
Today, Alex Perez is making a life-changing decision: to undergo bariatric surgery.
“Hello, I’m Alex,” he says as he prepares for the procedure that he hopes will transform his life.
“Hello. Okay, Alex.”
“Okay, thank you.”
“You’re welcome”.
At forty years old, Alex weighs three hundred pounds. He is experiencing health issues usually associated with older individuals, such as high blood pressure, sleep apnea, respiratory problems, and muscular disorders, all of which are related to his weight. Stomach reduction surgery is his last hope.
“I’ve never been this heavy, ever,” Alex admits, reflecting on his current state.
His wife, Jasmine, convinced him to take this course of action. She too used to be obese. She had the operation two years ago.
“I was close to getting into the three hundred,” she recalls.
“Yeah, she was a big girl.”
“But it just got to the point where I wasn’t uncomfortable anymore.”
Alex echoes her sentiment: “Which is the point that I’m at now, where I can’t go camping with my son and keep up with him because he’s 150 lbs and he’s a firecracker, so there’s no way I can keep up with him. I can’t do the normal things that a father does. And that’s why I’d say I’m done, I’m ready for this.”
“ How are you doing?”
“Good,” he replies.
“Yeah? How much weight have you lost?”
“About seventy pounds.”
“Seventy?” she responds, amazed at his progress.
“Yeah.”
“I can’t think that, wow.”
The First Meeting with Dr. Choi
The surgeon who will perform Alex’s surgery is Dr. Choi, an expert in treating obesity. Dr. Choi has carried out over 4,000 similar operations. Alex is about to undergo a new procedure for rapid weight loss that does not involve physical exercise or a strict diet. This technique reduces the size of the stomach, helping patients feel full with smaller portions, ultimately leading to weight loss.
During the consultation, Dr. Choi explained, “How tall are you and how much do you weigh, sir?”
Alex responds, “5’ 10’’, 297 pounds.”
“Okay. Perfect,” Dr. Choi replies. ” you’re at a great weight. I’m going to try and go through your belly button so that the scarring is less. My job, Senor Perez, is to cut and remove about 70 to 80% of the stomach. And you’ll be like, ‘But why do you need to remove so much of it and make it look like a banana?’ Because there is this hormone here called ghrelin. And once I do that, my patients tell me they’re not hungry anymore. And then you eat less food because you’re restricting, okay?”
“Thank you, Dr. Choi,” Alex says, grateful for the surgeon’s expertise.
“Not at all. Thank you for allowing me to do all this with me, okay?”
“Of course.”
“You’re helping him out too.”
Preparing for Surgery
Before the surgery, Alex must fast for three days.
“You’ll get to see him in a little bit.”
“Bye!”
Dr. Choi will be performing five similar operations today, all on obese patients. Alex is first on the list.
Dr. Choi asks, “I’m just going to ask a couple of questions, okay? Any medical problems I need to know about?”, Alex responds.
“Nope.”
“Okay, surgeries before?”
“Nope. You’re the first.”
“Okay”
“Questions?”
Alex pauses, then asks, “Is it going to hurt afterward?”
“You might feel some pain after, but I’m going to make sure I take care of you with all the pain meds.” Dr. Choi reassures him. ” But tranquilo, all right, relax. Everything’s going to be fine, okay? I’m going to take care of you, all right?”
The team places the oxygen mask on Alex before administering anesthesia, “We have to give you oxygen for about five minutes before you go to sleep, so just try to breathe in.”
The Surgery Begins
All operations have their problems and complications, but that was explained to him before surgery. He should lose an average of 10 to 15 pounds a month with a possible weight loss of 80 to 90 pounds in one year.
Dr. Choi begins his work on Alex’s stomach. First, he makes an incision to insert a camera. The procedure is done by watching the screen. The surgeon uses two surgical tools to section Alex’s stomach. Here, we see him working these clamps and scissors inside Alex’s abdomen.
After an hour and a half, the operation is over.
The Results: A New Start
“Okay, how are you?” Dr. Choi asks as Alex wakes up from the anesthesia.
“Hey, good good, how did everything go?” Alex’s mom inquires.
“Todo está bien. Todo salió bien. Everything went well, I tested it.” Dr. Choi replies. “He had a really big stomach.”
“Thank you for taking care of my son.”
“Yeah, no problem, I don’t know if he could eat. But I know he can eat wrong.”
“No, no, he could eat. He would put down three plates of food.”
“Yes, he can put down food, for sure.” Dr. Choi agrees. “Hopefully, he won’t be able to put food now.”
“No, no, he won’t be able to. Thank you, again, very much.”
Dr. Choi nods, “George, great seeing you again, thank you, Jasmine, okay?”
With that, Alex begins his new journey, one that he hopes will bring him better health and the ability to enjoy life with his family once again.
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