Dr. Marema and Dr. Perez - Ft. Lauderdale

HI! I have an appt. with Dr. Perez in August. I am having a consultation with him regarding my RNY that I had done in 2001 in Reno, NV where I used to live. I have started putting the weight back on that I lost. I am concerned that something besides poor eating habits is wrong. I know that I haven't been following the 'rules' but I wouldn't think that the weight would come back like it has. Does anyone have anything to tell me about Dr. Marema or Dr. Perez? I have looked at the 'Find a Doc' section but would like more info. Thank you!

Carolyn, Dr. Marema did my surgery in 2001 and I highly recommend him. I live in Tampa, but after doing much research decided Dr. Marema was, for me, the best bariatric surgeon in Florida. I have had no complications whatsoever. I am, however, struggling with weight gain, but it is due only to my poor choices and eating habits. Plus, after having had my heart ripped out of my chest a year ago by one of those testosterone-laden, two-legged animals, I started drinking .. alot. I was reluctant to go and see Dr. Marema because of my weight gain, but finally did so in May. While I knew exactly how much weight I had gained before I ever stepped into Dr. Marema's office, somehow it's just different when the DOCTOR'S scale registers a 36-lb. weight gain. Ugh! When he walked into the room and said, "How are you?" .. I said, "Fat!" .. and he said, "Don't say that." After reviewing my chart, he told me that I'm still at 80% loss and in the bariatric book I'm still considered a "success." We talked about my food choices and eating habits, and he ever-so-gently nudged me back on track. He was never condescending nor accusatory. Dr. Marema had the surgery himself, so he knows all too well what "we" go through. Since seeing Dr. Marema in May, I have tried to mend my broken heart and close a chapter of my life that should've been closed long ago. I think I'm FINALLY there (maybe ... almost) and in fact on Monday vowed not to drink anymore and stay on the protein and water wagon .. and this week I've lost 7.5 lbs. I WILL stay on this path .. the only stronger conviction I have at the moment would be to dismember the testosterone-laden, two-legged animal that got me to where I am. Strangely, if you read my profile, it's the same person that was the inspiration for my weight loss .. oh my how things change. At any rate, Dr. Marema and his associates are very competent physicians and I'm sure he will accurately evaluate your situation. I'm not at all saying that your weight gain COULDN'T be caused by a problem with your original surgery and that you may indeed need a revision ... but I DO want to take this opportunity to tell each and every pre-op and new post-op that might be reading this ... no matter who your doctor is ... please ... PLEASE ... realize that this surgery is just a tool ... nothing more. It is not some magical, mystical avenue by which to shed hundreds of pounds and keep them off if you don't do some major behavior modification .. before, during AND after ... your surgery. Losing the weight is the easy part .. keeping it off is the same struggle it has always been. Before I get flamed, I want to stress that I'm only speaking for myself here .. these are just MY opinions and MY experience. I think it takes a lot of guts to come here and talk about regain ... pre-ops don't want to think about it and new post-ops in the "honeymoon phase" can't even fathom it. But as a long-term post-op, believe me when I tell you that regain is very real and can, and DOES, happen .. and I doubt very seriously I'm the only long-term post-op dealing with the issue. Best of luck to you ... and to answer your original question ... Dr. Marema and his associates are great! Linda

Hey Linda--Weren't you gonna attend the Orlando event? Were you there and I missed you?

lynda, i was at city walk friday night but didnt hook up with any wls'ers ... long story somewhat related to this post ... have been in a wls funk ... email me if you want details linda

I do not know about them, however, I had surgery in 1999 and have gained back 47 pounds. The gain has been from poor eating habits and NO exercise. Trust me there is nothing wrong with the surgery. Yes weight gain is possible if we do not follow the proper eating habits and continue to exercise. That is why I am taking advantage of this 3 day weekend to get myself and my husband (a diabetic, who has not had the ssurgery) back on track. Remember the surgery fixed our stomachs not our heads. Sorry to say we are our own worst enemies when it comes to eating and exercising. Hope this helps.