Weight-Loss Surgeries, Skin-Tightening Procedures Translate into New Year, New Bodies for 2 Queens Women

Sacara Wilson, of Rosedale, Queens, and Niyoka Morgan, of Corona, have successfully lost a combined 140 pounds after each underwent gastric sleeve surgery – the most popular form of weight-loss surgery – at LIJ Forest Hills.

“The surgery involves removing a portion of the stomach, which reduces how much food you eat at a time and it also reduces your desire for food,” explained their surgeon, Allison Barrett, MD, director of bariatric surgery at the hospital.

The patients have enjoyed countless health benefits since opting for bariatric surgery in 2015, such as a decrease in blood pressure and joint pain along with a spike in energy level. That’s especially important considering both have young children.

However, there was one significant drawback: Rolls of excess skin that hung from their abdomens were a constant reminder of their former selves and posed a real risk.

An often overlooked (by patients) downside of weight-loss surgery, those remnant folds of sagging stomach skin can leave patients in physical (chafing, rashes) and emotional (embarrassment, lack of confidence) pain.

“Emotionally, as a woman, it was very draining,” said Ms. Morgan, who lost more than 80 pounds. “Every time I looked down, it was there, like a constant nightmare.”

On January 6, both women underwent an abdominoplasty (a.k.a. tummy tuck) to combat their abdominal overhang.

“It’s probably the most common procedure in body contouring following massive weight loss after weight-loss surgery,” said their surgeon, Neil Tanna, MD, a board-certified plastic surgeon at LIJ Forest Hills.

The three-plus hour surgery involved the removal of excess skin and fat from the middle and lower abdomen along with the tightening of abdominal wall muscles and liposuction to help trim and smoothe out love handles. Upwards of eight pounds of abdominal skin and fat was surgically removed from each woman.

Now, they’re embarking on the New Year as new and improved versions of themselves.

“In the past, I’d shop online. Now, I can put myself out there,” explained Ms. Wilson. “I look forward to actually going into stores and trying on clothes.”

To find out more about the comprehensive bariatric surgery program at LIJ Forest Hills, which offers care before, during and after surgery, including medical screening, help with insurance approvals, nutritional guidance, post-surgical care and support groups, call 718-830-4093.