“It’s a beautiful change. You will be able to enjoy a lot of things.”
Like many people living with obesity, Hussein was suffering from a number of obesity-related medical issues. However, it was his three daughters that were the driving force to make the life changing decision to have a gastric sleeve surgery.
“Before (gastric sleeve surgery) I couldn’t play with them, I couldn’t do a lot of activities with them. I was alway tired and was never in the mood, even if it’s early in the day”
Hussein had extensively researched gastric sleeve surgery and clinics for 9 to 12 months prior to his surgery. Initially he was considering having the procedure done overseas, but after considering the pros and cons, he decided it would be a safer choice to have the procedure in Ontario due to its world class medical care and experienced surgeons.
During his research, Hussein had discovered that 360 Sleeve was one of the leading gastric sleeve clinics in Ontario, with astonishing reviews. “After I read about the 360 Sleeve team, I knew [360 Sleeve] was the perfect choice for me. There was nothing even close to it.”
“I was so comfortable and welcomed, everyone was so helpful. Any questions that I had, they were able to answer right away.”
When asked about his experience with 360 Sleeve, Hussein said, “I was super nervous [about having the surgery] but as soon as I walked into the reception and met all the staff [the nervousness] was gone. I was so comfortable and welcomed, everyone was so helpful. Any questions that I had, they were able to answer right away.”
After the surgery, Hussein lost 141 lbs. At his highest weight before surgery, he was 307 lbs and his waist size was 48; he is currently 166 lbs and his waist is size 30. “I can go [shopping] anywhere and try clothes off the rack, and it fits me.” He has a big collection of new suits that he looks and feels good in.
It has been a huge lifestyle change, living a more active lifestyle and working out 6 days a week. “I can run for 12 km, I’m squatting 350 lbs, I’m deadlifting 400 lbs. I cried the first time I squatted holding a 15 lbs dumbbell.”
Hussein is now making better food choices, but doesn’t feel like he needs to restrict himself from his cravings. “If I crave pizza, I’m not going to prevent myself from having it. I’ll have it once a month or so. If I crave baklava, I’ll have one every few weeks.”
“This past summer [my family and I] went to Vancouver for the first time. We did mountain zip lining, and a lot of physical activities.” It brought so much joy to him and his family to be able to experience these activities together.
Hussein’s best advice for anyone who is considering having gastric sleeve surgery is to only consider having the surgery when you are ready to be dedicated to the new lifestyle change.
“It’s a scary thought, but what comes afterwards is what matters.” The only regret Hussein had was not having the surgery sooner. “It’s a beautiful change. You will be able to enjoy a lot of things.”