We are constantly being inspired by our dedicated patients and their amazing transformations. Hear from some of them below on how they’ve achieved these feats and how their lives have changed since beginning their weight loss journey.
In September 2021, I was struggling with severe health issues and weight gain. After seeing Dr. Abbas, he quickly developed a plan to fix my pain and perform a gastric bypass, which also helped me lose weight. Nine months later, I’ve lost 100 pounds, going from 287 to 187, and I’m off most medications. My energy and mental health have soared, and I’ve gone from a size 44 waist to a 34. Thanks to Dr. Abbas and his team, I’ve got my life back.
Years ago, I struggled with a hiatal hernia, high blood pressure, pain from arthritis, and issues with my feet due to my weight. I decided to see Dr. Abbas, and after discussing my options, I underwent gastric bypass surgery. Since then, I’ve lost 79 pounds, going from 222 to 143 pounds. My blood pressure has dropped, and I’ve reduced my medication from 50 mg to 25 mg. Thanks to Dr. Abbas and his skilled team, I feel healthier and more optimistic about living a long, active life. If you’re hesitant, don’t be—just focus on getting healthy.
I moved to Florida in 2018 weighing 496 pounds, dealing with health complications like blood clots and deep vein thrombosis. After a failed lap band surgery, I found Dr. Abbas in Jacksonville and decided to undergo a duodenal switch surgery in June 2020. Since then, I’ve lost 302 pounds and never felt better. I’m mobile again, the swelling in my legs is gone, and I can enjoy hobbies I hadn’t been able to do for years. Choosing this surgery was one of the best decisions of my life, and Dr. Abbas made it all possible.
After years of struggling with weight loss and managing diabetes with 13 medications, I reached a breaking point when my doctor warned I would soon need insulin if my numbers didn’t improve. This motivated me to explore bariatric surgery, and after meeting Dr. Abbas, who explained everything in detail, I decided to move forward. I had the surgery on April 8th, 2021, and since then, I’ve lost over 100 pounds, reduced my medications to just three, and my diabetes is under control. At my heaviest, I weighed 309 pounds, and by my one-year anniversary, I was down to 198 pounds. Bariatric surgery has transformed my life, giving me more energy and better health, and I’m incredibly grateful for the decision I made.
My name is Jessica Williams, and on December 24th, 2019, I had weight loss surgery with Dr. Abbas. In early 2019, my highest weight was 535 pounds, and today, I weigh 234, losing about 301 pounds. I know there’s no way I could have achieved this with diet and exercise alone—I needed help. It’s so important to stay positive, despite people who may say you “cheated” or didn’t do it the “natural” way. This is a complete life change, and surgery is just a tool. I was recommended to Dr. Abbas by my heart doctor, and when we met, we instantly clicked and created a plan. Now, I have so much more energy—I’m up at 7 a.m. every day and go nonstop until bedtime at 10 p.m. I love the added bonus of buying new clothes that actually fit and look cute. Staying motivated, positive, and having the right support is key, and I try to stay off social media to protect my mental health through the process.
My name’s Alisha, and I began my weight loss journey on June 10th, 2021. At my heaviest, I weighed 334 pounds, and I struggled with daily pain and limitations, avoiding flights and theme parks. After meeting Dr. Abbas, I decided to undergo surgery. The first month was tough, but it’s been the best decision I’ve ever made. Today, I weigh 186 pounds, having lost 148 pounds, and I can keep up with my grandbaby and do things I couldn’t before. Dr. Abbas has been amazing, and with the support of my family, I’m happier and more active.
My journey began in 2015 when a devastating flood in South Carolina displaced me and my six children, leaving us with nothing but the clothes on our backs. At the time, I weighed 287 pounds and turned to my faith for guidance, praying for help with my health and happiness. After moving to Jacksonville, Florida, I tried the Lap-Band procedure, hoping it would be a quick fix, but it didn’t work. That’s when I realized that mind over matter was key. Dr. Husain Abbas from Memorial Advanced Surgery helped me revise my surgery and gave me the support I needed to restart my weight loss journey.
In 2014, I was diagnosed with thyroid cancer and struggled for years to manage the weight I gained during treatment. Despite eating well and exercising, nothing seemed to work. After seeing multiple doctors, Dr. Abbas was the first person to truly listen to me and understand my struggles. He explained how my metabolism was damaged by my cancer treatments and suggested gastric sleeve surgery as a way to reset my body. I had the surgery in December 2018, and just a few months later, I reached my goal weight. Three years later, I’ve successfully kept the weight off, and I’m forever grateful to Dr. Abbas for his care and dedication. He’s not just a surgeon but someone who truly invests in his patients. If you’re hesitant or scared, trust me, you’re in great hands with Dr. Abbas.
At 62, I was struggling with my weight, nearing 250 pounds, and dealing with borderline diabetes and high cholesterol despite trying everything. I also had a bulging degenerative disk in my lower back. After discussing it with my doctor, I decided to pursue bariatric surgery to avoid becoming more unhealthy. I was referred to Dr. Abbas, who guided me through a year of tests and appointments before I had gastric bypass surgery on November 13, 2019. Now, a little over a year and a half post-op, I’ve lost 88 pounds and remain committed to my follow-up appointments with Dr. Abbas, who continues to support me. His care has been a key part of my success, and I truly believe staying under his guidance is essential to keeping the weight off.
Dr. Abbas saved my life! In 2019, I weighed 339 lbs and was taking ten different medications. Now, I only take vitamins. At my last weigh-in at Dr. Abbas’s office, I was down to 200 lbs. I can move so much better, and everyone tells me how great I look. I went from wearing a 5x jacket at work to a medium-sized blouse, and now I don’t worry about whether event t-shirts will fit. I swim regularly at the gym, and my fat mass has reduced by 51%, while my BMI dropped from 54.31 to 35.4. My glucose is now 78, and I’m no longer on medications, including Metformin, which I used to take for years. I also learned that acid reflux, which led to Barrett’s esophagus, could have been life-threatening. I’m beyond grateful that Dr. Abbas was my surgeon!
My name is Donita (Dee Dee) Evans, and on November 22, 2017, I received life-changing news: I was approved for bariatric surgery! After struggling with my weight for most of my life, reaching over 500 lbs in 2017, I knew I had to do something drastic. I had tried every diet and home remedy, but nothing worked long-term. I was in constant pain, had difficulty walking, and was struggling with depression. Determined to change my life, I researched my insurance options and was surprised to find that my weight loss surgery was covered. I chose Dr. Husain Abbas at MASJax, who believed in me from the start and supported me every step of the way. On December 29, 2017, I had a gastric sleeve surgery that changed my life. By June 2021, I had lost 337 lbs, dropping from over 500 lbs to 163 lbs. I feel blessed, amazing, and like I’ve been given a second chance at life. No regrets, no complications, and I’m forever grateful for Dr. Abbas’s guidance and care.
I started my journey of weight loss many years ago after leaving a 4 year toxic relationship that was filled with mental and physical abuse. I lost who I was as a woman and a human being. I lost my confidence. When I finally got to my breaking point to wanting this surgery I was on my way to 300 lbs. I started working with Dr. Abbas in October 2018 and surgery took place on January 30, 2019. I knew once I had this surgery I was never going back to that size or weight again. In a year I went from wearing a size 20 to wearing a size 5. I went from weighing 276lbs, to losing a total of almost 140lbs. I took this opportunity to show the world, friends, family, and anyone who is going through what I went through it’s possible by competing for the Ms. Florida North America title. And GUESS WHAT I did it!!! I am veteran of the United States Navy. I am 37 years old and mother of a beautiful 11 year old girl name Peyton.
I am very happy with the outcome of the surgery. Overall the surgery has been a great tool for me to make healthy lifestyle changes. I am very pleased I chose Dr. Abbas to do the surgery. As a self pay patient I had the option to choose anyone in my area, I definitely made the right decision with Dr. Abbas!
Robert and Lisa Matzen together have lost a total of 125lbs since July 2019 (Robert 70lbs and Lisa 55lbs).
Logan had Gastric Sleeve surgery on 5/1/2019 and has lost a total of 89lbs as of 9/24/19.
Marie had Gastric Sleeve surgery on 11/26/2018 and has lost a total of 66lbs as of today. Her start weight was 261lbs and her current weight is 195lbs.
Linda had Gastric Bypass surgery done in August 2023. At her 3-month post-op appointment, she was down 40 lbs.
She has lost a total of 74 lbs. Her starting weight was 201 lbs and she is now 127 lbs.
“I always lived my life hiding behind my weight, but since having surgery I’ve learned to love myself again. My advice to anyone is to trust the journey.” Rosa had Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy surgery on 2/10/21 with Dr. Abbas. She has lost a total of 81 lbs as of today. Her start weight was 230 lbs and her current weight is 149 lbs.
Autumn Edwards had the sleeve done in April 2021. She has lost 119 lbs. Her start weight was 361 lbs and is now at 242 lbs.
