Dr. Werner Andrade, a general and bariatric surgeon with Tenet Florida Physician Services and on-staff at Hialeah Hospital and Marcelino Valdes, a patient of Dr. Andrade’s who lost over 100 lbs. since having bariatric surgery last year.

My whole life I have been a professional singer, but when I began to tip the scales above 300 lbs. it became hard for me to perform at my best. I had diabetes, high blood pressure and sleep apnea. I took insulin and a lot of pills. A friend of mine had weight-loss surgery with Dr. Werner Andrade and was very happy with the progress she made under his care. Sometimes word of mouth is impactful, so, I made an appointment to see Dr. Andrade. I’m glad I did because today I weigh over 100 lbs. less than I did before having surgery. Most importantly, I have been able to keep the weight off by sticking to guidelines suggested by Dr. Andrade and his staff.

I’m in great health after having weight-loss surgery performed by Dr. Andrade at Hialeah Hospital. Today, I’m glad to say I only take one medication for neuropathy, but, not every day, only when I need it. I don’t have to take insulin any more. My blood pressure is now under control. I followed up with everything Dr. Andrade told me to do, I did everything he said and followed his guidelines and today I’m benefitting from his care.

I had to take control of my weight. At one time prior to surgery with Dr. Andrade, I weighed 309 lbs. and today I weight just 205 lbs. I have been as low as 195 lbs. But, today, I normally fluctuate between 197 and 205 lbs.

One of the main benefits enjoying is the fact that I can walk six or seven miles without any struggle at all but that was not the case before I had weight-loss surgery. I can run too but I walk because that is what’s really best for my health. Dr. Andrade is very knowledgeable and listening to him, following up with his care, has changed my life. In my opinion, weight-loss surgery wasn’t hard to get through, as I was amazed the day after surgery, the nursing and physical rehabilitation staff had me up and walking around the hospital. I had the mindset and the thinking that I wanted to do this for myself and future health. Because of that I think the surgery was no problem for me. I kept telling myself, think positive, you can do it.

Today, over a year after having weight-loss surgery with Dr. Andrade I still feel great. I spend a lot more time in front of the mirror. Before getting help with my weight loss from Dr. Andrade, my pants size was a 42. Today, I wear a size 32. It’s hard to imagine that I lost 10-inches off of my waste but I did. Now, when I go shopping, I can buy anything I want. I’ve definitely become more fashionable. Lastly, I look forward to getting back on stage and singing. I want to see how much better I sound and am able to connect with the audience being 100 lbs. lighter on my feet.

  • This testimonial reflects results achieved by this patient. As each case must be independently evaluated and managed, actual weight loss will vary.
  • This surgery is designed for those with a body mass index equal to or greater than 40, or equal to or greater than 35 with serious co-morbidities