David Diaz’s story is a powerful reminder of what’s possible when personal determination meets the right care. After undergoing weight loss surgery, he didn’t just transform his health; he reclaimed his future. Read the story in his own words.
My name is David Diaz. I’m 5’6” and, not long ago, I weighed 495 pounds.
Everything changed during a visit to my primary care doctor. She knew how much I love my daughter—she’s all I ever talked about in our appointments. One day, she looked at me and said, “David, if you want to see your daughter grow up, graduate, and maybe even walk her down the aisle one day, you need to lose weight.”
That conversation hit me hard—and it changed everything.
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From that day forward, I followed every recommendation she gave me. That’s how I met Dr. [Makram] Gedeon, a man I truly credit with saving my life. He might say he was just doing his job, but to me, he’s one of my heroes.
One year later, at 50 years old, I now weigh 187 pounds. I feel healthier than I’ve ever felt in my life. My bloodwork is excellent, I’m no longer pre-diabetic, and I’m so active that I honestly feel like a teenager again (no joke!).
From the bottom of my heart, thank you to Dr. Gedeon and the entire team at Presbyterian Hospital in Westchester.
You gave me my life back—and more importantly, the chance to be there for the moments that matter most.
If you’d like to learn more about weight loss surgery and the care our team provides both in New York City and the surrounding areas, click here to get started.
Related:
- A Patient’s Guide to Weight Loss Surgery
- From Surgery to Social Media: How Dani Found Strength, Support, and a Fresh Start by Sharing Her Weight Loss Journey
- Understanding BMI and BRI: A Q&A with Columbia’s Bariatric NP Gio Dugay