The Making of a Model
J. Rene Castle

Before

After

Rene Castle from Hollywood is a slender businesswoman in her early forties who models on the side. Looking at Castle and her partner, Charles Billie-Hiers, one would never imagine the life-altering surgery both underwent just a few years ago. Billie-Hiers lost 150 pounds after having bariatric surgery in 1999, going from 385 to 240 pounds. After attending support groups with Billie-Hiers for over a year, Castle began to consider the surgery as well. "I was 230 pounds and 5 feet 2 inches," says Castle. "After hearing all the information and seeing the support Charles received after his surgery, I knew I wanted to see the same results for myself."

Castle chose Norman Samuels, M.D., medical director of the Surgical Obesity Program at Plantation General Hospital. "He was Charles’ surgeon," she says. "I was impressed that patients follow up with the surgeon, nutritionists, and psychologists regularly after the surgery. Dr. Samuels and his staff truly care about their patients."

Her surgery was performed on October 2nd, 2000, and within 14 months, she had achieved her goal—losing 100 pounds. "I feel and look better, and I've had the confidence to do things I couldn't do before, like go to modeling school and audition for commercials," says Castle. "I now know that anything's possible, and I recommend Dr. Samuels and Plantation General Hospital to everyone considering the surgery."