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My name is Cindy and I had Lap-Band Surgery 16 months ago, and I have lost 108 pounds so far. And it has really changed my life, I’m much active than I used to be. I feel so much better, I have much more energy, I can do all the things my kids always wanted to do. And I just feel so much better. My husband can put his arms around me now. And life is just great.

Being the fat person that I was, I mean you do obsess about food. It’s hard to go on a diet and try to restrict the amount of food I can eat, because yeah it’s all you think about, when do I get to eat again, when do I get to eat again. Lap-Band has gotten me past that. So that now eat everything that I want to, like they told us in the beginning. It was never a diet; it’s a change in how much you eat. So it can help me get past that, I was never able to do that before on my own. So now this does help me limit the amount I can get on my own in a nice healthy way. I try to eat better; I try to do what they tell me to do. I have more meat, less carbs and things like that. Eat more vegetables, so I do try to eat a lot better than I used to. But it does help me maintain those portions that I need, and it also makes me feel full longer so that I’m not hungry all day long.

I work from home on a computer all day long, my company is in Florida. And I can just snack all day long, because there wasn’t anything else to do. You know you eat when you’re bored, so now I don’t have that need anymore because I’m not hungry all day long. So it has really helped with that.

Video Transcript

Hi my name is Gareth, I had Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass 13 months ago. My total weight loss today is 120 pounds.

Before I had the surgery, I suffered with type 2 diabetes. I had very high blood pressure. I’m a soccer coach and a referee and I had trouble with the knee joints. Just basic pain from even laying down or exercise, whatever. Since the surgery, I am now not diabetic. My blood pressures runs at about 110 over 60 each time I have it checked. So all the medical problems seem to have gone away.

I get over things like colds a lot better, a lot quicker. I don’t pick up silly illnesses I used to pick up. I obviously don’t take any medication apart from the occasional headache medication, Tylenol, ibuprofen. My life now is completely different. I’ve been overweight since I’ve been nine years old. I weigh lighter now than I did when I was 12. I’m fitter now at 50 than I ever was as a teenager. Life is just so much better.

This is probably the best decision I’ve ever made to have this surgery. I have spent all my life struggling with weight, and anybody else who suffered the way I have being overweight and all the other things that associate with it. This is probably the best thing you could do. Maybe not the same surgery that I had. And I would categorically recommend this, to do this surgery. So if you’re contemplating it, you really need to do this surgery.

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My name is Mike. I had the gastric sleeve surgery approximately ten months ago. I’ve lost around 155 pounds so far and still losing and feeling better. Well, some of the problems I had were bad knees, shortness of breath sometimes you know – working out.

I also have a little girl who just turned two and I want to be more healthy for her so I can play with her and be around for her. Those were the main issues – and of course looking better. That’s definitely a positive now.

Since I’ve had surgery, knee pain is gone. Change in diet, I’m eating a lot more fruit. Its weird, I’m eating things I used to not like. Like fruit, vegetables, things of that nature. Kind of off soft drinks all together, overall diet has improved by far. Feeling better and better every day. I would say absolutely, I would do it all over again. Every time, yes sir.

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Hello, my name is Christina. I had the Roux-en-Y procedure about 6 years ago and I’ve lost a little over 125 pounds.  I used to work in the apartment industry and I was required to walk flights of stairs and being that heavy, over 250 pounds, by the time I got to the third flight of stairs of the touring apartment it was pretty hard to talk much let alone breathe at that point. Once I had the surgery I saw a huge difference with being able to move and walk and breath. I really realize how miserable I was, before it never really hit me.  And I saw huge changes just six months after surgery.

For people that are looking to have weight loss surgery, I would tell them that it is a huge commitment, it’s a life long commitment and it’s a tool.  And you have to make the choice of weather you want to use that tool.  But I would definitely do it again and I would recommend it. If it’s the right choice for you to definitely look into it.

Teri:  Hi I’m Teri. I had my surgery not quite a year ago, I had to do a duodenal switch and I’ve lost 153 pounds so far.

Before surgery I had sleep apnea that was my main problem. I also a condition called sarcodosis which effects the lungs and I was short of breath I had trouble breathing and I had two small children that were very hard to keep up with. I really wanted to improve my quality of life for them – to be around for them. I am a single parent so it was hard to consider weight loss surgery wondering how it would affect my family if something happened and the complications. But I am a registered nurse and I felt that it was important to do something proactive to be there for the long term for them.

There have been many positive aspects regarding the surgery. For the first time I understand what it feels like to be full. Before I would just eat and eat and it was a way of coping and now physically I can only eat so much and I have to stop and I realize how much I was really overeating. Basically medicating myself with food it was a way of stress management for me. If I had a bad day or if something was going on in my life I would turn to food and that was my coping. Now I might go for a walk or go do some retail therapy but it might be at like a thrift store or something like that not to an extreme. Or spend some time with the kids and do other activities. The good part is I’m really more focused more on my nutrition and making sure that I get my protein in and having more of a well balanced diet.

With the surgery I am forced to think about those things were as before it was just doing a diet that type of thing you could always maneuver around it and find ways to sneak things in. But it is very important to realize that you have to for the rest of your life watch your protein, watch your vitamin intake, you have to realize this is a life changing thing but you have to be responsible and be ready to do all those things when you make that decision.

Alma: Hi, my name is Alma I had lap band surgery almost a year ago and I’ve lost 101 pounds. Prior to my surgery I was borderline diabetic, I had hypertension that was getting progressively worse. I also was having a lot of joint problems, especially in the knees and hips, and now that’s all been resolved since the weight loss.
I had a lot of trouble getting around, especially climbing stairs and that sort of thing and I was very short winded and just out of breathe a lot and had very low energy.
Yes I definitely would do this again and my advice would be anyone who is morbidly obese to go see the doctor particularly Dr. Stewart.
My advice would be to anyone who chooses to do this is to follow their program explicitly I think that’s the key to the success that I’ve had. Doing exactly as they told me.

One year ago right about now, I was being wheeled into the OR to have my Gastric Bypass done.  How much a year has changed!  Thought I may wish to have lost a little more this year, 93 lbs is nothing short of a miracle.

Being down to about 170 – 175 range is a miracle to me.  I wanted to send you and all the staff there a big thank you.  I was looking at pre opp pictures of myself last night to make a little “No Snacking” sign (I thought that would be a good deterrent to stick that on the fridge door”…and I almost cried!  I have attached a before and after photo here, and just looking at this I can tell how much healthier I am.   I truly believe this has saved my life, and all of you at the office deserve a big

Thank You.  Not only for the surgery, but for answering any questions I might have, and always being willing to help.

Weight Loss Surgery Date – 2003

My Experience with Dr. Stewart

My first impression of Dr.Stewart was that this was a man that knew his stuff. He is obviously well-skilled in his field. He is soft spoken, but does not have a problem with explaining everything to you in great detail. His office staff is amazing. They are all super nice and really want you to acheive your goals. He has a great aftercare program, complete with a nutritionist on staff who is very nice and so helpful with all of our food questions. Dr.Stewart has left no stone unturned as far as explaining the surgery step-by-step and going over every risk. I have never had more faith or more confidence in a DR than with Dr.Stewart. While in the hospital, he would explain what should be happening each day as far as my walking endurance, what I could expect to eat (or not eat which is really the case) and pain management. I will recommend Dr.Stewart to any and everyone, without hesitation!!!! I’m so thankful that I found him. He has given me a new lease on life!!!!

My Journey

September 16, 2003

I had my surgery on the 8th. I’m so glad that it’s finally over and that I’m on the road to recovery. I’m actually doing really well, pain is gone, and I’m walking almost 2 miles a day. Can’t wait to see the numbers on the scale go down and to really start feeling healthy.

May 9, 2004

I know I haven’t been good at updating my profile. Now, 8 months later, and 141 pounds GONE, I’m doing beautifully. I have lost over 125 inches, 10 dress sizes, but gained so much in self confidence and happiness that I wish I had done this years ago!!! I’m hoping to get down to at least 200 by the end of the year and get pregnant with my second child. Life is GOOD!!!!

August 15, 2004

I’ve had a new picture added–I’m now down to 235 pounds. That’s 165 pounds gone forever!!!!!!!!!!! My weight loss has slowed down, but not stopped, and I’m still losing inches. I’ve had to buy so many new clothes here lately, it’s just not funny. This year has been such a whirlwind for me. We went to Disney for a week and a half in March and it was amazing. Rode every ride and not once did I complain of being tired or my feet hurting. Then in June we hit Six Flags–again, rode every ride and had a blast. Then in July we visited Hurricane Harbor. How nice it was to walk around in a swimsuit and play in the water with my daughter and husband. I’ve done things this year that I haven’t done in 15 years, and it’s so amazing. I’m so grateful for the chance to have my life again.

September 1, 2004

My one year anniversary is only 7 days away and I just found out that I’m 6 weeks pregnant!!! We are so thrilled. I’m excited to have a pregnancy where I’m not 350 pounds. This pregnancy should be a lot more enjoyable for me. My due date is April 25, 2005–a Spring baby!!!

December 24, 2004

Another year almost gone. I am 6 months pregnant and we just found out it’s a girl. No more weight loss lately, but no gain either. Baby is developing great and I have this cute little baby belly to prove that I’m pregnant (unlike my pregnancy 10 years ago when I was 350lbs and NO ONE could tell I was pregnant).

May 2005

I gave birth to a beautiful, healthy baby girl on April 14th. Her name is Rachel Grace, she was born weighing 6lbs 12oz and 18in long. She is absolutely perfect and the love of my life. I have already lost 15 pounds since having her, and find that I’m eating much less than when pregnant, which is good. I’m anxious to get back to losing more weight and going back to work looking better than ever. Of course, this means I’ll have to buy MORE clothes………oh well!!!!!!!!!!

Dr. Darrel Stuart from the Weight Loss Specialists is a quiet and gentle doctor. He is reassuring and easy to make peace with during nervous times.

Had open RNY on Dec 17th, 1998. Weighed 332#, since then I have lost 115# and have never been happier. I lost 12 inches off my waist and chest. I can now for the first time buy anything off the rack at the store to wear and not pay the higher prices.

4/7/04
I am 5+ years post op and still weigh #215!!!