West Georgia Health

I had struggled with my weight since third or fourth grade. Throughout high school and college, I lived on diet pills and was constantly trying to lose weight. By the time I reached my 30s, I was 235 pounds and wearing a size 20. In addition, I developed a thyroid problem that made it even more difficult for me to lose weight. Deciding to get the LAP-BAND® System was the best thing I’ve ever done. I wish I had done it 10 years ago.

I'd do it again tomorrow. The best part has been what it's done for my health. I was on 11 different medications for my various health problems. Now I'm down to three. My acid reflux and sleep apnea are completely gone and I have been able to cut the doses of insulin for my diabetes in half.

Jeff
Columbus, GA

Being drastically overweight, I had tried everything. I wanted to lose the weight and looked into all the options. I felt the gastric bypass was too drastic a surgery but I knew I needed to do “something big”. When I heard about the LAP-BAND®, I knew immediately it was perfect for me. I understood that the LAP-BAND® System would help me lose weight through a new lifestyle, that included reduced food intake BUT without the starvation and depravation. And, I thought it was great that, if I got pregnant or was ill, all the fluid could be removed and I could have a temporary “regular” stomach again. It seemed like a no-brainer. Now, three and a half years after LAP-BAND® Adjustable Gastric Band surgery, I am a totally transformed person! The LAP-BAND® System changed my life…and, I don't feel deprived - I feel alive!

Robin

Being overweight most of my adult life, I thought I had grown comfortable with my size, but as the years went by, my body became a burden. At 345 lbs, I had developed Type II diabetes. As a result, I had to take medication four times a day and developed diabetic neuropathy in my fingers and feet. My doctors told me that any quality of life would only last for the next 8-10 years - all because of my weight. My only option was permanent weight loss. Because the LAP-BAND® System is a less invasive surgery I had a small recovery time and experienced little discomfort. It's the best investment I ever made. A year and a half later I went from 345 lbs to 212 lbs - I lost 133 lbs! I don't have to take any medication for diabetes anymore. Because of my weight loss with the LAP-BAND® System, I am now able to live life again, instead of just existing.

Alan

After years of yo-yo dieting, gaining back even more weight every time I quit, I gave up. At 304 lbs, I thought I was out of weight loss options. From my nursing experience, I knew the risks associated with gastric bypass, and wasn't willing to take them. Then I learned about the LAP-BAND® System weight loss surgery and I knew right away it was the best choice for me. Since my surgery in 2003, I've gone from a size 30 dress down to a size 14. I feel so great about my decision, my positive lifestyle changes, and even better about my results. Best of all, I look like a new woman and I'm in control of my life!

Amanda

I've struggled my whole life with my weight, like many of you. My father is a doctor, and he watched and supported me through all of the diet plans, none of which I could stick to long term. The minute I went off the diet, the weight would come back, and then some. Physically, I suffered from knee and back pain, chronic GERD and asthma. Emotionally, I felt isolated. My dad is the one who introduced me to the LAP-BAND® System, and encouraged me to really take it seriously. I learned that I was ready to and willing to commit to a new lifestyle, and that the LAP-BAND® System was right for me. I was scared at first that I would fail again - but I had the support of my dad, the advice and help from my nutritionist and surgeon who monitored me very closely. Pretty soon the weight started falling off and before I knew it, I had lost 110 lbs! I've never looked back - my LAP-BAND® System keeps me in control of my life and my lifestyle, and I'm healthy and happy, at last.

Rebecca