Mike: LAP-BAND Surgery

Mike has lost 130 lbs.

 

I was 54-1/2 years old and weighed nearly 300 pounds.  I had diabetes, sleep apnea, high cholesterol, Irregular Heartbeat and high blood pressure.  I used a CPAP machine at night and I took daily medication for diabetes, cholesterol and irregular heartbeat.  In addition, arthritis began creeping into my knees.  My quality of life was about to drop like a rollercoaster as it begins its descent. 

Now I have been on all kinds of diets and have lost hundreds of pounds only to gain it all back and then some.  Then I looked into Lap Band surgery with Dr. Aguila and Memorial Hospital of Tampa.  I began the liquid phase on October 11, 2006 and had the surgery on October 26, 2006.  It is now June, 2007 and I have lost 140 pounds to date and am now at my goal weight.

It is like my life has been given back to me.  I have implemented a daily exercise routine of walking, jogging and treadmill.  My diabetes and irregular heartbeat have all but disappeared and I have discontinued those medications.  In addition, my cholesterol medication has been cut in half.  I no longer need my CPAP and my blood pressure has dropped 20-30 points.  I have no discomfort in my knees and I am able to do things again that I had previously taken for granted I could no longer do.

I now feel confident when I go out in public, not ashamed.  I have a whole new attitude about food now.  Food no longer controls my life like it once did.  Previously, a Saturday night dinner at the steak house consisted of an appetizer, salad, 16 ounce steak, baked potato and dessert.  Now, dinner consists of a salad and 3-4 ounce portion of steak.  The appetizer and dessert are past memories and the baked potato and balance of the steak are taken home for 1-2 additional meals.

I cannot say enough about the nice treatment, support and positive reinforcement I have received from Dr. Aguila and Memorial Hospital.  I would recommend Lap Band surgery with Dr. Aguila and Memorial Hospital to anyone who qualifies for this program.  It really works!

Michael A.