“The lap band has given me back the confidence that I had lost many years ago.  I would like to thank Dr. Aguila for my new lease on life.”

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.

Like so many others, my weight was a struggle my whole life.  I was a chubby as a child and grew up believing that was normal.  As a teenager and young adult, I became complacent and allowed myself to rely on food for comfort and rewards, to the point that it was controlling me and I had lost my willpower.  For many years, avoided cameras, mirrors, shopping with “the girls”, and anything that involved wearing a swimsuit.  I had stopped truly living my life but the sad part is, I didn’t realize it.  Sure, over the years I tried different diets, even losing some weight and feeling pretty good about myself at times, but it never lasted.  I spiraled into a depression about my weight, which just made things worse.  For my 30th birthday, my husband and I went to the Biltmore House in NC.  We had a wonderful time but when I saw the pictures from our trip, I was mortified!  I was heavier than I’d ever been in my life!  I knew then and there I had to get healthy. I thought, “am I going to be 40 wishing I had done this 10 years ago?”

Right from the start Dr. Aguila put me at ease with his demeanor and knowledge.  At my first appointment I came into the office with three pages of questions.  Dr. Aguila was so patient with me and addressed every one of my concerns thoroughly. He took excellent care of me during and after my Nov 2007 surgery. I moved from the Tampa area last summer but make a point to see Dr. Aguila whenever I’m in town because I don’t trust any other surgeon more than him. Tina has been a wonderful source of information and guidance, having had Lap-band herself.  She is always ready to take care of me and answer any question I have.  Honestly, I when I walk in the office, I feel as if I have a whole squad of cheerleaders there cheering me on to my success!

I would like to thank Dr. Aguila and the entire team for helping me to begin a brand new life. I had the surgery on February 28, 2008 and I have lost 70 lbs. I feel absolutely wonderful and I have personally sent 6 new patients to begin the process of changing their lives through this magnificent experience as well.

I hope to someday go into this website and be able to read my success story because thanks to Dr. Aguila, that is exactly what my story is; a true success story.  My only regret is that I did not have the surgery done 10 years ago!

Angela has lost 186 pounds so far with LAP-BAND

Hello Everyone,

It has been one year today since my lap band surgery November 1, 2007. At the time of my surgery I was tipping the scales at close to 350 lbs.

Today, one year later, I am down to a much more healthy 225 lbs.  I still have a bit more to go to reach my goal. This year has been full ups and downs, sadness and now new found happiness. A year later I am just thankful to be healthy and to be back here at home in Orlando . Thank you all for your support this year.

I wanted to share some pictures with you all. Enjoy tell me what you think?

Everything went well with my lap band surgery, I would do it again.  Dr. Aguila and his staff have been very good to me and helped me with my transition.