Sharon Z. "I am a different person than I was 20 months ago, inside and out."	Richard C. "My health is great now — no sleep apnea, gout, or diabetes and my blood pressure is perfect."	Sandy C. "This surgery has changed my life and brought me so many blessings, I would do it over again, no question."	Rita E. "My closet is full of clothes of every color of the rainbow. I don’t have to worry about if the color will make me look too big."	Carl J. "I can now make it to the top of the stairs faster than some of the younger police officers, AND breathing normally."
Amy M. "I am proud of my accomplishment and that I addressed the problem before it got even worse."	Rosa F. "When I made the decision to have LAP-BAND surgery, I never expected so many changes to happen."	Amanda S. "It goes without saying what my life was like 120 pounds heavier. I had no life."	Cathy K. "For the first time in my life, I know I will never put my weight back on and I do not feel like I am on a diet."

It goes without saying what my life was like 120 pounds heavier.  I had no life.  I did not want to go out in public ... I felt like everyone was staring at me.  I had no social life.  For many reasons, I never wanted to go out with my friends.  I didn't have any clothes to wear ... men wouldn't give me the time of day ... I hated my life ... I did not feel comfortable in my own skin.  I am a teacher and I couldn't even do my job to the best of my ability -- I could hardly move and I sure couldn't teach -- or move around the room and play with my students on the playground.

My LAP-BAND journey has been one of the easiest things I have ever done in my life.  It is the first time in my life that I have not felt like I was on a diet.  And believe me, I have done them all -- twice!  I could always lose the weight, but I could never keep it off.  I needed help and the LAP-BAND has given me that.  Help.

The LAP-BAND has given me my life back.  I now go dancing with my friends.  I love to go shopping.  I love to run and play with my students on the playground.  I can tie my shoes and paint my own toe nails!  I wear "normal" size clothes, go all kinds of places and never wonder if I will be able to fit in the chair, and yes, I am getting looks from men.

Food does not control my life any more ... I eat to live and don't live to eat.  I know now that it is okay to leave food on my plate.  Food does not control my life anymore and it never will again.  Going out to eat is a totally different experience for me.  I go out now -- not for the food -- but for the company and the conversation.  This is a journey, and I am loving every minute of it!

I had my surgery 13 months ago and have lost 120 pounds.  My LAP-BAND surgery was a breeze.  I was in surgery at 8:00 a.m. and was home by noon the same day.  I was shopping two days later!

I go to a support group twice a month and I believe this is very important.  It is wonderful to talk to people that are on the same journey as me, and I check in with Dr. St. Laurent once a month and get my band adjusted as soon as I start to feel hungry.  My LAP-BAND is a tool and I have to "work it."  I believe that the reason I have done so well with the LAP-BAND is because of my doctor, the aftercare program, and my support group. 

The LAP-BAND is the best thing I have ever done for myself. This is my life and I am now in control.