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."

Richard C.

When I was younger, I was a big guy but very athletic –so I played football. As I got older, I got bigger and bigger. About 4 years ago, I went to get my annual check-up and the doctor told me that I had atrial fibrillation. My weight made this genetic condition worse because my heart was working overtime to pump blood and soon became enlarged. In 2006, I started looking into obesity surgery because I weighed 330 pounds and had sleep apnea, high blood pressure, and borderline diabetes.

I started researching weight-loss facilities around the country, and went to about 10 to 12 seminars in one year. I talked to the doctors after their presentations to learn as much as I could. I was looking for a doctor that inspired confidence and knew without a doubt what he was talking about. That's when I found Dr. St. Laurent. I liked how he handled himself at the seminar, how people in the hospital treated him, and how he treated his patients.

After consulting with Dr. St. Laurent, I chose to have the sleeve gastrectomy based on my lifestyle since I do a lot of traveling in my work. Before surgery, I was very impressed with the staff – they were very courteous and interested in me.

Since my surgery, I have lost weight very quickly. I didn’t feel like I needed to eat big portions anymore, even during the holidays, I ate everything I wanted (in less quantities, of course). I just wasn’t as hungry anymore. Now, I live vicariously through the food shows on television and, when I get hungry, I just eat half a cucumber and I'm fine. It’s amazing how food changes for you. Eating for nourishment becomes your priority, rather than emotional or comfort eating.

My life after surgery has changed so much for the better. My health is great — no sleep apnea, gout, or diabetes and my blood pressure is perfect. I get around easier, my joints feel better and intimacy with my wife has greatly improved. I can fit into clothes again that I wore 8 to 9 years ago.  Reactions to my weight-loss are very positive — people actually call me handsome. Needless to say, my increased self-esteem is an unanticipated benefit!

I won't kid you, it was hard at the beginning. This is not an easy way out. After surgery, you have the same mind but a different body so you have to retrain yourself.  But with all the positive things that have happened, I wouldn’t think twice about having the surgery again.