Before & After Photos
LAP-BAND® Patient Leon, lost 100+ lbs:
"When I was considering having the LAP-BAND procedure, I was on the fence, primarily because of the financial hardship. I had no insurance coverage and the total costs for the surgery and the hospital would have to come out of my personal resources. After interviews with Becky (RN), and Dr. DeBarros, I decided to go through with the procedure. In retrospect, it was the best thing that ever happened to me. I feel better now than I can ever remember in the past, I'm doing stuff that I never imagined I would do, and I am enjoying life to the max! And now, I'm on a protocol of minimum medications, greatly reduced from what I used to take.
I wanted to personally thank Becky, Dr. DeBarros and Dr. Orris for helping achieve this amazing weight loss!"
LAP-BAND Patient Dee, lost 50+ lbs:
Click on the link to see Dee's story and blog about being the WINNER of the LAP-BAND Giveaway in Februrary 2011!
LAP-BAND Patient Jennifer, lost 88 lbs:
"I was stuck in a rut and wanted to feel better about myself. I also was having some health problems (sleep apnea, pre-diabetes). Now that I have lost 100 pounds, I am exercising for an hour daily and am training for a sprint triathlon. I like myself in a bathing suit again! I am dating. I feel HOT!"
LAP-BAND Patient Paula, lost 254 lbs:
"I finally reached my breaking point with the physical distress and emotional pain I suffered from the immense shame and embarrassment I experienced with being nearly 400 pounds. With great trepidation, I finally reached out of my comfort zone and attended a free seminar on at the Weight Loss Institute of Arizona. It was by far, the most courageous decision I had made in a long time. I am so very glad I did. My life has changed drastically. Nearly all my medical ailments have been eliminated. I no longer have serious high blood pressure issues, cholesterol numbers are good, and my joint and back pain has subsided. I no longer use a cane in order to walk. I'm ecstatic to be able to perform the simplest of tasks, such as tying my own shoes. Oh the joy! With the LAP-BAND, and of course, the full support of the staff at WLIA and that of family and friends, I am alive today! I am healthy and have all kinds of energy. I feel great! I walk, play, laugh and dance! I look great! I love life again! I love me again!"
LAP-BAND Patient Sue, lost 95 lbs:
"I had my Band unfilled after 2 years because I have reached my goal!! Yipppeee! I lost 95 pounds, and went from a size 22 to a size 10. I look and feel GREAT! Thank you Dr. Orris – you changed my life! The Band really works. Be patient and keep the end goal in mind – it IS worth it!"
LAP-BAND Patient Jessie, lost 70 lbs:
"For a couple years prior to weight loss surgery I did not have much of a life. I spent the majority of time in bed due to severe back and knee pain. I was headed for a wheelchair. In fact if I wanted to do anything such as visit a museum or go anywhere that required walking, I had to use a wheelchair. I avoided going into stores because the pain was so severe. Car trips left my knees swollen and throbbing. Walking from my bedroom to my kitchen often pushed me to tears. I was walking stooped over all of the time and avoiding movement as much as possible. The only time I did not have pain was while lying in bed, so that is where I was most of the time.
After losing weight, my knee pain totally disappeared and only occasionally do I have a twinge of pain. I still have back pain and sciatica, but it is only about 10% of what it was. I cannot walk long distances without rest, but can go to the mall, on outings, etc. without severe pain. My pain meds actually work now and did not really help before weight loss. I have a social life and get out often. I was able to return to work at my business if not full time, at least some hours each day. My depression was lifted and I have an entirely different outlook on life.
I am totally happy I chose weight loss surgery. I had always been able to lose weight in the past but could never keep it off. I never got my weight as low as I did after LAP-BAND surgery. My friends and family have reacted well to my lower weight, though it's a bit of a change for family members to get used to seeing me thin. I feel like having the surgery was the best investment I ever made!"
