It was a struggle through out my life with weight management. Tried all kinds of ways but in vane. When I was younger, my body could manage to handle the excess weight, but as soon as I reached 40, I started getting other co-morbidities. I got Sleep Apnea, was lethargic, and was close to getting hypertension and diabetes. Every year, when I would get my physical, I was scared what disease or health issue is coming next. In 2004, I switched my carrier to pharmaceutical sales. Talking to doctors and reading about different disease states, I got more aware to the disadvantages of being overweight. It was no brainier at that time, that if this is not controlled and I do not reduce weight, I would eventually have more co morbidity’s like Arthritis, diabetes, hypertension which could lead to Cardio vascular diseases and more. That was the time when one of my doctors advice me of the Lap Band procedure. I then attended different seminars and searched over the net and finally decided to get Gastric Lab Band done with Dr Owen’s. I had to struggle with my insurance, but by being persistent and having patience, I finally got it approved with help of Dr Owens staff co-ordinater, Miss Carmen. I would advice, even though, one has to pay cash, it is still worth it.

Finally, Dr Milton Owen did my procedure of gastric lap band on October 28th 2006. The best part was that it was done on Friday and on Saturday I was relieved and returned back to work on Monday October 31st. By Monday I had lost 11 pounds and the shirt which was tight now fit fine. Then working on the diet with high protein and protein shakes and fills as s needed, I lost to date 75 lbs. My pre operative weight was 255 lbs. and now it is 180 lbs. I am more active and energetic, and a good example of that is that, along with my wife we painted our house and did new wooden flooring during last summers. Recently got my blood test done and all the results were great. Best of all, I lost my sleep- apnea also, so no more Cee-pap machine. I am so blessed and happy that I made that decision. I attend the support groups, which help me get more information. I would highly recommend Dr Milton Owens (Coastal Center for Obesity, Gastric Bypass and Lapband Weight Loss Surgery in Los Angeles and Orange County, California) for this procedure and his post operative services are also great. Good luck and God Bless.

Congrats on your success so far & welcome to the forum.

Welcome! I had the Lap Band done also by Dr. Owens, this year on October 20. While I'm not losing as fast as I would like to, I am still happy with my decision and will continue the process of losing the weight. I'm so glad it was successful for you, and that Dr. Owens did the procedure. The scarring is very minimal, and the port is in just the right place. I would definitely recommend both the procedure and Dr. Owens to anyone!

Welcome!