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CHRISTUS Southeast Texas Bariatric Center

Testimonials—My Lap Band Experience

Sharon W.

Beaumont, Texas
1/15/08

By the time I had my LapBand surgery, I weighed more than I ever in my life imagined. I was 53 years OLD, with “old” being the operative word. I had no energy, was always tired, and was embarrassed because I couldn’t fit into certain chairs or booths in restaurants or seats on airplanes. I bought my clothes in “women’s” stores and couldn’t walk far without getting out of breath or having my back and knees start hurting. At home I was the epitome of a “couch potato”. 

After losing my dad in January 2007 and having my mom living with us now, I realized that I HAD to do something to take care of myself so I could continue to take care of her. I talked to a trusted friend who had had LapBand surgery several years ago and learned of her successes and tribulations. I learned of other doctors that her friends were now going to but I didn’t want to go to Houston. When I saw the ad for the CHRISTUS Southeast Texas Bariatric Center at St. Elizabeth, I signed up immediately. 

The seminar was very informative, and the staff and the doctors were very knowledgeable and helpful. I did pretty extensive internet research using some of the websites they provided and learned the pros (and cons) of LapBand surgery. 

My surgery was June 22; I lost about 25 pounds the first month and this morning was I had lost 84 pounds. I haven’t been at my current weight in over 12 years!

The Bariatric Center team members have been major players in my success.  Tammy and Mel with their enthusiasm; Lauren with her diet and exercise tips; Dr. Monk with her encouragement and support mechanisms. 

I feel great. I have energy. I no longer just sit when I get home. I exercise regularly. I do things that I wouldn’t have even attempted a year ago. I have more confidence in my abilities – at work and in projects at home. 

Thanks to my LapBand and my new mindset, I am now a much-younger 54-year-old who can’t believe I waited so long. And believe me – I won’t EVER be my pre-surgery size again!

Donna M.

Bridge City, Texas
February 1, 2008

I've always been overweight, ever since I was a child. I tried everything to take the weight off: pills, shots, eating small meals several times a day, not eating at all. I’ve always gained the weight back.

A couple of years ago, I got an exercise bicycle and worked out every day. Exercise, combined with a low-fat diet, worked for a while. I actually lost about 100 pounds. Then I hurt my knee and could hardly walk… much less exercise. And I had to have knee surgery.

On top of everything else, I was taking anti-depressants, anti-inflammatory medications, pain medication for arthritis, and was being treated for high blood pressure, acid reflux disease, and was on an inhaler for my breathing.

I attended the weight loss seminar at the Bariatric Center where I asked questions and got all the information. After consultations with the surgeon and dietitian, I was scheduled for surgery. That was in May 2007.

I feel 1000 percent better. I have lots more energy and am able to keep up with my granddaughters!

The thing I’m most grateful for is the support I receive from everyone at the CHRISTUS Southeast Texas Bariatric Center. I can call and talk to the staff or my doctor any time I need to. I’m proud to consider them as my friends and that’s meant a lot to me. I attend the monthly support group at the center. It’s good to be able to talk with others that have had the same experience that I have.

I’ve lost about 50 pounds so far and have a positive outlook on life. The thought of not being around for my grandbabies really scared me. I want to see them grow up, get married and have kids of their own.

The CHRISTUS Southeast Texas Bariatric Center is a joint venture between Bariatric Surgical Specialists LLP and CHRISTUS Hospital.

CHRISTUS Southeast Texas Bariatric Center does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, gender, age, disability, national origin or source of payments.

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Convenient, free parking is available at all CHRISTUS Hospital—St. Elizabeth and St. Mary locations, and complimentary valet parking is available at St. Elizabeth's main entrance.