Patient Testimonials

LAP-BAND® Patient Amanda lost 149 lbs:
I tried every weight-loss program that you can imagine. Each time I would lose weight but I'd always gain it back - plus more. After years of yo-yo dieting I topped the scales at 304 lbs and had given up on losing weight. Then I learned about the LAP-BAND® System and I knew I had another option. I could have had Gastric By-Pass, but from my nursing experience I saw first hand the risks associated with it. I knew the LAP-BAND® was the choice for me. Since my surgery I have gone from a size 30 to a size 14. I've lost the weight and I'm keeping it off! I'm in control of my life and I look like a whole new person.

LAP-BAND® Patient Elma, lost 135 lbs:
"Before my surgery, I spent 20 years feeling ashamed of how I looked. I was miserable. Every joint in my body hurt from packing around the weight. In January 2001, I decided to have LAP-BAND® surgery. I am now wearing size 10 clothes, and that is smaller than I thought I would be when I was all done losing weight! I continue to be amazed at this new body of mine, and I love being able to do anything I want without a second thought. And sharing my success with the LAP-BAND® and letting people know about this wonderful, safe and less invasive weight-loss surgery is so much fun."

LAP-BAND® Patient Alan, lost 133 lbs:
Being large most of my adult life, I had grown comfortable with my size, but as I grew older my body had become a burden. At 345 lbs I had developed Type II diabetes. As a result, I had to take medication 4 times a day and developed diabetic neuropathy in my fingers and feet. My doctors informed me that I would only be able to sustain any quality of life for the next 8-10 years; all of this due to my weight. My only option was permanent weight loss. The LAP-BAND® is a non-invasive surgery. I experienced dramatic weight loss, had a small recovery time and experienced little discomfort. A year and a half later I went from 345 lbs to 212 lbs, a loss of 133 lbs. I no longer take medication for diabetes and have been completely cured of the disease. Because of my weight loss with the LAP-BAND® I am now able to live life again, instead of just existing. As one of my LAP-BAND® friends said, 'Nothing tastes as good as being thin feels'.

LAP-BAND® Patient Rebecca, lost 110 lbs:
Most diet plans were too hard for me to stick to long term; I would lose weight but I always gained it back the minute I went off the plan. I felt isolated, and physically I had knee and back pain, chronic GERD and asthma. My father, a physician who had seen me struggle my whole life, told me about the LAP-BAND® System and encouraged me to look into it. I learned that if you are ready and willing to commit to a new lifestyle, then the LAP-BAND® is right for you. I was scared at first that I would not succeed but I kept a positive attitude, followed the advice of my nutritionist and doctor very closely and soon the weight started coming off at a steady pace. I have lost 110 lbs and have never looked back. The thing I love about the LAP-BAND® is that it does not go away; it does not allow you to 'fall of the wagon'. It is a constant reminder that I made a decision to live a healthy lifestyle.

LAP-BAND® Patient Tess, lost 161 lbs: The stigma that comes with being overweight in our society is very sad but very real; I felt that stigma every day. But my self-image wasn't the only thing suffering - so was my health. I was developing high blood pressure, sleep apnea and was practically immobile. I chose the LAP-BAND® System because it was the least invasive surgery and it was a tool that would teach me to eat well and take better care of myself. I needed to lose the weight slowly and learn to make lifestyle changes. I've lost 159 pounds, have no standing health problems and am even training for a marathon. My social life and occupational life have improved and I no longer feel restricted by my weight. I am now the woman I was made to be.

Nothing compares to the actual words of past and present patients. We hope that you find these words to be inspiring and enlightening.

“It was April 26, the day of my lap band surgery.The procedure went as planned, just like Dr. Fox had told me. I went home and followed his written instructions about what to do and what to eat. Every day the instructions were to add something else to my eating pattern. Except for my bandages which were where Dr.Fox made his incisions, I couldn’t tell any difference. Am I losing weight like Dr. Fox said I would? Well after a few more post operative visits to Dr. Fox with his encouraging words and written dietary instruction, a couple of band adjustments, three months from that surgery date I have lost 70 pounds. Besides the weight reduction, my blood sugars have returned to normal and I am off most of my diabetic medication including insulin. I have more energy and I am able to exercise every day. Still I have a ways to go to reach my target, but as Dr. Fox said “you are well on your way.”

- John S.

“There are literally not enough words in the English language to describe the advantages of the lap band procedure! Since my procedure in December ‘06, my life has completely changed. At over 80 lbs lighter, I feel stronger and more energized than I did at 18. No longer do I have cravings for sugary drinks and high calorie foods. The “band” has given me the push I needed to make healthy food choices and I now exercise 5 days a week and feel great! The aftercare I have received since surgery has been smooth and virtually painless. Dr. Fox genuinely cares about your well being and constantly give words of encouragement. Dr. Fox adequately prepares you for surgery and as long as you follow his regiment and work at it you WILL see results. Dr. Fox and his staff saved my life!”

- J.G.

“I would like to express my appreciation regarding your care and the support I have received since my surgery in October 2006. From the time I decided Lap Banding was the procedure for me, I have received information from you and your team as well as had all my questions answered beyond my satisfaction. I had never undergone a surgical procedure and was a little scared of the unknown, however I had nothing to worry about due to the care I have received. You provided websites for me to do my own research and you have always been available for anything I need be it support, questions, concerns, etc.

Immediately after my procedure the nurse in charge of taking care of me post surgery commented to me that you , Dr. Fox , are a perfectionist and she was proud whenever she viewed your work to say your patients are some of the easiest to take care of, as they are well informed and your technique is some of the best work she ever sees. I felt so at ease because of her comments and felt I had really made the correct decision for me in having you as my surgeon. You answered all my questions as well as took time to give me all of the after care information I would need. Your support is excellent. I also very much appreciated your follow-up calls after I went home.

Post surgery, during my once a month visits to AIGB I have super support as well as informative nutrition advice, excercise tips, a counselor at my disposal, and caring staff.

I weighed 283 pounds when I visited your seminar and had tried many diets only to fail again and again. Currently, I weigh just under 200 pounds for the first time in many years. I am quickly becoming a new person, a healthy person. Thank you and your staff for all you do!”

- Donna M.

“At 38 years old and more than 100 pounds overweight, I knew that I had to do something about my weight. I kept seeing a commercial on TV about the lapband procedure and finally decided to call. I went to a seminar and met Dr. Fox and decided that night that the lapband was right for me. I have now been banded for 4 months and have lost a total of 36 pounds. Even though I still have a long way to go, I am so happy with the results and feel better than I have felt in years. I can’t say enough about Dr Fox and his staff. I knew the night I met him at the seminar that he was the doctor for me. From the very beginning he and his staff have been so encouraging and made me feel so comfortable. Someone asked me the other day if I was glad I had the surgery and my reply was “I WOULD DO IT AGAIN IN A HEARTBEAT!!”. Thanks Dr. Fox for helping me live a happier and healthier life!”

- Shelly