• Name: Shelby
• Age: 40
• Surgery: Lap Band
• Surgery date: February 20th, 2015
• Testimonial date: August 21st, 2015
• Surgeon: Dr. Almanza

It has been 6 months since my surgery. I've dropped 52 pounds so far to date. Prior to my surgery, I was a type 2 diabetic and also had high blood pressure and high cholesterol. This past week, I got my blood work done again. I'm no longer a diabetic, my blood pressure is normal as well as my cholesterol. I won't lie and say it was easy. This was very hard but very worth it. I've had to retrain my brain in many ways, I cut out soda, junk food. (You can still treat yourself once in a while!) It is also very important to visit your lap band doctor once a month for the first 6 months. (After that, it can be every three) Your doctor will add fluid to your band and it's important because that is the key to your weight loss! It took me about 3 band fills before I felt like it was really doing it's job. One time I added too much fluid and wound back up in the doctor office less then 24 hours later to get some fluid out. Be careful of that and make sure when the doctor tests your band with the water test, it goes down without issues. If your band is too tight, you can't literally swallow your own spit! Right now, I'm happy with the amount my band is filled, I have 8.5 cc's. I don't think I'll get more put in. I get full very quickly, my calorie intake per day is 600-800 per day and I am fine. I find the mornings are the toughest, I can't eat food period. Smoothie or protein shake only, it keeps me full until 1-2 in the afternoon. You also have to listen to your body, if I eat something that won't go down, it will come back up. Somethings are tougher to eat then others, just listen to your body! This was the best decision I could have made for myself. Zero regrets, I'm looking better, I'm feeling better. I get complimented a lot on the weight I have lost so far. Dr. Almanza and his staff were amazing, I highly recommend them for weight loss surgery!

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* This is an actual testimonial, however, your results may vary. For more information, please read our Testimonial Disclaimer and Risks of Surgery.