Hi, I'm Liz. I am 45 years old and work as an air traffic controller. I was 335 lbs at my heaviest and was having medical problems that were threatening to jeopardize my job, which I love. I had gradually put on weight since college, with sporadic dieting throughout, with not much success. Thus yo-yoing up to 335 lbs. I had LAP-BAND® surgery in May of 2005 and to date have lost 165 lbs. I am almost 1/2 the person I used to be. I have so much more energy and life is much better as a thinner person.

Dr. Wagner and Sarah have been great throughout the process. They are very easy to work with and very supportive. I haven't had any complications with the procedure. The surgery and recovery were minimal with adjustments along the way. I would definitely recommend this procedure to anyone thinking of undergoing gastric bypass surgery.

Good Luck
Liz

I have always been a vibrant, outgoing person who loves life. My weight became more and more of a limitation on my activities and social life. Seatbelts on planes were too tight and made traveling an embarrassing situation. Sporting events were no longer feasible because I could not fit in the chairs. Concerts were a thing of the past, for the same reason.

I chose the LAP-BAND® two years ago to reach my weight-loss goals because it was more 'natural' and is allowing me to live a normal life. I have lost 120 pounds over the past 24 months and feel confident I will reach my goal, another 30 pounds! I can't thank Dr. Wagner and his office manager, Sarah, enough for their encouragement and positive thinking. I'm having a second chance at life, and dating is so much fun! I forgot how much fun it could be.

 

Two and a half years ago I graduated from college and was so depressed about how I looked in all of my graduation photos, at 315 pounds, that I ended up throwing all of them away in disgust. I knew that I didn't want to go through the rest of my life being ashamed of every picture of myself. I didn't want to throw away or hide any more pictures from holidays, special occasions, and life achievements.

I tried for a year or so to diet and exercise, with no success. I could barely climb a flight of stairs without having to rest, my knees constantly ached, my resting heart rate was astronomical, and I was only 23. I would do well for maybe a month or two, but I always got frustrated and quit.

At this point I started looking into surgical weight loss procedures and decided that the Lap-Band procedure was probably my best bet. After a few months of researching I went to a seminar with Dr. Wagner through New Start and began my journey. After going through all the necessary pre-op requirements and testing, I had my surgery in November of 2005. I am now down to 160 pounds, and still losing. I can honestly say it was the best decision I have ever made, and would do it again in an instant. I want to hop out of bed every morning, and get a start on my day. I eat right and drink tons of water, and have never felt better in my life, ever. The surgery gave me the tool I needed to change my life, my eating and exercise habits, my whole way of living.

I look back now and realize I was just coasting through life, unhappy and unhealthy. I have gone through hard times since, and the life change is constant work and dedication. But now I smile all day long, I get compliments everywhere I go, my performance at work has improved, as well as my relationships. These things all changed for me when my health and weight improved.

Dr. Wagner, and Sarah, are very pleasant and informed professionals to communicate with, and their enthusiasm, compassion, and knowledge have helped me through this experience every step of the way. I would recommend Dr. Wagner to anyone I know, and have done so many times. Lap-Band Surgery I know is not for everyone, but for me it gave me a new life. A happy, healthy, productive life that I never would have known! Losing that extra 150 pounds helped me gain a fresh look at what life is really about.

 

In 1997, I saw my 61-year-old father go through triple bypass heart surgery. My father, uncles, almost everybody in my family has this clogged arteries.  I thought to myself, someday it will be my turn.  My doctor told me at 395 pounds that I wouldn't have to wait until I was 61.  My triple bypass was probably on the horizon.  I had four good reasons at home to take drastic measures.

I have tried all the diets and I was even exercising.  I could swim 20 laps, but when I would get out of the pool, I couldn't find enough food to eat.  I gained even more weight. 

I went to Dr. Wagner's office, where he started an extensive patient profile.  I also attended his seminar and met with Newstart.  Dr. Wagner, my wife, and I decided on Laparoscopic Roux-En-Y Gastric Bypass. Upon acceptance from my insurance carrier, Sarah at Dr. Wagner's office set up my tests, and surgery was scheduled.  Three months later I was 100 pounds lighter.  I credit Dr. Wagner, Newstart, and the staff of St. Alexius with that loss of weight.  I knew I had another 100 to lose.  It was mine to lose and I did it.  Through exercise, new eating habits, and lots of water, I reached my goal of 200 pounds, a 195-pound weight loss, thirteen months after surgery.

My trust in Dr. Wagner was so great, I even sent my wife to him.  She lost 140 pounds in her first year after surgery.  We are both at our goal weight and looking forward to long and happy lives. 

What did we do next? We went to Disney World!!

Phil & Barb
Illinois