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| Peggy Before: 04/01/2004 |
Peggy After: 03/07/2005 |
I am 47 years old, a wife and mother of six. My BMI was 43. I’ve always been overweight and have been on so many diets. I would lose, just to gain it back and then some. My health was going downhill fast. My blood pressure was out of control, even with taking 2 medications a day. I had severe sleep apnea. My clothes were a very tight size 26.
I had the LAP-BAND® System surgery on April 7, 2004. Right away I was taken off my blood pressure pills. On December 4, I was taken off my CPAP machine that I was on for my sleep apnea. I no longer needed it. My BMI is now 27. I have lost 100lb.and now wear a size 12. Best of all - I feel great!
Dr. Lusco and Dr.Olsofka gave my life back to me and my family. The staff at the Sts. Mary and Elizabeth Bariatric Program is a very caring group. They are always there when you need them. We can’t forget about Kirk. He gives us the encouragement we need to exercise the best that we can. Now I am able to ride a bike with my son and go walking and play games with my family.
Bottom line-losing weight is never easy but with the help of the LAP-BAND® System it can work for you. It can help you have a healthier life. I love what it has done for me!
Peggy
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| Linda M. Before: 03/05/2004 |
Linda M. After: 01/17/2008 |
Hello, my name is Linda and March 17, 2003 was St. Patrick’s Day and that was a very lucky day. That morning Dr. Lusco performed the Lap-Band procedure on me, which changed my life for the better. For the past 40 years I have been very overweight, trying every diet there was only to regain what I would lose. When I had the Lap-Band I was wearing a size 28-30 and I had no energy and never wanted to do anything. Now I am wearing a size 12-14 slacks and 16 shirt. I have lost over 150 pounds and have so much energy. I always want to do something and my husband can’t keep up with me now. People I haven’t seen since I had the surgery don’t recognize me – that’s kind of weird.
My advice to anyone who is thinking about having the Lap-Band, I say Go For It! You won’t be sorry. My family and friends were there to support me 100% and it paid off. It works. Also, the Sts. Mary and Elizabeth Bariatric staff is the best there is. There’s always someone to talk to if you need a little help to lead you in the right direction, or they can guide you to the right person to talk to. Our support group that meets the 1st Monday of every month is so important to me that I just can hardly miss one. You meet so many new people and you can share with each other your meal plans or problems or just laugh with each other. Anyway, we have a good time. Thanks to Sts. Mary and Elizabeth and our Doctors. I would like to say thanks to Dr. Lusco for being such a special doctor and always having the right answer and making me feel so good about myself!
Linda M.
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| LaToya J. Before: 07/22/2005 |
LaToya J. After: 03/05/2007 |
Prior to having Lap-Band surgery, I weighed about 294 pounds and wore a size 24. I now weigh about 187 and wear a size 10 or 12. I am NOT ashamed to mention my weight or size anymore. It feels great to be able to shop in stores where my friends shop as opposed to following them around the store to give my opinion on clothing items. Some people take small thins for granted, such as being able to see your collarbone, crossing your legs or being able to shop at several stores. All of these things are new and exciting to me! I now don’t mind taking photographs. I am sure I’ve missed out on a lot of documented memories due to being unhappy with the way I looked. This surgery has made me feel better than I look. I feel great when I get compliments and when someone actually doesn’t recognize me. This experience has allowed me to become excited about working out. I learned about eight months after my surgery that this procedure is not an instant fix or a success without me doing my part. My part consisted of working out diligently 3-4 days a week. I tell people often that my surgery is not the only contributing factor to losing weight successfully; my persistent effort in the gym also needs to be factored into the equation.
LaToya J.
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| Sherry M. Before: 08/18/2006 |
Sherry M. After: 01/14/2008 |
What an incredible journey! A mere 18 months ago I was a walking time bomb with my health. I was morbidly obese. My body couldn’t continue to take the abuse of the burdens my weight put on it.
I was also ashamed and embarrassed to usually be the biggest person in the room. Simple activities such as going to the movies with my family were out. Also, any rides at the amusement park – I didn’t fit in the seats. I began to feel like an invalid. I tried all kinds of diets, even hypnotism, only to fail over and over.
After much research, I chose the Lap-Band procedure with Louisville Surgical Bariatric Associates. I met and fell in love with the entire staff. With their care and knowledge I am a success. Anytime I need anything or have any questions, they are only a phone call away. Nowhere else have I found such support and genuine concern.
I still can’t believe it! I was once a size 30/32, now I’m a size 6. I feel I have gotten another chance at life. Words can’t ever convey my thanks. I continue my incredible journey!
Sherry M.
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| Mary M. Before: 04/29/2005 |
Mary M. After: 11/05/2007 |
I’M SO HAPPY! There were times in life that I sincerely doubted I would EVER feel that way. Mentally and physically, my struggle with weight loss was a battle I thought I would lose. With the Lap-Band surgery, I came out the winner!
I had surgery on May 11, 2005 – a day that changed my life forever. My starting weight was 280 lbs and I wore sizes 24-26. My success came with diligently following the bariatric program at Sts. Mary and Elizabeth. It took about 16 months to reach my weight loss goal of 140 lbs. Currently, I maintain my weight at about 135-140 lbs and can wear a size 4! Talk about feeling good!
The benefits from having this surgery are too numerous to name, but I can say that I have gained better health, more self-confidence and peace with myself than I never thought was possible. I truly couldn’t have done this without support, and this program has never failed at providing it. Dr. Olsofka, nurses Lana and Debbie, and especially Lin and Kirk from the exercise program continue to be with me every step of the way. I can’t thank this team enough for their endless encouragement and guidance.
Success takes work, and it isn’t always easy, but it is ALWAYS worth it!
Mary M.
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| Eric C. Before: 08/05/2005 |
Eric C. After: 1/28/2008 |
My experience at Sts. Mary and Elizabeth Hospital was much more than I expected. From the first moment I met the staff, they were much more than just caregivers. They made the whole Lap-Band process positive. They gave me hope, encouragement and yes, even a hard push when needed in the exercise class. I cannot say enough positive things about the staff and my experience. I have recommended them to family and friends and would encourage you to give them a chance to change your life. I say this both personally and as a health care professional myself.
Eric C.
Comments from Patient Evaluations
“Dr. Lusco and Olsofka are great and they both changed my life. THANK YOU!”
“The best thing I have done for myself”
“You all are very caring and it shows”
“I really like the hospital and staff”
“Every person was very nice and cheery. They encouraged me to keep up the good work”
“The excitement and enthusiasm we have encountered within the program has been very encouraging and helpful in this weight loss journey.”
“The attitude staff has taken towards overweight people has been honest, yet positive and encouraging. A great direction to go in!”
“I have talked to others who went elsewhere and I feel the Sts. Mary and Elizabeth Program is much more thorough.”
“The program is awesome!”
“Everyone – Dr. Lusco, Lana and office went above and beyond the call of duty.”
“The office staff, Dr. Lusco, Lana and Debbie are the Bomb! Thanks for everything”
“These are the most caring and concerned medical professionals I have ever worked with.”
“The exercise program is very informative. I think I can keep the program up at home.”
“Could not ask to be treated any better – wonderful people!”
“Thank you for the tool needed to help me change my life.”
“I would do this again in a heartbeat, but only with the same doctor and Sts. Mary and Elizabeth.”
“It’s a long road to wellness, and I’m glad there are good and caring people like you to walk it with us.”
