For most of my life weight had always been a problem for me, I had tried everything. I always had my family's support and help to chose the right foods etc., I had tried Jenny Craig, Weight Watchers, various diet pills, work out programs etc., and I would lose a decent amount of weight, but not all I needed to lose. Once I stopped those I always seemed to gain the weight back plus more. I have an old paper from a sick visit to my family practice doctor that I found not long ago, dated in October of 2008 showing my weight at over 250 pounds. I was borderline for diabetes and high blood pressure. I thought I was happy when I weighed what I did, but the truth was when family confronted me about my weight it would always offend me and make me upset. I know they really were only trying to help me, but that's how I know I only "thought" I was happy. And being 20 years old and buying your clothes in womens plus size everywhere you shop, and not being able to wear the brands I'd like to wear really hurt my self esteem and made me hate shopping for clothes. I had always heard commercials for the Lap Band on the radio and pictures of people on tv who had the procedure done. The thought of me possibly doing that always crossed my mind, then before I knew it, it was out of my head as quick as it got there. In January of 2009 my Grandmother had brought the Lap Band procedure up with me after my aunts had it done with Dr. Stowers and were having so much success with it. A few weeks later after attending an education class and consulting with Dr. Stowers my surgery was set for February 17, 2009. There are many risks anyone takes before having any surgical procedure done, let alone the Lap Band surgery. However it was the only choice I had left to living a better lifestyle, and doing the procedure was the BEST choice I have made yet. Its now been a little over a year since my surgery. Im a hundred pounds lighter and a hundred times happier. Im healthier, mentally/emotionally stronger, and I have gained so much self esteem and confidence in myself. Dr. Stowers and his staff are simply the BEST. I couldnt have asked for a more caring, and understanding doctor and staff. I would recommend anyone to Dr. Stowers considering bariatric surgery. It truly does change lives!!
I want to express my heart-felt appreciation to Dr. Stowers and the team he has assembled for this life changing opportunity. I have been on many diets throughout my life and have failed at each endeavor. I decided to have the LapBand procedure since it was not surgically altering my body. I have lost down to 175 pounds and would like to lose another 10 pounds. I feel great and for the first time in my life I can say I look great. I wear a size 12-14 in clothes and can shop for regular clothes rather than the tent sizes. I am off all medications except one small dose of water pill and if I lose another 10 pounds, that will also go away. I have energy and can go and play and love life to the fullest. I began this journey almost 2 years ago and have not regretted one minute of it and have referred many people to Dr. Stowers. Thanks again for giving me my life back.
Hi, Kerry Latham Here:
First ,,all the things that have been wonderful since my surgery are called WOW Moments. Crossing my legs without realizing it the first time,tucking my foot under my leg while watching tv. being able to take a glorious perfume soak bath the first time in years. Putting on clothes and they swallowed me. I did not realize that I never look at myself in the mirror. I was dressing for a dinner and was in my size 16 top from a 22-24 and it took me by utter surprise. I could see a difference. It was a wow moment. I've lost 72lbs since September and my energy level makes me feel 20 years younger. My mind just has to catch up. Exercising in my toughest trial. But I am working on it everyday. I did everything I was told to do by Dr Stowers and Lisha, Kyle and the staff and without them I would have been terrified to do this, but they have been their 100% of the time to answer any questions I had and Lisha or Charla to talk to me if I got a little scared along the way.
The Praise from family and friends is appreciated , I just want people to see the difference it can make in their lives. And how wonderful Dr Stowers and his crew ,and everyone involved has given me my life back with goodness and kindness.
When I first started considering weight loss surgery I was on 15 prescription medications. My diabetes was out of control, arthritis pain in my knees was so bad that I struggled through my days with little hope of improvement. I saw Dr. Stowers who recommended Gastric Bypass Surgery, as did my primary care physician due to diabetes. His caring staff helped me through the qualifying process and my dreams have become a reality. My diabetes is completely resolved and has been since the day after surgery. I am currently taking 4 prescriptions with plans to be off 3 of those very soon. Now being over 100 lbs lighter I get through my days with ease and have energy to spare. My self confidence and self esteem have improved greatly. I enjoy life more and enjoy things that I once hated...like shopping. I'm grateful for Dr. Stowers and his team of professionals who have always treated me with dignity and respect and have helped me reach my weight loss goals. I can't be certain that I have added years to my life..... but I am VERY certain that I have added LIFE TO MY YEARS!
When I started the process of obtaining Bariatric Surgery in October of 2008 I was 444 lbs and approximately 6 foot tall. I was Diabetic, Hypertensive, and had Sleep Apnea. I could not get around very well and couldn't get down on the floor and play with my kids.On my first appointment with Dr Stowers in April of 2009 I was down to 408 due to exercise and diet. I weighted 402 on the day of my surgery, September 23, 2009. I am now a few days shy of 6 months out of surgery and currently weight 293. The defining moment for me would have to be the fact that not only am I off all my medication but I can now with ease get down on the floor to play or go outside to play with the kids.
When I first decided to have the gastric bi-pass I was 298 lbs and had tried just about every diet pill, program, and diet with little or no results. My husband is medically disabled and I knew it wouldn't be long before I would have to be doing everything, that is he would not be able to do much at all. I knew I couldn't do that at nearly 300 lbs & 4'11". Plus I was having to use a cane to walk. I was to the point that I would not be able to walk much longer. I had to get the weight off and build up my strength, or I would be of no use to help him. I took a leap and went to the seminar. I found out my insurance would not cover it, they tried but the ins. turned me down. I didn't give up, I changed Ins. companies. It took several months but it was finally approved. In the mean time I lost about 20 lbs. I had my gastric bi-pass on March 10th 2009 and I have lost from size 28 to 16. I even have a skirt size 14 I can wear. I had to have steroid shot in my back for pain in my leg and hip for 3 months consecutively, unrelated to this bi-pass and unfortunately it stopped my weight loss, but now I am back on tract and loosing again. I had no trouble with the surgery. Dr. Stowers is a great surgeon and he has an excellent team of professionals to help. I would highly recommend it if you are serious about loosing weight. My whole life has changed. I feel so much better, and thank God that this really did work. I caught a glimpse of my self in my reflection at the door at work and couldn't believe that was really me. I have been over weight most all my life and I'm looking forward to being healthy, and a lot smaller.


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