My journey began on August 15, 2011. This was the day of my surgery for the Lap Band. Dr. Bagnato came in pre-op to see me and I told him “This is the First day of the rest of my life”. Even though I said that, I didn’t realize fully how true this was going to be.

I have been through all the usual things that everyone else has been through concerning weight loss problems. I have been on so many diets since the late 60’s only to lose weight and gain it right back, plus more. I ate just to be eating; I ate for emotional reasons, etc. I had very little self confidence and was very self conscience about how I looked and felt. I developed a number of health issues from sleep apnea, high cholesterol, asthma, allergies, shortness of breath from the least bit of activity and acid reflux.

I know a lot of this sounds so familiar to a lot of people. My highest weight was 245 lbs. in Dec. 2010. The day of my first visit to Dr. Bagnato I was 239 lbs. Thanks to his encouragement and the girls in the office working to get me ready for surgery, I have lost 63 lbs. and a total of 16 inches all over. I have approximately 28 lbs. to go for my goal weight but I know I can do this now. My husband and friends have been a big encouragement to me too. I can’t thank them enough! They are very special in my life. I couldn’t be happier!!! I feel like a totally different person. No more reflux, I am off the cholesterol medications and just feel great. I’m no longer having to use my C-Pap machine to sleep either!!! I can do the simple things in life now that we all take for granted. I can go up and down steps without pulling on the rails to help me up, and I don’t even get out of breath. I cross my legs when I sit down without having to pull my leg over the other one. I am 66 yrs. old and can even go to a Zumba class for 1 hour and love it.

It is never too late to start your life over! I am loving life once again. For that, I am eternally grateful for answered prayer as the Lord definitely led me to Dr. Bagnato and his staff. My life is totally changed and I am absolutely loving it. Thank you Dr. Bagnato and your sweet staff for everything they have done for me, including all of your encouragement and help through the process of getting ready. You guys are the greatest!