Lap Band Success Story - Lois Fox

I started this journey in Feb 2008 when my sister approached me about looking into lap band surgery in Mexico with Dr. Zapata. She knew someone who had the surgery and spoke very highly of their experience in Monterrey. I contacted Judy and the process began.

For the 10-12 years before 2008 I had put on a lot of weight…my own illness (breast cancer)loss of both of my parents and much stress helped me pack on about 60 pounds….I was then diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and was having trouble stabilizing my blood sugar. A report had just come out of Australia that stated the wonderful affects of weight loss surgery on lowering blood sugar so I was intrigued. Debbi and I made our reservations for the surgery during her Spring Break..she is a teacher. We headed for Mexico on April 8th and the surgery was April 9th. It was the most remarkable experience.

I was picked up at the airport and transported to the hotel where I met my sister..we flew in separately..we live in different states. We met Alma and she filled us in on what would happen the next day and we settled in for the evening…went out to our “last supper” and went to bed. Early the next morning we were picked up and transported to the hospital. I was treated wonderfully…the nurses did the pre-surgery tests, met with Dr. Zapata…met with the anesthesiologist and the next thing I knew I woke up the recovery room. I was then transported to my “private” room..next door to my sister. The nurses anticipated my every need…I was walking the hallways and drinking liquids. Dr. Zapata came by to see me in the evening and told me he would be by in the morning before I was released. Got back to the hotel…took a ride into town for an hour or so of walking and shopping and back to the hotel where we rested in anticipation of flying home the next day. Except for my flight being cancelled and my being routed through Atlanta the trip was uneventful.

Got home and followed the directions given to me by Alma…the weight was starting to fall off….I believe I lost like 25 pounds in the first 4-6 weeks…I gradually got to real food and it was time to get my first fill…It wasn’t quite enough restriction so I went again for another…that kept me going for a very long time….by the summer I was down to a size 12 (started at 16-18) and the end of the summer hit size 10 which is where I have stayed for the past 2 years. I have had minor slips and falls…put 10 pounds on around the holidays…get a little fill and it was off in a month…As they say…nothing tastes as good as thin feels. Because of the surgery I will never get fat again…what relief…one less thing to ever have to worry about again!!!! I have never regretted my decision to have this surgery…I am still a foodie…I still love to cook and love to eat…I just eat much less. The entire experience from my first call to today has been extraordinary…thank you so much for changing my life and making me a healthierhappier person!!!

Lois Fox

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