Testimonials

D. and S. Schaper –
After 31 years of marriage and good eating we were both getting older, facing health issues and couldn’t lose the weight. We made a joint decision to visit the UTMB Center for Weight Management. The weight loss program has been easy to follow. You have to want to lose the weight, but if you put your mind to it and are committed, you can do it. Denise says that for her, the program has been a life saver. At nearly 270 pounds, Denise was dependent on insulin to control her blood sugar and found that she didn’t have much energy. Now she feels great and no longer takes insulin and her blood sugar is perfect. Both Denise and I have a combined weight loss of 233 lbs. This has changed our lives. Thank goodness we made the correct choice to work with the doctors and staff along with the support from other post-op patients that share their experiences.

M. Norvell –
I cannot describe the elation and happiness I felt when I stepped on the scale today. I’m down 202 pounds! Scales have been delivering bad news my whole life. But not today! My life changed when I walked through the doors for my first appointment at UTMB. I became involved with a wonderful group of people who introduced me to a multi-discipline approach to managing the weight which included surgery. I’ve been given a second chance in life and I’m so grateful to Dr. Laforte, Dr. Gomez, Kellie, Paul and Victoria for their support and dedication. Best decision I’ve ever made and one that I would do over in a N.Y. minute. Thank you!!

After

Before

M. Lewis –
My life changed on Oct. 16th, 2006. My gastric bypass gave me back my life. I am down 73 lbs at this time, and at 4'10" of height that is astounding. I am still losing of course and enjoying each meal because I am in control now. I am following the guidance of my Center for Weight Management Staff, and they have been there for all the support and encouragement I need. It all began when I noticed the UTMB home page and saw they had a link. Within 5 minutes I received an email response to mine. I never had to suffer the pains of getting approved, as that was done for me by Victoria Castro. I never suffered at all, in any way, and that includes pre-op, surgery, post-op and recovery. I was in the right place, the right time, the miracle that I had dreamed of came true. I highly recommend this Center for Weight Management at UTMB. I have told everyone that I have the opportunity to about them. My Sister in Virginia also had this surgery. She had spent over 2 yrs. writing letters and going to doctors trying to get the approval from her insurance company. I felt her pain. I saw how difficult it can be, and I didn't know if I had it in me to continue a fight such as that. I didn't feel it work out for me, but all I had to do was email that I am interested in learning more, and Victoria Castro took it from there. The appointments were scheduled, even transportation was provided to get to tests. I was treated as well as a VIP, and I am not one. I was given choices, and information and all the resources and education. Throughout the entire process I did not hurt for or from anything. The receptionist to the psychiatrist to the doctors and nurses, dieticians etc.all were available and still continue to be with just a call. They have given me back my life. My family members all say I look healthier, younger, and happier than I have in years. I get complements from my coworkers and friends, and I feel that this has been a gift to me, I will continue to appreciate and honor the gift and those that made it possible. I not only recommend the CWM, I insist it is the very best place to be if you have a weight problem. I have heard of so many and none have compared to this one. My life has changed incredibly in just a few months. I no longer suffer from sleep apnea and sleep deprivation. I no longer have to take blood pressure pills, or for that matter to even have to check my B/P because it is perfect. I am not hungry and have no cravings so I am able to think before I eat. I make sure (the way I was taught) to eat protein and vitamins and then I can have an occasional indulgence, but I find now that instead of large quantity, the quality of one or two bites satisfies my desire for any sweets. I find now that my favorite desserts are the ones that are made with Splenda and I don't feel bad afterwards. I am proud of my new life and I have the energy to give to others and to enjoy my life now. I will not forget the struggles of being overweight. I remember the lack of energy and motivation. I remember the large clothes with no style that made me feel older and less attractive. I never wanted to go anywhere because even walking made me short of breath. I am so very grateful for CWM.

R. Dressler –
When Monica and I first met and fell in love, we were both very heavy. She wore a size 20, and I was wearing a size 46 pants. Since Dr. Gomez and his team performed bariatric surgery on us the gastric bypass procedure has transformed our lives, giving us a second chance. Losing more than 100 lbs and keeping it off changed us from looking like the Campbell Soup Kids to Al Pachino and Farrah Fawcett!
But the most important results obtained were relief from pain to Monica’s back injury and protecting my enlarged heart from exertion. Our self confidence is back, health restored and we feel so blessed to have had this operation.
No regrets would do it all over again without hesitation.
After struggling with a being a prisoner in a fat body, we have been set free from our former obese selves.
Received excellent pre-op & post op care at all stages of procedure.
We placed our lives in the caring hands of the staff of UTMB Weight Management Clinic knowing the risks involved.
The results were worth it. We remain most grateful, loyal and appreciative for their Bariatric Surgical Skills and follow up treatment we received.

C. Reynolds –
Since my gastric bypass surgery on February 20, 2005, I have lost over 50 pounds and no longer take medication for hypertension and high cholesterol. I feel absolutely wonderful and often get comments on how much younger I look. The surgical and nutritional teams were great, and I will continue to follow the plan and my future appointments. I highly recommend weight loss surgery to all who would benefit from it!

K. Jensen –
When I first came to the Center for Weight Management in 2005, I weighed close to 350 lbs. and I was miserable! Simple things like playing with my children, doing chores, or walking to my car became a nightmare. In July of 2005, I had gastric bypass surgery, and since then I have lost a total of 170 lbs. Shopping has become a joy and I can walk anywhere I want to go and not have to worry about fainting from exhaustion. My husband, children, friends, and extended family are so proud of me. If I had it to do all over again, I would have the surgery again in a heartbeat. It has changed my life!

B. Allen –
Sure and Steady wins the race……..
I am currently 10 months out and have so far lost 60 pounds with the lap band. I have a new self confidence and much better health, having been off all meds since my surgery. I’m heading for the finish line. Thank you isn’t enough for the support and encouragement. I haven’t weighed this little in 25 years! Dr. Marx is absolutely the best!

V. Watermann –
September 11th was a day that changed my life - it’s the day I had lap band surgery – and life as I knew it before would never be the same (thankfully)! In 8 months, I’ve lost 42 pounds, and while that doesn’t sound like a lot compared to other weight losses, it’s made a profound difference to me! I’ve fought with my weight for over 30 years. I’d lose a few pounds only to gain a few more back, over and over! My closet had four different sizes of clothes in it! Now, not only are the clothes smaller, there are a lot fewer of them – one size or maybe two! It’s amazing the changes that have happened since I lost the weight. People I haven’t seen for a while don’t even recognize me! I LOVE shopping for clothes! It’s so much fun trying on outfits and seeing how they fit – even if I have no intention of buying them! I have so much more confidence. I feel so much better physically (of course) and can even cross my legs now!!! (Don’t laugh – if you’re 50 pounds overweight, those legs are just too big to cross over each other!!) I still have about 25 more pounds to lose, and I’m going to have to really work at it with exercise and diet, but now I know I really can do this! The support I get at the weight loss center is more than enough to help me achieve my goal. They are an awesome group! I hate surgery, but this is one I wish I had done a long time ago! Would I do it again? Absolutely YES! In a heartbeat!

C. Young –
This has been one of the best decisions I have ever made! I was off all my meds (high blood pressure, diabetes and reflux) within 4 weeks. I not only feel so much better physically, but mentally too…it is unbelievable!
I have the up-most respect and trust for the entire team of professionals at the UTMB Center for Weight Management. I never hesitate to let others know where and why I had this procedure done and what a wonderful difference it has made in my life.

M. McCoy – Galveston
About a year ago, I can honestly say my life was not as I wanted it to be. I was always tired and never had any energy to do anything. I weighed 290 pounds and just felt miserable. On July 10, 2007, I decided to have gastric bypass surgery. It has been 11 months and I have lost 130 pounds. I feel that without Dr. Trahan, Victoria, Liza, Leslie and Nathan’s help, I could have never reached this point of my life. Today, I am a healthier and happier person. Would I do it again? In a QUICK minute!