Testimonials

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Personal Comments:

Comments About Northwest Weight Loss Surgery:
It's been two years that I had lap band surgery, which has changed my life. Prior to surgery I was miserable. My knees and hips hurt from osteoarthritis and the extra weight I was carrying around and I could not go a day without pain medication. I just didn't want to live like that. Exercise was not even a consideration because of my condition. Food had become my best friend and comforter. In general, I was a mess.
Today I'm 168 pounds lighter and feel like a new person. I have lost 12 clothing sizes, my double chin, and I have lost negative feelings about my self and bad eating habits. Exercise has become my friend and I look forward to it and have made it a priority in my life. I walk regularly, and use the stairs whenever possible (because I want to, and its not an effort anymore). My knees and hips are completely pain free. For the first time in my life I can say that I eat to live -- instead of living to eat. For the first time in my life, I live like a normal HEALTHY person.

Some of the things that I’m doing now that I could never do before lap band surgery:

• Lowering my cholesterol
• Lowering my blood pressure
• Lowering my blood sugar
• Crossing my legs while sitting in a chair
• Showing my collar bone
• Finding my bones I never knew were under all that fat
• Not being hot and sweating all the time (although now I’m almost always cold (due to lack of fatty insulation) but it’s easy to dress warm in fashionable clothing)
• Fitting in an airline seat (with room to spare)
• Fitting in a move seat (with room to spare)
• Running up stairs
• Wearing a belt
• Shopping in normal stores for clothes
• Being able to pull my legs up under me in a chair
• Being able to paint my toe nails
• Wearing toe rings
• Having men look at me instead of right through me

Has it been easy? No way! Changing 30 years of bad habits is never easy. And it's not easy to be a new person in the old world. The people around me haven't changed and I can't expect them to change. They still want to reward me with food. People act almost offended when I refuse the donuts or other treats they've brought in. They say, "You’ve gotten so skinny that one won't hurt you". Well, they don't understand and the fact that those foods were an addiction for me for too many years. I was a foodaholic and I never want to be that person again.

Having lap band surgery was the best thing I ever gave myself! Every day I am rewarded by something good that's new in my life. It doesn't have to be a big thing, just some small thing that I couldn't have done before that I can do now -- or just feeling good about myself. The band has given me a new lease on life. It has given me a chance to live life the way it was meant to be - happy & healthy.

There is no looking back now; just what can I do next!

I still have 20 pounds to lose, but now I'm confident that I will get there. I never could have said that two years ago.

Lap Band Surgery is more than just a surgical procedure -- it's a gift and none of us should take it for granted. Use it wisely and you will get the best gift you could have ever wanted -- the gift of life without obesity.

Ruth

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Personal Comments:
It was so nice to see all my friends the other day when I arrived for my un-fill. NWWLS is not a surgery center, not a doctors office, Nope....it is a large and complete family who helps family members regain their self worth, their health, and their dignity. You all do that with kindness and consideration. I was not that much
overweight. This is true. But the mental pain since I was a child with what ever extra weight I carried completely darkened my life. Women never took a second look at me. It kept me inside myself for 45 years. I could only cover up the shame with humor. Now that I am skinny I have blossomed into a full fledged comedian. Just kidding.
And my favorite nurse. Debbi. WOW! What a women!@#$%I mean nurse. She can poke my tummy any time, for my health of course. My progress is undetermined for only 24 hours since my encounter. But I had a left over rib eye steak of about 3 ounces or so and it was the first meat I have eaten in 359 days; but I'm not counting. It was sooooooo goooood. And then I got full and was satisfied. No hunger. No back wash. I hope I continue. If I don't I'll get to come and see my personal cute nurse Debbi.

Any member of the staff that doesn't walk around smiling all the time should be shot because you all change lives so much. Some may not say too much but you all saved my life for many reasons and I can't thank you all so much. I Love all of you;
especially................

Thank You; Tim S. 1 year out.

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Personal Comments:
I am thrilled with my band! I had surgery on 9-13-05 and have already lost close to 40 pounds! Having the surgery was the best decision I ever made...but, not just having the surgery...having it at Northwest Weight Loss Surgery Center! The surgery was a breeze and the staff is wonderful!

Comments About Northwest Weight Loss Surgery:
Without reservation, I recommend NWWLS to anyone considering having the band. You won't regret it, as they are the best!

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Personal Comments:
Jim P. Banded Dr. Watkins 3-24-05

Let’s talk about something we all have GROWN to love SMORGASBORDS! So many choices. Well, life is just that, how often do we overindulge and leave no room for the good stuff the dessert. I am here to tell you that NWWLS is the Dessert, the TREAT! From the informational seminars, through the process, and to follow-up aftercare, your experience will be outstanding.

Nowhere will you find such a topnotch five-star organization. From your first encounter with the staff to the consultation with two extremely gifted surgeons who are compassionate and passionate about making a difference in your life. After gaining nearly 60 pounds from inactivity due to a lung injury in my former career as a firefighter, I now have my life back!

Being overweight is no laughing matter, or is it? I can personally tell you my sense of humor and ability to look at life from both sides. The lighter side can be quite funny. With all the badness such as hypertension, diabetes, arthritic Knees and joints, I took a preemptive strike to do something regarding my weight. Drastic situations call for drastic measures. Just are joints alone like our knees were not made to support Buick. Never mind what are heart has to go through daily. An old Italian proverb is "Don't dig your grave with your own fork and spoon" also you can't lose weight by talking about it. You have to keep your mouth shut. You know we are all trained to obey the traffic laws, and if we ignore them there are penalties. I'm here to tell you illness and a shortened lifespan along with lifetime of ineffective dieting is the penalty for exceeding the feed limit. Don't live beyond your seams. Do not hesitate this is a proven success. Don't cheat yourself or your family of the gift of your time with them. Remember when you overeat there is a HEAVY price to pay. Life is full of ups and pounds. Get rid of pounds and start living!

THANK YOU ALL @ NWWLS!
(You will be seeing a lot less of me around.)
Jim P.

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Personal Comments:
I started losing weight out of fear in Sept of 2005 weighing 278 lbs, the same as my mom at her death in August. I was using a walker for 10 days due to a back injury caring for Mom. That was the catalyst to my search for help. I began exercise and therapy for my back.

I started researching weight loss surgery and found NWWLS online. I was thrilled to find an alternative to bypass surgery. My husband and I attended a seminar in Richland in September. That was followed by a consult with Dr. Montgomery, Jessie and Linda on October 7. I had studied everything I could get my hands on about the surgery and knew I wanted to go ahead. I had lost 21 lbs, had begun trying to eat a Bandster type meal, and was walking over a mile a day. I felt good about the consults and encouraged by talking with women who had been banded and succeeded.  Dr. felt I was ready for surgery. A cancellation allowed me to be scheduled for one week later on October 10.
Surgery on the 10th went well with my entering surgery at 4 pm and being back in hotel by 7 pm. The doctor, nurses, and anethesiologist were wonderful. Pre-op care was more like a spa than surgery.

I have had 3 fills to date and am at my current sweet spot. There have been periods of plateaus, but with Jessie and Debbie's help I have recognized when I need a fill or am eating wrong or not exercising enough. The new found energy I have with losing weight, eating better, and exercising has turned me into the Energizer Bunny.

I could barely walk a block in August. Now I am in the gym 5-6 days a week. I use the elliptical trainer, treadmill, weights, stability ball, and am starting swimming lessons next week to swim laps more effectively. My greatest motivator to exercise diligently...I want to reduce how much saggy skin I will have.

As of my March 11, 2006 I have lost a total of 73 lbs with 52 since surgery in 21 weeks. That's and average of 2.48 lbs a week. And, it is gone. I now weight 205 lbs.
I have muscle tone I have never had before. I have 70 lbs to go to my goal and can't even imagine how much more my body will change. I have gone from size 26 tight pants to 16-18's and 2x to medium T-shirts.

I had nearly given up on being healthy again, now I am entering mini triathlons. I have so much more energy to give to my family and in youth work that I love plus my job. One of my new addictions is the online support group Smartbandsters. I love encouraging others on this journey.

I love my band. Thank you Dr. Montgomery, Jessie, Debbie, Linda and all the staff at NWWLS.

Kathy R. in Walla Walla

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Personal Comments:
I am going to be banded on May 4th, 20006. I found the testimonials to be very helpful when I was researching the band as an option to aid my long struggle with my yo-yoing weight. I plan on doing a journal about my experience in order to help others make an informed decision as well. I'll be back right after my surgery. If anyone would like to ask me about anything, feel free to E Mail.

Here's to a new and improved me!

Comments About Northwest Weight Loss Surgery:
The other testimonials were right. Every one N.W.W.L.S. was friendly and professional. I actually went to another clinic closer to my home first. I was not impressed. When you are making a big, life changing decision it is very important to feel totally comfortable with the people you are entrusting with your health and well being. I am fully confident that I am in good hands. My banding is on the 4th of May and I am very excited. I can't wait!

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Personal Comments:
I had my band put on April 25th. I was scared and excited. Scared because I have tried everything over the years to lose weight. Oh, I lost weight alright..over and over and over again. Each time putting more back on than when I started. I'm excited for the possibilities ahead of me of finally getting my demons under control. I know it's going to be hard at first (I'm being realistic) but as I start taking the weight off it will be such an encouragement. Since I had it done I've lost 9 pounds but I know that is part due to just having liquids right now. I'm also excited to have my first fill as I understand you will really notice a difference after that.

Comments About Northwest Weight Loss Surgery:
When I first met Dr. Watkins I told him he looked about 15 years old. He was so thorough and had such confidence in me that I was going to be able to do this. On the day of surgery I was treated like royalty with a plush robe and a foot massage to boot. Dr. McDreamy (Dr Watkins) came in and I told him I had said my prayer for today and he said, "so did I." That made me feel like I was ready for anything. He is such a caring person. In fact I had asked what number lap band I was and he replied,” you are not a number here, you're a person with a name". WOW!!

The staff has always been incredibly helpful and so willing to share their own stories with you as most of them have had lap bands themselves. I called them so many times and I've even thought of a few more while I'm typing this. I highly recommend NWWLS to anyone who wants to make this life changing decision. It's a beautiful place with a beautiful staff.

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Personal Comments:
I was banded right about six weeks ago. I appreciated the information that was shared by others when I was researching the procedure myself; so I am passing along the knowledge. My surgery went very well. I have to admit that I was nervous when it was time to be "put under". I did not at all enjoy the feelings I was experiencing after the surgery. I was pretty sore and felt anxious. The 1.5 hr. drive home was not pleasant either. I went to bed when I got home, took a nap and just laid around and watched T.V. the rest of the day. I felt much better the next day. The next three days went really well. Keep in mind that you get to be on liquid Vicadin, so I was literally feeling very little pain. The Dr's instructions were to do as much activity as I felt able to do. The problem is that I am a very busy real estate agent who loves what I do for a living and I found out just how sore I made myself when I no longer had the pain meds to rely on. Day 4 through 7 I was very sore. Enough to where I was wondering what I was thinking having this surgery. But on day 8 I felt as though a new day had dawned. I started to rapidly feel better each day that passed. I did experience a lot of weight loss the first week. About nine #'s. I just had no appetite due to the surgery. As a result, I became dehydrated. Not fun, I don't recommend it! I felt like hell for a couple of days while I was figuring out what my problem was. Once I got re-hydrated I was fine again. I am currently at about a five # loss. There is little to no restriction in the amount of food you can eat until after you have your band tightened. I am due to have mine tightened now. I am leaving tomorrow for a week long vacation and my practical husband wants me to wait until after to have the procedure done. I'm sure this is a good idea, but I hate to wait. I can hardly tell that I have the lap band in me anymore. My small scares have healed nicely and I no longer have any pains. Would I do it knowing what I know now? Yep!!! I'll come back with an update a little while after I have my band tightened. I highly recommend NWWLS. I would not let a friend go any where else.

Until next time,
Melody

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Personal Comments:
I had my Lap-band surgery performed by Dr. Watkins on September 13, 2005. To date, I have lost 73 pounds! I am profoundly delighted that I made the decision to have this surgery. I feel better than I have for years; I can get around faster and easier; I keep dropping clothes sizes which is awesome and, my quality of like has already drastically changed for the better! I'm 57 years old, 5'1" and had a start weight of 340 pounds. I'm currently at 264...I have not seen that number on the scale in over 25 years!!!

I have had no problems or complications what-so-ever. Surgery was a breeze and I'd do it again in a minute if I had to!! I can eat most anything except bread or doughy items.

I don't eat near as much as I used to, nor do I want to. I'm satisfied with what I do eat and I certainly don't feel deprived.

Words alone cannot adequately express how effective and life altering having the Lap-band surgery has been. Every day is a joyful experience for me as the pounds slowly but surely melt away.

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Personal Comments:
I was banded on July 13, 2006. I was very excited about the surgery but very apprehensive due to just having had a heart procedure done 3 months prior. (Heart Ablation) The thought of going under anesthesia with my heart was very unsettling. Dr. Montgomery assured me it would not be a problem and every precaution was taken.
The surgery went very well with NO complications. I was sore for a few days but back to work in 5 days. I have lost 11 pounds so far and I get my first fill next Monday. I can hardly wait. I’m ready to begin this journey!

I have had the wonderful experience first hand on how the band works because my daughter was banded a year ago at the age of 16. Although she’s had some other health factors unrelated to the band, she has still managed to loose 40 lbs and at least the continual yearly gain she was experiencing has stopped!

So now were banded together for life as we tell each other! I couldn’t ask for a better support person.

Comments About Northwest Weight Loss Surgery:
I have been dealing with all the people at NWWLS for a year with my daughter and after calling numerous times to ask questions, taking her to every monthly appointment and support group meeting for the adolescents and now dealing with them for myself I can honestly say that you couldn't ask for a better staff including the Doctors.

The office staff is banded also and can answer any questions or concerns you have. Dr. Montgomery was wonderful in helping us through the process with my daughter given her age and then again for myself. They are all wonderful caring people.

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