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Texas Endosurgery Associates Advanced Laparoscopy and Surgery

With Texas Endosurgery Associates Permanent weight loss is possible

Patient Testimonials

Beginning the New Year 100 Pounds Lighter
or
Katy Woman Discovers How Much She’s Gained by Losing 100 Pounds

By Melissa Landrum

This New Year’s, Katy resident Charmaine Guidry had a lot to celebrate. She started the new year 100 pounds lighter. After years of watching her weight slowly creep up to an all-time high of 270 pounds and dozens of unsuccessful diet attempts, she sought a more permanent solution to achieving and maintaining a healthy weight. Now, she’s achieved the weight she’s always dreamed of and couldn’t be happier.
Like many middle-aged women, Charmaine gradually put on weight over the years during her pregnancies. She tried dieting with only partial success. “For years I tried numerous diets and would lose weight,” says Charmaine. “But I would gain one-third to one-half of the weight back each time.”
The excess pounds were starting to affect her health. “I had high blood pressure and had just found out that I was borderline diabetic,” explains Charmaine. “I also had two knee replacements. The excess weight was causing stress on my knees and causing difficulty in some of my simple daily tasks.”
Charmaine weighed 235 pounds in November 2008 when she contacted weight loss surgeon Ricardo Bonnor, M.D. “Dr. Bonnor patiently went over everything that I was going to encounter before, during and after my surgery,” says Charmaine. “He answered all my questions and calmed all my fears. “
Of the various weight loss surgical options available, Dr. Bonnor suggested Charmaine undergo the gastric bypass procedure. “Patients like Charmaine who have tried diets and not succeeded require a more metabolic procedure like the gastric bypass,” advises Dr. Bonnor

Originally developed as a treatment for ulcer patients, the gastric bypass procedure connects a limb of intestine to a very small pouch of the stomach. The remaining stomach and first segment of small intestine are bypassed. The procedure can now be performed using a minimally invasive technique that reduces healing time and expedites recovery. “We have standardized the technique allowing us to do it safer and more efficiently,” adds Dr. Bonnor.

Adjustable Gastric Banding or Lap-band is another popular weight-loss surgical procedure that has proven effective for many patients. It restricts food consumption without interfering with the body’s digestive processes. By placing a hollow, silicone band around the upper part of the stomach, a small pouch and a narrow passage is created that slows the emptying of food into the rest of the stomach, causing the patient to feel fuller longer. The band can be adjusted to allow more or less food into the stomach.

The lap-band procedure is now being performed at Memorial Hermann Katy Hospital. Weight loss surgery patients benefit from the dedicated surgical suites and patient rooms that the hospital offers. “Memorial Hermann Katy has state-of-the-art equipment and surgical staff trained in the care of patients who have these procedures,” says Dr. Bonnor.

According to Dr. Bonnor, weight loss surgery is a tool to help patients achieve healthier lifestyles. “To be successful, patients must change the way they approach food and their eating habits,” says Dr. Bonnor. He requires his patients to see a life coach and dietitian to help ensure healthy eating habits and that they are mentally and physically prepared for the weight loss process. Since the procedure, Charmaine attends monthly support group meetings and exercises 20 minutes, three times a week.

“It’s changed my life. Before I was resigned to grow old and be grumpy and not be able to play with my grandkids,” admits Charmaine. “As I’ve slowly watched the weight come off, I’m actually realizing now what I’ve been dreaming of for so many years – being thin -- can come true. Now I’m looking forward to the future.”