- Name: Shelby Fisk
- Age: 39
- Surgery: Lap Band
- Surgery date: February 20th, 2015
- Testimonial date: March 25th, 2015
- Surgeon: Dr. Almanza
I had my lap band on February 20th. I chose to do this surgery because I was a type 2 diabetic that was dangerously close to becoming insulin dependent. I knew I wouldn't change my life style unless I was forced to. The recovery wasn't too bad, I was able to go home the day after my surgery. Sticking to liquids only my first two weeks was tougher then I thought it would be but just remember to drink those protein shakes! They help you feel full for longer. I visited with a lap band doctor a few days ago. I didn't get my first band fill yet because my incisions are still healing. So far I am down 25 pounds which is great. My weight loss has slowed since now I can eat again and I also found out I wasn't taking in enough protein. Protein is very important when you can only consume a few hundred calories a day. I know have 40 grams of protein in a shake for breakfast and for dinner with a light lunch. It's all you need, sometimes at dinner, I have some grilled chicken or fish with my protein shake but that's it. I'm also happy to report that I am completely off my diabetic medication! That has been the best part. My diabetes isn't gone yet but my doctor thinks it will be soon. When you consume so few calories every day, the medicine doesn't have a job to do so it was just making my stomach very upset. I also had my blood drawn to check my numbers for diabetes and they are improving dramatically just in the past month. Although I was nervous to travel to Mexico, I had a wonderful experience. I stayed at the hotel for 2 nights and the staff was great and so were the on call nurses. Dr. Almanza was great and so was his staff. I would honestly recommend this to anyone who is serious about losing weight. But prepare yourself! It's a big mind shift after this surgery, my life is very different but for the better. I'm glad I did it! Someone once told me that they felt getting weight loss surgery is like cheating to lose weight. Believe me, there is nothing cheating here because you can't cheat if you want to. This has been the hardest and best thing ever for me. I don't crave sweets and diet coke at all which were my biggest weaknesses. I so appreciate Weight Loss Agents for changing my life!