Tim's Lap Band Weight Loss Journey with Success

My name is Tim Summers and here is brief synopsis of my lap band weight loss journey. I could not have done it without Tammy's help and guidance!

One day, in August 2006, I happened to be talking to Tammy and discovered a new weight loss procedure called the Adjustable Lap Band. Tammy explained the procedure and put me in contact with Dr. Ernest Rehnke. After filling out the paperwork, attending seminars and meeting with Dr. Ernest Rehnke, I was found to be a candidate for the procedure. It took me about 6 months to complete the process and get approved through my insurance for the procedure. If it was not for Tammy’s information on how to get through the approval process, it could have taken longer.

This timeframe of course will depend on your insurance carrier, past medical records, past attempts at weight loss and your psych eval. Opti-Fast was my friend for 2 weeks before surgery, not the most tasty thing in the world but it is necessary prior to surgery.

The day finally came....February 14, 2006....SURGERY DAY!!!!! I was at the hospital by 8:00AM as I was the first one of the day and this was the first day of my new life. Surgery went just like a textbook procedure and I was in my room and walking, slowly, by 3:00PM. After the 24 hour stay in the hospital, I was ready to go home and was discharged by 11:00AM the following day. Popsicles, chicken stock, and Jell-O was my diet for approximately 7 weeks and at end of this time, I was calling Tammy to get support. I slowly moved to mushy foods, then deli meat and cheese as well as slowly boosting my water intake. It took me approximately 6-8 months to get to 1 gallon of water a day but I got there. I cannot say enough about getting the water intake....just do it as it will really help. Between coming home on 02/15/2006 and going to see Dr. Ernest Rehnke 8 weeks later, I had lost 22lbs.

A few months later, it was time for my first fill. My first fill was scary as I did not know what to expect, but this is where Tammy came in for support. The fill helped some as this was the first and I don't think it was as tight as it could have been, but the second one....WOW. This one took hold very well and I ended up losing 15lbs that month. All in all, I reached my goal of 185lbs by January 11th, 2007....just shy of 11 months. I had one fill after this date and have not had any fills since. I have just passed my second anniversary and am still maintaining my weight thanks to the support from Tammy, Dr. Ernest Rehnke, his staff and my family. On March 24, 2008, I had my tummy tuck done by Dr. Robert Rehnke, Dr. Ernest Rehnke's brother. This was a painful recovery but well worth the time, pain and effort. Dr. Robert Rehnke and his staff are phenomenal!!! I am 10 weeks out from this surgery and feel like 10 million bucks. If you have any questions on any part of your weight loss journey, please feel free to contact me

I wish all of you the best of luck!!! Tim