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Surgeon Testimonial

David Le, MD
I have had a few appointments with Dr. Le, and I have been pleased with our interactions. My first thought upon meeting him was that he was quite young. However, Dr. Le handles himself professionally and is willing to answer any questions that I have. I never feel that I am being rushed out of the office with him.rnrnAny future patients should note that Dr. Le is rather soft spoken but quite intelligent. He's also quite thorough and ensures that his patients understand the surgery that they are about to embark upon. If there are any questions, he will be the one to answer them quickly.
Member Interests
  • Cats - I have three cats: Melchiah, Raziel, and Kain
  • Singing - I am countertenor with a four-and-a-half-octave vocal range.
  • Black American - African American and proud!
  • French - Je parle français courrament. Je cherche les autres francophones.
  • Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual & Transgender - I have been happily married seven years to a wonderful man!
  • Martial Arts - I have black belts in tae kwon do and Goju-Ryu karate.
  • X Box - I actually have an Xbox 360, but you get the gist!
  • Atheism/Agnostic - The belief in rational thought and empirical evidence is what motivates me.

Xavier Smith's Journey

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Describe your behavioral and emotional battle with weight control before learning about bariatric surgery.
As a child and teenager, I did not have issues with my weight. I studied the martial arts religiously and led a fairly healthy life. As a whole, I did not think much about my weight. Transitioning into adulthood proved to be difficult though. My mother passed away from an excruciating death from colon cancer, and her death took a toll on me. I coped by turning to something that I thought would bring me comfort and solace: food. I stopped working out and starting gaining weight, and the weight gain got out of control. Behaviorally and emotionally, I dealt with stress and anger with eating. Eating was the only thing that I felt I could control. So it's interesting how the tables really were turned: Food was the master, and I was actually the servant.
Latest Surgery Support Comments

  • Comment by judyanne on 5/14/07 8:28 pm
    Now that you are a couple of months out, I hope you are doing well with your protein, water and exercise. I wish for continued success for you and I hope to read more of your journey on your profile.
  • Comment by Celest J. on 3/7/07 9:10 pm
    Sending lots of love and good vibes, you are going to do great. Big hugs, Celest
  • Comment by LavenderLoco on 3/6/07 4:26 pm
    Wishing you a smooth and safe surgery, speedy and easy recovery and all the best as you begin your exciting, life-changing journey. Many Blessings!
Click here for the surgery support page
Xavier Derico-Smith's Blog
Xavier Derico-Smith's Blog


Walking Up the King's Highway?
on January 28, 2007 5:52 pm
Today, my partner and I completed our routine walk, but this time, we took it farther.  We completed approximately four and a half miles of walking today--the longest that I have gone.  I have to say that it felt invigorating to walk that far, and it did not seem so bad when we finished it.  However, after winding down a few hours later, my legs felt like jello!

I am well past my pre-operative goal weight, but I am still maintaining the healthy lifestyle.  The more that I can lose now, the better for me in the future after my surgery.  It's all good!

Tonight, we will be dining on spaghetti, so that will be a treat.  I will update more in here as time progresses.
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Surgery Date
on January 27, 2007 1:57 pm
The time is winding down now.  I received a call a few days ago with my surgery date:  March 8, 2007.  This is it, folks.  This is what I have been working on; this is the goal.

Interestingly enough, I am not worried or anxious about it all.  I am confident that the procedure will go well because I am placing it in the hands of the Father of creation.  I simply never thought that I would make it this far.  Honestly, my partner seems more worried than I am!  :-)

I will have several appointments in February to prepare for the surgery.  I will have to have a round of lab work performed as well, but that will be nothing.

I will update more as it comes along!

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