Weight Loss Surgery Directory

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Surgeon Testimonial

Muhammad A. Jawad, M.D.
Very impressed with the office staff and Dr. Jawad himself. They really have the whole process streamlined and always have everything ready for you when you are there. Dr. Jawad clearly goes over each and every risk and tells you how many complications he has had in his patients. Very open and honest and I appreciate that. I felt very at ease and confident in my choice of surgeons!
Member Interests
  • Animals - I have 3 dogs, 2 cats and feed outdoor animals as well!
  • Computers & Internet - I'm a web-a-holic! Order everything online, play games, read, etc!
  • Animal Rescue - One of my dogs was rescued from a no-kill shelter and we love her tons!
  • Crossword & Word Games - Addicted to word games online!
  • Fishing - Would you expect anything else from a FL Native? Saltwater is my fave!
  • Auto Racing - Love NASCAR! Go #8, #20, #11
  • Safari - When I lose weight, I am heading to Africa w/ hubby!
  • E-Bay - My other addiction besides web games & web surfing!
  • Animal Communication - I love to read books about animals!
  • Bird Watching - My latest hobby and I love it!

Latest Surgery Support Comments

  • Comment by Jenn ;-) on 5/13/06 10:34 am
    If you feel discomfort a heating pad will help. Congrats on your surgery and heres to lots of losing!! Take it easy, hugs Jenn
  • Comment by WilderGal73 on 5/12/06 9:13 pm
    Thank you all for the well wishes! It meant a lot to me going into this that I had support! I am home now...I made it through. Not without pain....but I'm sure it will get better. They did a great job of giving me anti-nausea meds so I never got sick...have to look on the bright side! :o) My port area hurts like heck. I guess that is normal. A little gas pain but took some chewable Gas-X and it helped. I can't wait until Monday when I can make a protein shake! Never thought I'd say that! Thanks again - this board and website is wonderful and I know I will use it more and more for motivation and support. YOU ALL ROCK! ~Melissa LapBand 5-12-06
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My Story

Obesity runs in my family. Of course, being 5'1" I'm already vertically challenged. I have battled the "bulge" since I was a kid, living off Whoppers and Doritos. I found out at 23 that I had a thyroid problem, by then I had gained 60+ lbs in less than a year. Since then I've continued to gain, and weight loss efforts just aren't working. For years everyone told me I was healthy and my thyroid was fine, but I never believed them, I just couldn't lose the weight, even when I did try.
I feel lucky that I met my husband now before I gained this last 50lbs. At 250 I felt fat but could still wear my 3X clothes and look "ok". Quitting my job, not getting any exercise and eating out a lot has really taken a toll on me this past year or so.
I have made up my mind that the only solution is WLS. I have to admit defeat in the dieting department. I just don't have the willpower to stick to it.
I'm an avid photographer and nature/wildlife lover. I have wanted to get involved in Audubon birding trips and such, but hiking in this heat with my camera gear is nearly impossible for me now. I hate sweating so much, I hate being out of breath. I want to be able to fly, travel, do things outdoors, have a life, and not be scared of my weight and awkward circumstances. We have passes to some of the theme parks and I don't go because of the embarrassment of "squeezing" through the turnstyles. How silly is that?
I'm tired of being tired. Tired of buying bigger and bigger clothes and not liking what I see in the mirror. Tired of worrying about what this weight is doing to my body, my bones, my organs, my heart. Tired of being sore and aching all over, especially foot and back pain.
My problems are compounding, I have referrals to a podiatrist, a urologist, a cardiologist, an endocrinologist, an allergist, a pain specialist, the list goes on. My life now is consumed with doctor visits, tests and juggling medications. I'm 32 and living the life of an 80yr old.
My husband and I want to have a child if I can lose enough weight to safely do so. I fear this day may never come unless I have surgery.  (This was written at the start of my journey).  My insurance did not cover WLS and I was self-pay.