University of California, San Diego Medical Center – Center for the Treatment of Obesity

LapBand Success Stories

Testimonials of Successful Weight Loss with Gastric Banding

Curtis Jones – lost 132 pounds

When Curtis Jones turns 60 in July, he’ll have a celebration and a beautiful family to share it with.

What he won’t have is the 132 extra pounds he lost since his gastric banding surgery in March 2007. Nor will he have trouble breathing or tying his shoes, just two of the issues he faced when he weighed 363 pounds.

“I used to take 25 pills a day,” says Curtis, describing his pre-surgery days as a full-blown diabetic and two-time stroke survivor with chronic heart failure. A family-oriented husband and father, he knew something had to change. After looking into gastric bypass surgery, he heard about less invasive banding procedure – and liked what he learned.

“When I met Dr. Horgan and found out about the gastric band, I really liked his positive approach. He cares about his patients, really puts them first.” 

After two postponements due to continuing heart trouble, Curtis received his band in 2007 – and learned about a whole new way of life. “I got excited about changing all my eating habits,” he recalls. “Now, I eat a lot of little meals, and I’ve learned that a a small saucer can be my platter!”

These days, Curtis says his heart problems are a thing of the past, as are the daily insulin shots he once needed to survive.  “My heart is healthy, everything is great, and it’s been a year since I had an insulin shot,” he says with pride.

Curtis has worked diligently to achieve and maintain his desired weight, but he’s quick to share the credit with the entire gastric banding team and the fellow patients in his gastric band support group: “They’re like another family to me.”