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

Patient Stories

Meet Willie DePascale

San Diego resident Willie DePascale is the first to admit that his life revolves around food. After all, he’s the former chef for the U.S. Grant Hotel and has worked for the past eight years at the Moceri Produce company.

But when his weight reached 392 pounds, and he experienced a heart attack a few years ago, this professional foodie realized that change was on the menu.

“It was a big wake-up call,” he says. “I’ve been dealing with my weight forever. I’m from an Italian family: You get depressed,  you eat. You have money problems, you eat.  I finally said to myself, ‘You’ve got to do something.’ ”

DePascale had investigated gastric bypass surgery in the past, but decided that the risks were simply too great. Lengthy stints in the hospital after back surgery complications reinforced his desire to avoid major surgery. While participating in the Healthyroads wellness program offered through his insurance provider last year, DePascale heard about the minimally invasive lap band procedure – and signed up for UCSD’s seminar.

“I went to the presentation with Jill and Natalie and Christina and Dr. Horgan, and I liked the feel of the group. I felt like they were interested in you and your health and your commitment. I felt like they were going to be there for me… and they have been.”

After getting “second opinions” from a number of Dr. Horgan’s patients and completing his Healthyroads program, DePascale had his lap band procedure at UCSD on July 25, 2007. He weighed 340 pounds.

As of November  2008, he's lost 116 pounds through sensible eating, the monthly post-op support group, and an exercise program incorporating cardio training, weight lifting and yoga. He's delighted that he can still enjoy his favorite foods – in moderation.

"I’m a chef at heart," says DePascale. “I still love food and a good bottle of wine. But if I’m going to have a glass of wine, I’ll do an extra half hour of cardio.”

And, he values the support of fellow patients and the lap band team. “I can call Jill (the program dietitian) any time and I know she’ll call right back. I feel great, and I think they’ve done a great job.

Recently, Willie went zip-lining on Maui (see photo on right, below), something he'd always wanted to do but couldn't because he was too heavy to meet the weight restrictions. "In the past, I'd never made the weight limits," he recalled. "Now, thanks to everyone at UCSD, I'm alive again."

“I would recommend this (surgery) to anybody, absolutely anybody who’s been through this vicious cycle.”