In September 2011, I was visiting my internist for what felt like the 100th time that particular year. I was up to 278 pounds! I took a total of 4 blood pressure pills, one pre-diabetic, suffered with sleep apnea (had to sleep with mask), and high cholesterol. He said he of a fantastic lady surgeon, and wanted to know if I would be interested in meeting a weight loss surgeon to talk about weight loss and life style change. I laughed at him and said sure. I could have never imagined how my life would change for the better.

The day after Thanksgiving I met Dr. Aileen Takahashi. I thought omg! She is tough! Dr. T explained that she could give me a tool, but it would be up to me to use it. She gave me hope and confidence. For the first time, I felt like I had hope. I didn’t know how I was going to do it, but if Dr T said I could do it then it will happen.

I joined Curves. I went every morning after dropping the kids off at school. I also started walking. First, just around my living room, then on my treadmilll, now I walk about 2 miles outside. I have learned to look at food so differently. When I use to get upset I would eat and drink sodas (no diet anything). I am learning to deal with life issues without turning to food for comfort. It’s true when you lose the weight, your problems do not disappear. I had to learn coping skills to deal with problems. I encourage anyone thinking about having surgery to go to the support groups. They help so much!

Currently I take no meds and the sleep apnea is gone. Even my cholesterol is normal. All my labs are normal. I’ve gone from a size 22/24 to a 7/8. Every day I wake up I am grateful. God has been so good to me. I made my goal weight! If I can do it, anyone can!*

My “yo-yo” weight gain and loss started when I was about 16. I never smoked, drank coffee, drank much alcohol, or was a drug user. Instead, food was my drug of choice in addition to my best friend and comforter.

I was at an all-time low, with no hope for change. Both knees had bone on bone arthritis and I was very sedentary. I was in pain every day and growing more and more hopeless – helpless too. I didn’t see a way out of my situation.

After my husband died suddenly in 2009, my youngest son had a heart to heart talk with me asking me to please take care of my health. A couple of friends at his work had gastric surgery with great results. I thought about it and I decided to look into it further. I did really need to take better care of myself. I saw no way to change my situation without the help of the by-pass, because in fact I had tried myself for about 40 years.

The gastric surgery was just the start of my journey. I have lost over 100 pounds and because I was down to a reasonable weight, I was able to get knee replacements in both knees. I can stand up from a table at a restaurant and take a walk afterwards. I can get up from my chair at home without problems. This has literally changed my life for the better and in so many ways.

I can take a walk on the beach. I can go to the movies with my grandchildren. I can go to parties. I can get from my car to an event for work. I honestly didn’t realize how much my weight was affecting so many parts of my life. I am forever grateful for this wonderful program, for the care before and after the surgery and for the great job that Dr. Solomon did with the surgery. They are very thorough and are experts that’s for sure. I would recommend it to anyone.*

The Association of South bay Surgeons saved my life…………….

Ever since I was a child I struggled with my weight. I was often called Ten Ton Tessie. As a child I was taught to always clear my plate before I could leave the table as there were starving children in the world. After years of that practice when I reached adult hood I never felt full. I could just continue eating and eating. I was on a diet all of my adult life: Nutri-system, Jenny Craig, Weightwatchers, Fen Phen, Atkins, Ketosis, you name it I did it. I even did a couple of the programs a few times over throughout the years. Don’t get me wrong, I would lose weight 30-40lbs but it would always come back.

Like most of us I worked in a very stressful job, the hours were long, we barely stopped to take a break and after many years of this my own health suffered because of it. At this stage I was at my heaviest. I avoided all mirrors even at home. I wore the same few items of clothing that fit me and which I thought back then didn’t look that bad on me. I stopped going to social functions because I didn’t want people seeing me this heavy. I even stopped going to Ireland as often as I didn’t want my family and friends to see me even heavier once again. As none of the diets had worked previously I thought why even bother trying again..

I kept seeing ads on the TV talking about the lap band, as I drove down the street I would see billboards and I thought to myself one day… you have no quality of life, life is passing you by. You are tired all the time, you don’t feel good, you don’t look good and now you have put your life on hold. You have to do something about it. I booked an appointment with my primary care physician, we chatted he walked me through all the necessary steps that would have to be taken and then he referred me to The Association of South Bay Surgeons in Torrance.

I was amazed that he wanted to send me so far, my hospital Huntington Memorial in Pasadena surely they had a Bariatric program they were a state of the art hospital. He told me that these people are the best, they specialize in this field and they had numerous credited awards for excellence. He also mentioned that I did not want to be going to one of these places that advertised on the side of the freeway. I was guilty because I already had it in my head that if he said no I didn’t need it I was quite prepared to go to one of them places I saw on the side of the road. I am so glad he said yes and referred me to South Bay Surgeons.

I made my first appointment and couldn’t wait to get started. When I met with the first girls and they gave me my timeline all I could think about was “how am I going to speed this process up” and get my surgery done quicker. Thank God they didn’t let me. As I checked each item of my list I began to understand why the whole process could not be rushed.

Every class I attended, I could see it wasn’t a miracle cure but a tool . I observed some folks being present in the flesh at class but instead of listening and learning they were too busy looking at their phones and talking to their friend beside them. One of them even mentioned that they were post-surgery and they could not understand why they weren’t losing weight. Seeing that scared me into paying very close attention to the teachers, others patients and anyone else who spoke. I was determined to learn from their failures and triumphs and do it the right way. I switched back and forth on what procedure I was going to have, I started with the lap band, and then I moved to the sleeve and then ended up with the bypass. The more I knew, the more it helped me figure out what was best for me.

You will encounter many different people and staff, they are all there for a reason but you have to remember this is your fight and with their guidance you will make it. Some days you will doubt your decision, you think what am I doing, where’s the door, will I ever be able to eat again. You think you are the only one feeling like this but we all went through it.

The best first step you can take is to contact Associated Surgeons of South Bay and putting yourself in their care. From the doctors to the office staff to the nurses at Torrance Memorial Hospital surgery ward they are the best. I had Dr Solomon Houman and with his excellent care I dropped 70lbs. He guided me through the whole process step by step, he never rushed my appointments, he gave me his recommendations and together we figured out a plan specifically for me. I never had surgery of any kind before so when the time came I started saying my prayers thinking please just let me wake up, when I saw him in the operating room, I said you better not let me die on this table I’ll come back and haunt ya….. Needless to say he didn’t and I can tell you if I ever had to go back in for any other type of surgery Dr Solomon would be my first choice of Doctor whether he was experienced in the field or not, that’s how much I trust him.

I must say one of my favorite moments about the whole process was when I just came home from the hospital, after years and years of never being able to say no to food for the first time ever in my life I couldn’t have cared less about food. People were very careful around me, they didn’t want to bring food around me but I told them all, “you could bring in a 10 course meal and sit here and eat it in front of me. I couldn’t care less I have no desire for food” Now that was a great feeling after years of food consuming my thoughts 24 hours a day it was great that is was no longer the first thing on my mind.

Now and year and a few months post-surgery my lifestyle is completely different, to this day I cannot believe that I can go into a store and buy regular sizes. In some stores a size small. I have so much energy now, my sleep apnea is gone and I now sleep like a baby. I no longer come home from work and fall asleep on the couch as soon as I sit down. I can keep up with the best of them; I eat like a normal person now, healthy choices and the correct portion. I feel fantastic; the compliments you receive are never ending. You walk taller and you’re inside beauty oozes out of you without you really knowing it and you shine every day. It will be the best decision you ever make in your life. You owe it to yourself to get treated by “The Best” Association of South bay Surgeons, you’ll be glad you did!*

My name is Eduardo and I’m 35-years-old, this is my weight loss story. As a child, teenager, and young adult I was always obese. When I reached my late 20’s and early 30’s my doctor considered me super obese with a BMI over 55+ and a excess weight of 445-lbs. My life expectancy was 35-38 at most. My family has a very high history of type 2 diabetes. I had problems with high-hypertension, sleep apnea, weakness, low stamina, and heavy eating & drinking late night. I myself had to do something to change my life 360-degrees. I scheduled a doctor’s appointment with my primary physician. We talked and settled on seeing the best weight loss program in the Los Angeles area, she recommended, “Association of South Bay Surgeons of Torrance, California”. I agreed and could wait to start this new quest of my life.

My lifestyle before the weight loss program was monstrous and consisted of a diet fit for 3-people. I had no exercise habits ever since I graduated high school. My social activities were the bar and grills of the area, current concerts, coffee shops, and fast food restaurants. Other than my activities I always stayed home playing online video games in isolation, eating high calorie foods, drinking 48-64 ounce soda drinks with potato chips and cookies in abundance. My struggles with daily activities were horrible; I could not put my shoes-on without breaking a sweat and losing my breath, shower properly, and or sleep comfortably. I knew I had to change my life completely.

Preparation was extensive but worth every ounce of sweat and tears. Going to the “Association of South Bay Surgeons” meetings were informative, educational, and gave me more information about eating habits and pre-surgery & post-surgery lifestyle. I also had my friend who had the gastric by-pass 2-years prior and had lost +225-lbs and was doing superb. After asking him, going to the meetings, reading online, and watching You Tube! Videos; I choose to have the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. After 8-months of preparation and 65-lbs of weight loss naturally, I was approved for surgery by Dr. Solomon.

Post-surgery was a big change of my whole lifestyle of eating, exercise, and healthy body. The recovery was faster than I expected, I was walking by the first night and was released by the second night. After a month-an-a-half I was back at work. I ate small portion meals that filled me stuff and could not continue eating. After eating I felt the need to exercise to spend the extra energy I had. To date I have lost +190-lbs and will continue to lose weight no matter what obstacles are in the way. My health is superb, I lost the hypertension, sleep apnea, and risk of diabetes. I gain extreme stamina, walking faster, bicycle riding, swimming in the summer, and started jogging.

People ask me all the time, “If I would do the program all over again”. I always respond with an extreme positive attitude, “Yes. I would do this again in a heartbeat!” If you are seriously thinking of by-pass surgery and are serious about losing weight, DO-IT. Don’t hold back. If you have doubts of any sorts; ask questions, go to the meetings, ask previous patients, search online for current information about the program of weight loss. I am now a whole different man and will continue to live in this lifestyle for the rest of my life. The surgery will not solve your problem 100%, the surgery is a tool and must be used wisely to continue your hard work of weight loss. But I tell you something this tool works. Use-it.*

My highest “recorded” weight was 266 lbs but I am sure it was higher because I was afraid to weigh after seeing the 266 number. I was right on the cusp of having diabetes. I was already on medication for it. My rheumatoid arthritis was out of control and my knees were failing me. My depression had run rampant. I was too young for all this!

I became very involved in the BBW community doing modeling and performing in a plus size burlesque troupe so I was pretty confident as an obese woman. I hated exercise and would avoid it at all costs. The dancing was fun but I struggled with it. That was about all I did for exercise with the exception of struggling to get in to my “skinny” jeans. My energy levels were so low that it was a chore to get up of the couch to use the bathroom. I would eat for two even though I was never pregnant. I would go to the drive thru, the staple of my diet, and pretend I was ordering for me and a friend or ordering food for now and for later on. Horsepucky… I ate the whole order at once.

I had done research on the WLS for years but never thought I could afford to get the surgery but the fact is, I couldn’t afford NOT to get the surgery. I got a referral for the Association of South Bay Surgeons and decided on Dr. Solomon. When I started having more health problems and found out my insurance would cover it, I jumping in head first. I had no fear in my mind because I had never had surgery but I did finally bawl my eyes out on the morning of the surgery. Dr. Solomon was very comforting and reassuring that this was an important step for my future and I took the plunge.

After doing all of my research and knowing my eating habits, I chose to have the laparoscopic Gastric Bypass. Everybody was on the Band bandwagon but I just instinctively knew what would be the best choice for me and I am so glad I chose it. Yes it is more invasive of a surgery but I just knew I had to choose what was right for my body.

After the surgery I was very pleased with the treatment I received from the staff at ASBS and the hospital. I followed every direction that I got from Dr. Solomon to a tee. Beforehand I went to all of the meetings and tests and did everything I was supposed to do. I even cleaned out all of my cupboards getting rid of everything. After the surgery I continued to follow the direction to the letter because I wasn’t going to go through all that then have it not work. I was ready for the biggest change of my life. If I was told to stay on clear liquids for 2 weeks, I was on clear liquids for 14 days exactly.

I documented my weight loss with pictures – both of myself and of the weight on the scale. I only weighed every two weeks so as not of obsess over the weight loss. I started losing weight quickly and right off the bat. My rheumatoid arthritis went into remission I got to stop taking my medication for diabetes, my energy level went up and even my carpel tunnel went away! I got kicked out of my fat girl dance troupe and got to join a real burlesque troupe in Los Angeles. I could walk up a flight of stairs and not be winded at the top. I could ride a bike again. I can shop at normal stores again! It’s the small things that bring the pleasure.

If you are thinking about this surgery then you should have it. Something is making you question if there is a better way and I am here to tell you that there is. ASBS and Dr. Solomon was the best choice I ever made and deciding to have the surgery. The doctors at ASBS are such a great team of professionals and I am proud to have them in my corner. So now it has been 2 years and I am maintain a healthy weight of about 145 lbs. I’m very lucky to have had no problems or complications and very little hanging skin. If you are thinking about the surgery but are scared or not sure, you can’t wait for your life to begin… begin by making the choice to improve your life and health. When you find yourself faced with decision to, “go big or go home,” just remember… Fear is temporary; Regret is forever! I am very happy with my choice of surgery, choice of Doctor and the outcome. I highly recommend the staff at Association of South Bay Surgeons.*

My weight loss journey began in 2009 when my primary care physician informed me I was morbidly obese. After the shock of hearing those words, she and I discussed the lap band surgery as an option since I had been on at least seven “diet programs,” and none had lasted longer than a few months. During my consultation with Dr. Edward Mun at the Association of South Bay Surgeons, I learned more about the different types of weight loss procedures.

There is a great deal of information to absorb and it’s not a decision to be made lightly. For me, personally, I made my mind up immediately because I knew my health and quality of life were seriously impacted by my weight.

I immediately made two decisions that had positive effects on my weight loss outcome: I hired a personal trainer, and I vowed to follow the doctor’s instructions for pre-and post-op to the letter. Those decisions were both extremely beneficial. After surgery, Dr. Mun said that I was one of his most compliant patients and my results showed that.

My life changed significantly after surgery July 2010. Thanks to my Mother’s support, as well as the support classes I attended, I lost a total of 102 pounds by my anniversary year in July 2011. I followed the instructions I was given for post-op to the letter: eating exactly what I was supposed to and drinking the required amount of water and other liquids. My success is based on my realization that I had to make a behavior change for life. The surgery is a tool, but without dealing with the emotional issues of why I overeat, the surgery would not work long-term.

Under the guidance of Dr. Aileen Takahashi, my current surgeon, on July 14, 2013, I just had my third year “new life” anniversary as a normal size person. My health has improved significantly. I now wear a size 10 rather than a size 24, I can buckle my airplane seat belt, and walk for miles instead of just a half-block. Have I had challenges? Absolutely! It hasn’t been easy—nothing this life altering ever is.

The best advice I can give to be successful is this: once you decide to have surgery, follow all the instructions you get pre and post-op; get a really strong support system, especially for post-op; be selective with whom you share your weight-loss journey. Unfortunately, some people may try to unintentionally sabotage you (you’ll hear more about that in support meetings.) When you begin losing weight, people may say: “You don’t need to lose any more weight;” “stop losing weight or you’ll get sick!” Know what your goals are and don’t let others dissuade you from them. You and your doctor decide the realistic amount of weight you should lose.

I have been blessed in so many ways on this journey. This is a very individual, personal journey and one that I hope will be successful for you.*

Originally I was interested in the LapBand and after carefully doing my research for about 2 years, I decided (with the help from Dr. Solomon, who’s the best) that the Sleeve Gastrectomy was the best option for me. Here I am 3 years later and I have never regretted my sleeve for a moment! It was the BEST decision I ever made for myself.

Yes, I still struggle with food at times (especially the mental tricks it plays on you), but it is not nearly as out of control as it was pre-surgery – not even close! I don’t get winded going up a flight of stairs anymore. I don’t want to quit the treadmill after 10 minutes. There is a long list of health problems that run in my family and I know with my weight prior to surgery, I was making some of those health conditions much easier to obtain down the line. Though at the time of surgery, I had no health conditions, I used the surgery not only as a preventative measure to help give me a better quality/longevity of life, but I will be first to admit that I did it to look like a better version of me.

Because of my 90 pound (and counting!) weight loss, it has given me so much confidence. It has made working out so much easier (and effective!). I am much more in tune to a health lifestyle these days. This sleeve has been a wonderful tool and I’m glad I have it for the rest of my life – no regrets! As long as you follow the rules, it WILL work for you!

Due to this awesome journey of surgical weight loss, it has put me on a new path in life – As of September 22, 2013, I am the newly crowned and reigning queen of Miss Plus Top Model 2014. Yes, I am now a MODEL – never in my life prior to this surgery would I have ever considered modeling, and now, it’s my job! I’ve had amazing photoshoots, been part of wonderful fashion runway shows and the opportunities keep coming! I owe a HUGE thank you to Dr. Solomon for all of this – without the surgery, none of this would have been possible.*