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Praise for the LAP-BAND® System — Testimonials from Plano, Lewisville, and Dallas Patients

An important reason that we regularly receive patient testimonials praising the high level of service at our North Texas Bariatric practice is the commitment of our office staff members to providing compassionate, professional support and assistance to patients. Our staff members are essential to the top-level care provided by North Texas Bariatric and our bariatric surgeon. Our Dallas, Plano, and Lewisville patients have told Dr. Veninga that he and his staff are among the most gracious and helpful members of the medical field that they have ever met.

The LAP-BAND® System helps our Plano, Lewisville, Dallas, and local patients lose substantial weight and achieve a healthy, active lifestyle. Dr. Frank Veninga is a specialist in abdominal surgery, and he and his professional staff are committed to helping patients achieve long-term success with LAP-BAND® System surgery. A big part of this commitment is ensuring that patients have complete information about their procedure. For this reason, we have included a Patient Information page, a FAQs page, and a Patient Tips page on our website. We also maintain a regularly updated Calendar of Events that lists a variety of informational and fun events open to bariatric surgery patients and those considering bariatric surgery.

We firmly believe that when they have thorough knowledge before and after undergoing LAP-BAND® System surgery, our Plano, Lewisville, Dallas, and other local patients can make the choices that will help ensure optimal results. We offer a sampling of the many testimonials we regularly receive from patients who have achieved success with the LAP-BAND® System. After reading our patient testimonials, we invite you to schedule an appointment with Dr. Veninga to learn how North Texas Bariatric can help you.

• Kendra
• Honey
• Dave
• Christy
• Glenda
• Bernie
• Suzette
• Tamara

Kendra

Having LAP-BAND® surgery has been one of the most important life-changing decisions that I’ve ever made. I feel like I have my life back again. Slowly but surely, my weight was robbing me of the life that I’d always enjoyed in the past. I began to stay home because I just didn’t have the energy to do things anymore. The pain in my ankles and feet made any activity that I did a short-lived one. By the end of a workday, I was exhausted. Having the LAP-BAND® has changed all of that. I am now able to walk, exercise, and enjoy the many blessing that life has given me. In one year, I have gone from a size 22 to a size 12 and I’m still losing. The LAP-BAND® is a wonderful tool that has helped me successfully manage my weight and feel good about myself. Dr. Veninga and his staff have played a key role in my success. I am so very thankful for their continued encouragement, concern and support. I always leave their office feeling like a success. My healthier lifestyle and improved physical health have enabled me to once again enjoy life to the fullest!

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Honey

When I was 24 years old, I found out that my mother had breast cancer. During this time I was working on a Master of Arts in Theatre Arts as well as working two part time jobs. As part of my degree, I was required to be in school productions which rehearsed at night. To make matters even more hectic, the commute to school was an hour away. Between trying to spend as much time with my mom as possible and getting to and from work and school I spent a lot of time on the road. Without much time to spare, fast food was the way to go, and my work out schedule went by the wayside. Before I knew it, I was thirty years old and I weighed 256 lbs.

I had heard about LAP-BAND® surgery and felt that after all I had tried in the past with diets that did not work it was a good option. I felt comfortable with the fact that the band was adjustable and the surgery was reversible. I read as much as possible and then saw Dr. Veninga at North Texas Bariatric. He made me feel really comfortable by explaining the surgery in detail as well as all the changes I would need to make after the surgery to lose and maintain weight. Dr. Veninga told me I qualified for the surgery on April Fool’s Day of 2004. Thank Heavens it was no joke! On June 2nd, 2004 I had LAP-BAND® surgery. I went from 256 lbs in June 2004 to 162 lbs in May 2005. I have maintained my weight loss ever since. Having this surgery has given me a new life. Losing weight has done wonders for my health as well as the self-confidence to do things I wouldn’t have done at 256 lbs. I moved across the country to return to school for my PhD. I got engaged to a wonderful man who I will marry in October 2007. Best of all, I know that I have a long future in front of me to live in good health and to enjoy with friends and family.

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Dave

My name is Dave. Like many of you, I am a carbo-holic. I have been hooked on carbohydrates since I was 17 years old and have been fighting a losing battle against my waistline ever since. I grew up as a thin person, but after my tour of duty in the military, I began a cycle of yo-yo dieting that did not end until I had my LAP-BAND® surgery on December 12, 2005.

Prior to my surgery, I had tried everything I could to lose weight: Low cal diets, low fat diets, grapefruit diets, Sugar Busters!®, Atkins™, South Beach®, and even hypnosis. All of them worked – for a while. But then I would regain the weight and usually a few pounds more. Year after year the pounds added up.

Coupled with my yo-yo diet cycle, every time I went for my annual physical, I would walk away with a new pill for a new condition that I was suffering from. I was being medicated for type 2 diabetes, GERD, hypertension, high cholesterol, high triglycerides, and arthritis. All of these conditions were due in part to my obesity.

Two years ago, after I regained 40 pounds that I had lost through hypnosis, I felt I had reached a crossroads. My wife and I attended a bariatric surgery seminar to explore the options that might be available to me. After the seminar, I had decided on two things: 1) If I was going to have bariatric surgery, it would be a LAP-BAND®, and 2) The doctor presenting the seminar was not the right guy for me, so if I was going to have the surgery, it would be somewhere else.

After much consideration, I decided surgery would not be necessary and that I would to try to lose my weight through dieting once more. During the next year I lost 30 pounds and gained 40. Failure again!

It was time once again to explore bariatric surgery. This time I went to see Dr. Veninga and his staff at North Texas Bariatric. I knew from the moment I walked in that I was probably in the right place. The staff was extremely friendly and helpful, the office comfortable, and I felt no pressure to make critical decisions until I was ready. Once I met Dr. Veninga, I was positive I was in the right place.

During our first visit we got to know each other, and Dr. Veninga very patiently and thoroughly explained the procedure, answered my questions, and even threw in a bit of humor. After the first visit, I decided to go forward with the surgery.

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Christy

Dr. Veninga has changed my life forever. When I was five years old I was wearing a junior size 12. At age 16 I weighted 300 pounds. I was able to loose around 20 pounds and maintain my weight at 270-280 for 6-8 years.

After I had my daughter I got up to weighing over 340 pounds. I am going to tell you why I had the surgery. On July 4th 2004, my daughter, and now husband, stepdaughter and 10 of my husband's family members all went to Six Flags. I told everybody I didn't like roller-coasters, because I knew they were a tight fit when I weighed around 275, so I wasn't even going to try it.

Luckily, it was so hot they everybody wanted to sit and rest. This was my first real outing with his family. My daughter and I were in the front of the line; everybody was behind us. We went to get on the parachutes. The man kept on slamming the bar down on my stomach over and over. The he yelled out "Miss your stomach is in the way, you can't ride this ride, we must be able to close the bar. I was humiliated. At this point I knew I had to do something. For years I tried to diet and never succeeded. I finally decided to take drastic measures. I was so scared about have [LAP-BAND®] surgery to lose weight. Until that day at Six Flags I never really knew just how FAT I was. Now at age 30 I have lost 136 pounds.

I can finally shop in any store I want, not just mail order catalogues. I went from a size 36-38w to a 16-18w. When I took my daughter to Six Flags this summer, I could fit in all the rides. Since the [LAP-BAND®] surgery I have gained so much self-confidence and respect for myself. I lost 116 pounds in 11months and 2 weeks. I lost 136 pounds in 15 months. If I can do it, anybody can. The most important thing about having this surgery is now I can play with my daughter and enjoy it. Playing with my daughter, walking in the park, and doing stuff after work is no longer a burden. I want to thank Dr. Veninga and his office staff for giving me the opportunity to see life through a SKINNY PERSON'S eyes. I owe them my life. I now will be able to enjoy life. I know that everybody will have their own reasons for wanting to do this. My reasons were to be able to do things with my daughter, not be tired all the time, and maybe one day be able to shop in the mall. The surgery did so much more for me. I got more out of it than I could have ever hoped for. I know I still have a long road ahead, but I think I look like a SUPER MODEL. Don't think twice about it. Have the surgery — it will do so much more for you than you think it will. Trust me. I never liked to shop before — you know how that goes — nothing would ever fit. Now I love to shop.

THANKS, DR. VENINGA, I OWE MY LIFE TO YOU AND MY DAUGHTER'S HAPPINESS. SHE LOVES TO PLAY WITH HER NEW AND IMPROVED MOM. She even tells me ouch mommy, you're bony. She now knows how it feels.

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Glenda

Life is all about choices.

I know you have heard this phrase many times, but I had to make serious choices last year.

I was 62 years old, living alone, self-supporting, and working in the medical field. I had serious medical problems — the most serious to me was my severe arthritis because there were times I had to walk with the assistance of a cane or crutches. I had been overweight all my life, so I did not see it as a real problem until I couldn't walk.

Now, I had to make choices. I tried for three years to get approved by my insurance for surgery (but could not). I had two choices: take my life savings and pay cash for the [LAP-BAND®] surgery so I could continue to work and support myself, or keep the money in savings and possibly in a year needing the assistance of a wheelchair to get around.

I chose the surgery, and it was a life-changing decision.

I did have some difficult times. I do not have any family living. I work many long hours, so I did not have the privilege of attending Dr. Veninga's support-group meetings, or have support from anyone but Dr. Veninga and his staff. I had to stick to the plan presented to me by Dr. Veninga and his staff. So I learned to use my LAP-BAND® port as my support. If anyone thinks the LAP-BAND® itself is the answer to weight loss automatically, it is not. The band is there to help you, and that is how I used it. "To touch it and feel that there was something there to help me" got me through.

I am very happy to report that I have lost 100 lbs., and I recommend anyone with weight problems see Dr. Veninga and his staff. The choices you make can change your life also.

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Bernie

Dr. Frank Veninga and his team at North Texas Bariatric are nothing less than amazing! After having tried and failed to lose weight for more years than I care to admit, I attended an informational seminar with Dr. V. in June of 2005. He and his nurse, Barbara, gave me information and a roadmap to help me see what LAP-BAND® surgery would help me to do. I left the seminar feeling that I would have to "think about this." In August, I came to the office to learn more. Dr. Veninga spent time talking with me, answering my questions and asking a few of his own as we got to know each other better. The whole-person approach really made me feel more comfortable with what the LAP-BAND® could and could not do for me. As I moved closer to surgery, Dr. V.'s approach made me feel that all of the elements that go into successful weight-loss surgery were considered when he devised his procedures. He insists that his patients meet with a psychologist who can help determine if the patient understands what is involved and that the surgical option is being sought for the right reasons. Meeting with a dietician was important for me as well. If ever there were any questions, Barbara (Dr. Veninga's nurse) was at the ready with good advice and a reassuring smile.

Surgery day was fairly easy for me. The nursing staff in the day surgery department at Baylor Medical Center treated me so well! I felt like I was the only person they had to deal with. Dr. Veninga's laparoscopic surgical skill brought my LAP-BAND® surgery to a successful conclusion. When he spoke with me after the surgery, he was informative and clear as to what had taken place, how well the procedure went, and he made sure that my friend (who was with me that day) got all questions answered.

Follow-up care has been the strongest element of my experience with Dr. Veninga and North Texas Bariatric. My progress is charted; issues are discussed; and when fills are necessary, they are accomplished all at the office. Dr. V., Barbara, and Anne (physician's assistant) spend time listening, following up, questioning and then, with my input, pursuing a course of action. I am part of a team dedicated to improving my health. In addition to office visits, Dr. Veninga sponsors a support group for not only his patients, but he welcomes patients of other doctors. Led by Debi, the meetings are fun, informative, and always have that spark of humor that makes us all feel both welcome and worthy.

The follow-up care, support, and commitment on Dr. V.'s part are unique and special. I have met a number of patients of other physicians who haven't experienced this complete approach to care, and I am so blessed that I chose the "right" doctor back in August 2005. I have a doctor who realizes that successful weight-loss surgery is not just what happened in the operating room. A successful weight loss surgery experience requires follow-up commitment and caring for the whole person. And I am so glad to say that Dr. Fran Veninga is may surgeon.

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Suzette

I live a busy lifestyle, grandkids, raising farm animals, and a full-time job. Having weight loss surgery gave me back the strength and desire to do more of these activities. I was at 265 pounds when I came for my first visit with Dr. Frank. I am only 5 feet 3 inches and have a small bone structure so I carried a lot of the weight in my abdomen. I have lost 80 lbs and am still slowly losing the last few pounds. Now I feel good and can keep up with the grandkids (5 of them). I encourage everyone I see to talk about weight loss just like they talk about everything else. Obesity is a disease and should be thought of that way! So many people use so many excuses not to do anything about their weight, I DID! If they will realize that their lives can be so meaningful by making the change. LAP-BAND® surgery is so non-invasive and one is able to get back to the daily routine quickly. I couldn’t change my gene pool, but I could change my life by taking charge with the choice of weight loss surgery.

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Tamara

I struggled with my weight all my life. I could lose the weight, but I always gained it back. By 2005, my health became affected. I suffered from high blood pressure, high cholesterol, difficulty sleeping, and lack of energy. In October of 2005, I came to Dr. Veninga to discuss laparoscopic surgery, and after careful consideration, I chose the LAP-BAND®. The non-invasive nature of the LAP-BAND® surgery, and the adjustability, were considerable advantages for me.

On the day of my surgery, I went into the hospital in the morning, and by that evening, I came home. I was up and about the next day. My experience was remarkable. Although surgery was a drastic step, Dr. Veninga and his staff set me at ease.

A year has past since then, and I have lost over one hundred pounds. I'm off my blood pressure medication, and I feel great! I can't believe the difference between then and now. It was the best thing I could have done. I just wish, I had done it years ago. I have more weight to lose, but with the LAP-BAND® I know I can reach my goal, and not worry about putting it back on. I live a healthy life now, and really enjoy doing things like going to the movies with my husband, or shopping, and not feeling self-conscious about my appearance. The most important change though, has to be my feeling of well being, and overall long-term health.

I cannot give enough thanks to the LAP-BAND®, Dr. Veninga, and his staff!

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Experience "Whole-Person" Bariatric Care from Dr. Veninga

Our dedication to patient education extends to all facets of bariatric surgery. If you are considering undergoing LAP-BAND® System procedure at the Dallas Surgery Center or the Baylor Medical Center, we have provided information about LAP-BAND® surgery cost on our website, along with information covering insurance and financing. We strive to give you the best experience possible when you make the choice to have LAP-BAND® System surgery. Join our Plano, Lewisville, and Dallas patients who have turned their lives around and are now active and healthy. Contact North Texas Bariatric today to begin your journey to a better life.