My life has changed so much since I had LapBand surgery. I was obese for more than 20 years and my health was suffering. I had high blood pressure, every joint in my body hurt and I couldn't do anything without becoming short of breath.

I went to Monterrey, Mexico and had LapBand surgery on February 27, 2001. Dr. Rumbaut is an incredible surgeon as well as a wonderful human being. I met with him before surgery and he answered all of my questions and concerns. Along with LapBand surgery, I also had my gall bladder removed. That part of the surgery was very difficult but because Dr. Rumbaut is such a skilled surgeon, he was able to do that part of the surgery lapriscopically as well.

Because I am from the United States, I stayed in a hotel for a few days after surgery. Dr. Rumbaut came to the hotel two days after surgery to check and make sure I was doing fine. I couldn't believe he would do that because I know that wouldn't happen with a surgeon here at home.

Three days after surgery another patient who was banded the same day, along with my friend who accompanied me, went on a 10-hour sight seeing tour of the Monterrey area. We visited Horsetail Falls and the Garcia caves. Dr. Rumbaut called the hotel to check on us again and couldn't believe what we were out doing.

I can't say enough about the excellent care I received at the hospital and the compassion and caring of Dr. Rumbaut. He gave me a new lease on life. I weighed 300# when I had the surgery and lost 135# in one year. I went from a size 28 to a size 10.

Life is great and I couldn't be happier.

Elma, Graham, WA

Before

After