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Kathy improves her life thanks to the Lap Band procedure by Dr. Roberto Rumbaut

In 2000 I was hitting the 300 pound mark and was desperate. No diet or exercise plan worked for very long. I had heard of and even considered the gastric bypass operation. And then a doctor recommended my looking into the gastric band procedure with Dr. Roberto Rumbaut. I met with Dr. Roberto Rumbaut and after careful consideration opted for the gastric band surgery. I was up and around the hospital within the first 24 hours and was back at work in a week! Four years later I have kept off the 150 pounds and am in better health than when I was 30. Not only do I look better, but my attitude towards life has improved, I am more productive and get along better with my family. When asked if I have had any regrets about the operation, my answer is "Yes, my regret is that I didn’t do it sooner!"

Kathy

Elma of Graham, WA, regains her health and happiness after Lap Band Surgery by Dr. Roberto Rumbaut

My life has changed so much since I had Lap Band 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 Lap Band surgery on February 27, 2001. Dr. Roberto 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 Lap Band surgery, I also had my gall bladder removed. That part of the surgery was very difficult but because Dr. Roberto Rumbaut is such a skilled surgeon, he was able to do that part of the surgery laparoscopically as well.

Because I am from the United States, I stayed in a hotel for a few days after surgery. Dr. Roberto 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. Roberto 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. Roberto 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

Amy thanks Dr. Roberto Rumbaut for being a wonderful surgeon

I'm from NJ & I flew to Mexico with my then husband, Jeff.  I am Peruvian & was a lower BMI patient.  I am very happy to say that I am about 12 lbs to my goal weight.  I am down a total of 78 lbs.  I have had a great experience with my band! I am eating so much healthier & working out 3x's per week.  I am getting used to my new adjustment which was upped to 3cc's a couple weeks ago.  I have very good restriction. Thanks so much for being a wonderful surgeon. 

Amy

MB changed her life with the Lap Band procedure by Dr. Roberto Rumbaut

My battle with obesity has been a life long problem but it really took a nightmarish turn sometime after 1998. Though I was never thin, I began to put on a good amount of weight, and by 1999 I was exhibiting signs of PCOS, depression, insulin resistance, borderline high blood sugar and high cholesterol. I saw numerous doctors and nothing helped, nearly all counseling me to “stop eating sweets.” The entire experience was very demeaning. It was nearly impossible to lose weight despite crash dieting, exercising, low-carb dieting, medications, etc. I felt I was treated poorly by these doctors and eventually stopped going.

In general, I found the doctors I have seen to be quite apathetic about my symptoms. I also saw a homeopath because I was willing to try anything to help correct these issues. Nothing seemed to help and my weight gain continued. I heard about the LAP-BAND and saw some hope for my situation. Because I was self-paying, the biggest decision for me was which doctor to use for my surgery. I researched every doctor I could find and had several consultations here in the USA and a few on the phone to doctors in other countries. After researching Dr. Roberto Rumbaut’s impressive credentials and speaking with him and his staff, I knew I needed to look no further.

I had my Band placed by Dr. Roberto Rumbaut in November 2002, about a month after making the decision to have the surgery. I started at 240 pounds at 5'6" and today I weighed 150 pounds. 90 pounds gone! I never thought I would see 150 again. At the age of 33, I now wear a size 10 jeans- I never wore below a 14 in high school! I've had four fills and used my elliptical machine regularly, as well as sticking to the typical low-carb lifestyle. The best part is that all of my bloodwork is now normal! Before my surgery, my tests indicated insulin resistance, borderline diabetes/impaired glucose tolerance, high cholesterol, and I also had PCOS. Now, I still have some PCOS symptoms, but all the rest is GONE. I'm thrilled about being healthy.

I am not an easy patient by any means. I have a needle phobia and was more adverse to the IV insertion than I was to the concept of the LAP-BAND surgery or flying to Mexico. Dr. Roberto Rumbaut’s reputation spoke for itself but after meeting with him in person, and discussing his own experience as a LAP-BAND patient, I knew I’d made the right decision. The pre-op testing facilities were high quality, the hospital in Monterrey was top notch, and Dr. Roberto Rumbaut checked in on me several times in the hospital (on his wedding anniversary no less!) and at my hotel. He also sent some of his staff to do the same. He referred me to an associate here in CT for my aftercare and fills, someone who he had trained and who had the same gentle manner with patients. This itself was a blessing, as my experience with doctors here had made me very cynical. Dr. Roberto Rumbaut treated me like a person with an illness, not as someone who lacked self-control, had no willpower, or ate too much. He understood exactly what I was dealing with, and he was wonderful in lessening my anxiety and fears over surgery, especially in a foreign country.

Dr. Roberto Rumbaut and this Band saved my life. The LAP-Band is not a miracle cure; you still have to make lifestyle changes for maximum weight loss. But it is an integral part of maintaining substantial weight loss after morbid obesity. I want to encourage anyone out there who is pre-Band or just starting their LAP-BAND journey: if I can do this and succeed, anyone can. I know many others who have had some type of weight loss surgery and it is so important to find a surgeon whom you trust, who has tremendous surgical skills, and who also treats you with respect. If you have a choice of LAP-BAND surgeons, go for the best: Dr. Roberto Rumbaut.

MB

Clare has never regretted her decision to have surgery in Monterrey, Mexico with Dr. Roberto Rumbaut

Dr. Roberto Rumbaut saved my life on April 25, 2003.  My BMI was 56, I was 55 years of age with sleep apnea, and I was having trouble walking, stooping, bending, etc., etc.  I had researched bariatric surgery for a year and a half.  My insurance would not cover weight loss surgery.  After talking with several surgeons in the Houston area, one recommended Dr. Roberto Rumbaut in Mexico.  After communicating with Dr. Roberto Rumbaut by email for a period of time, he turned me over to Doralisa for scheduling. Doralisa scheduled the surgery, hotel accommodations, transportation in Monterrey, and all lab tests preceding surgery.  She is excellent with detail.

My aunt flew down with me on Wednesday, and on Thursday I met with doctors for testing.  I then met with Dr. Roberto Rumbaut, and he agreed to operate the next morning.  Hospital facilities and accommodations are state-of-the-art.  My aunt stayed in the hospital's beautiful new wing with me, on a fold-out couch in my room.  There was always an English speaking doctor available.  The hospital made available an English-Spanish chart for communicating with the nurses.  Dr. Roberto Rumbaut gave me his cell phone number, and I knew I was well-cared for by everyone involved.  Dr. Roberto Rumbaut and his assistant visited me at least once a day, even after I was discharged back to the hotel.

My adjustment to the surgery has been very easy.  I was back to work full time, two weeks following surgery.  My BMI is now at 37, and I am still steadily losing weight.  Would I do it again?  Absolutely.  Would I cross the border again for surgery with Dr. Roberto Rumbaut?  In a heartbeat.  I have never regretted my decision.  And I now have a life to appreciate and look forward to.  Thank you again, Dr. Roberto Rumbaut.

Clare

Wayne thanks Dr. Roberto Rumbaut for changing his life

Here is a picture of me before the surgery. My weight was 330 lbs. I had a lot of problems with my back and legs along with having high blood pressure and problems sleeping. I knew I wasn’t going to be around much longer because of all my health problems, but I loved food and going out to eat with my family. So it was really hard to decide to have the surgery.

This is a picture of me 1 year exactly after the surgery. I have to say now that it was the best decision I have made. I now weigh 178 and am loving life again. I can do everything a normal person can do again and all my health problems have gone away. I just want to thank Dr. Roberto Rumbaut for changing my life.

Wayne

Becky thanks Dr. Roberto Rumbaut for her new life

Here is a picture of me before I had the Gastric Bypass Surgery. My weight was 280 pounds at just age 23. I have been heavy almost all my life and have tried almost every diet out there. I am a hairstylists and was having a hard time standing on my feet all day and knew it would eventually lead to more health problems.

I had the Gastric Bypass on July 4th 2003. This is me I year after surgery. I am a whole new person and now weigh 165 pounds. I am so happy. I just want to thank Dr. Roberto Rumbaut for my new life.

Becky

Heather shares her successful surgery experience in Monterrey, Mexico

When I turned 30, I decided I had wasted enough of my life being obese. Over the past 2 years before that I had looked at gastric bypass but finally made a firm decision to really look at it when I turned 30. I was a fat child but a thin teen thru till when I had my son in 1992 just before my 21st birthday. Then I could not get the scale back under 200lbs. The weight seemed to pile on more and more with each diet. I tried absolutely every diet as well as the prescription drug, Xenical. My weight was sitting at 240lbs (I am 5'8") and I had developed hypertension and glucose intolerance. I got on a wait list in my home country, Canada, and in fact did have a consultation with a surgeon in British Columbia. However, when I discovered the wait to actually have surgery would be around 4 years, I went back to my information on self pay. I have decided very early on that I wanted to have the RNY and I really wanted it done laparoscopically. The doctor who seemed to have the best results and lowest rate of complications was Dr Roberto Rumbaut in Monterrey, Mexico. I was very impressed that he returned my emails promptly and that he called me at home. I decided to go ahead with booking the surgery and it was so nice to be able to just call Doralisa and tell her what dates worked for me and have a firm booking!!! Doralisa took care of all the details and was very on top of getting me all the information I needed.

When I arrived in Monterrey, I had my tests that Dr Rumbaut required then met with him to go over the results and any last questions before surgery. The next day I checked in early and was wisked right into surgery. I was so cold after surgery - that was probably the worst part. I was in a lot less pain than I thought I would be and the hospital was beautiful, nicer than the hotel! I should have learned some spanish before going but the nurses were very patient and using the list of common phrases from Doralisa as well as playing a medical version of charades all went well. The doctors all speak english and a very nice cleaning lady spoke english and would stop in to see if I needed anything! As I went by myself, they kept me in the hospital an extra day. I highly recommend staying in the Hampton Inn that Doralisa will recommend, they are used to Dr Rumbaut's patients and are very helpful. If you can get the handicap room, it made showering easier. I did not see any of Monterrey other than from cabs and the hotel shuttle but the hotel was very nice and the pool looked lovely-but I just wanted to sleep!

I am now 10 months out from surgery (10 months and 2 days!) - I have gone from weighing 253 lbs the day of surgery and a size 24-26 to weighing 146 lbs and wearing between a size 1 & 5. I have never vomited, I know a lot of people who have had WLS and have had to deal with that, I have not. I can eat fairly normally, in small amounts. I focus on proteins and healthy carbs and stay away from breads etc. I do use protein shakes daily but that is just a preference as I am able to eat red meat and chicken for protein as well. I get very sleepy if I have regular sugar but do not seem to react to fat. My blood pressure is completely normal and I am not glucose intolerant now. I have very tiny scars that are not even noticeable unless I point them out. I have used a bikini shot of myself as my (almost) after shot-I weigh 153 lbs in that picture. I still have about 6 lbs to go before I am at my goal weight but I am confident I will get there. I work out almost daily at the gym and am considering training for a marathon next summer.

Heather

Hello! My name is Delia Marie...

I'm 28 years old, since I was a little girl I have been over weight and have tried all types of diets without any permanent success. When I was 19 years old, I lost 90 pounds and right afterwards I got pregnant, you can imagine that after my pregnancy I put on a lot of weight, almost double. I was very obese and had little energy to take care of my baby. Even though I have always been a happy and outgoing person, I didn't want to go out much, since I was always tired. I remember that when I went shopping I had difficult finding clothes that fit and were appropriate for my age. In 2003 I started looking at information about weight loss surgery and told my cousin about it, since he was obese too. And after careful consideration and investigation we decided to come to Monterrey to have lap-band surgery with Dr. Rumbaut. This is the best decision I ever made! We undoubtedly choose the best bariatric surgeon and facility.

After surgery my life has changed a lot! I am a brand new person. I have under went a huge emotional and physical change. I feel great! I have a lot of energy and enjoy life!

I want to thank Dr. Rumbaut and his excellent team. Dr. Rumbaut help my life long dream of being thin come true!!!

Delia

ONE OF THE BEST THINGS THAT'S EVER HAPPENED TO ME...

...besides having my son is the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass on May 13, 2005, 6 months later I have lost a total of 57 pounds. I weighed 173 and was wearing a size 14/16, now I weigh 116 and I am a size 3. NEVER did I imagine I would be this small!

After high school and having a son I kept putting on weight, I tried everything out there to loose weight…dieting…pills….etc. I had no will power. My sister had the gastric bypass surgery done a year before and I saw the changes she lost almost 80 pounds and looks great. I hesitated but realized exercising and everything else I had tried has been a failure for me, that's when I realized hey I am not getting any younger I would be turning 30 in June and it was only going to be more difficult for me to loose weight and easier to put it on. That's when I talked to my parents and told them my decision they backed me up 100%. The reason I did not have it done in the United States, the insurance would not cover this and they would only do it if I was 100+ pounds overweight. I know people think oh my gosh Mexico…the worst place to have it done…but let me tell you something they must be pretty ignorant. Monterrey is so Americanized, advanced and the facilities will blow you away. San Jose Hospital is one of the best hospitals in Latin America as stated on the Dr. Rumbaut's website this is a fact. Not only that, Dr. Rambaut is awesome, when I met him he was so nice and made me feel so comfortable, I had no doubt in my mind I made the right decision. The entire staff Doralisa, Cesar everyone kept up with me before and after the surgery, they never got tired of me I had so many questions and they would always email me or call me. I was so impressed, well I am still impressed of everything the outcome of the surgery the way everyone was so nice and helpful. If it wasn't Dr. Rumbaut coming to see me at the Hotel it was another doctor or Cesar his assistant would come everyday.

I stayed in Monterrey a week, 2 days were spent in the hospital, the other 4-5 days I was shopping!! I could not believe I had the surgery the pain was minimal. I was at the mall the day after I got released from the hospital shopping and doing my nails!!

I could keep going and going praising Dr. Rumbaut and the staff…he has changed my life forever. I never imagined this big change. I believe if you are considering this DO IT, it would be the best thing you could ever do. People see me and they don't recognize me the feeling is unexplainable…shopping is SO MUCH FUN…its like someone else in the success stories said I FINALLY FIT IT IN THE REAL WORLD! I TOTALLY AGREE! I will be graduating next year as an Engineer, appearance is everything these days, doors have opened up…I am just too excited. THANK YOU SO MUCH.

I recommend this to everyone who is overweight and struggling to loose weight. I don't know how many people I have referred to Dr. Rumbaut, whether they have decided to go through it or not I don't know, the only thing I can do is let them know WHAT A CHANGE the pictures say it all!!

Sandy

I AM ABSOLUTELY THRILLED WITH THE RESULTS!

My name is Bonnie and I am from northern Vermont. I had been severely obese for my entire life. I weighed in at 10 pounds at birth and I had special "pretty plus" sized clothes for first grade! I had no concept of "normal" because for me, "normal" was being 264 pounds! As I began to get older, I developed diabetes, hypertension and high cholesterol. Even though I was exercising and dieting, my health conditions were not improving and I was not losing weight. I knew I needed an intervention more powerful than another "diet," I knew I needed something more powerful than my addiction to food!

I had thought about gastric bypass surgery for over 8 years. I always told myself it was too drastic, it wouldn't work, it was too risky, etc. As my health continued to deteriorate at such a young age (only 30) I knew it would only be a matter of a few more years and then there would be more health risks to stay morbidly obese than to take a chance and have surgery! I look back now and cannot believe I wasted all those years being so unhealthy and unhappy! I researched my options and decided to see Dr. Rumbaut who I first found through obesityhelp.com. I knew I needed RNY because of my eating habits and sweet addiction; I knew I wanted it laproscopically for faster healing with less complications of hernia and infection. Dr. Rumbaut has years of experience with both! Of course, the thought of leaving my area for surgery was scary, but I did my research. Everywhere I searched Dr. Rumbaut's name kept coming to the top of my list!

I am a nurse with 3 years of surgical experience.

Although I'm no expert, I do know a few things to look for. I did not have to worry at all! Every experience with Dr. Rumbaut and the Hospital San Jose was amazing! The Hospital San Jose is beautiful, spacious and completely up to date. They follow the same standards as hospitals here in the US. Communication with the hospital staff was easy as well. I received excellent care from Dr. Rumbaut and his staff! This was one of the few times in my life as an obese person where healthcare professionals treated me with respect and dignity! From my first contact with Doralisa to my ride back to the airport, Dr. Rumbaut and his staff impeccably planned everything and my husband and I were treated extremely well. I am so happy I chose Dr. Rumbaut and his team - it was worth it!

I am absolutely thrilled with my results and so is my doctor here at home! Before surgery, I weighed 264 pounds (I am 5'5") and my BMI was 43.9. I was on three diabetic medications, as well as medications for high cholesterol and hypertension. Now, I only have to take my vitamins! My doctor is thrilled with the complete change in my health and so am I! I have more energy, less aches and pains, less social anxiety and a sexy new body! I have now lost 100 pounds, only 15 pounds to go until I am at a "normal" weight! I currently weigh 164 (BMI 27) and went from a tight size 24 to a size 8! I am a normal size person now. I can blend in if I chose to. Right now, I like to stand out!

My only regret is not visiting Dr. Rumbaut 10 years ago!

Bonnie

THIS IS THE FIRST TIME IN MY LIFE, I HAVEN'T THOUGHT ABOUT FOOD...

Almost one year ago, February 25, 2005 I went to Monterrey, Mexico to have lap band surgery.  The surgery itself was easy (laparoscopic) and the Doctors were wonderful.  I weighed 245# at that time.  I have always had a problem with my weight.  I have tried many diets, I even worked for Weight Watchers once...that must mean I got to my goal weight but I couldn't look in the mirror and really know that person.  What is different this time?  My desire and ability for eating has been decreased.  True, you can only eat smaller amounts but having the top 1/3 of your stomach (the area that tells you are full) full, it takes away so many other reasons for eating.  This is the first time in my life, I haven't thought about food all the time.  I enjoy eating smaller amounts.  I have made many changes this past year.  I've gone back to college and am now in my junior year at Evergreen's branch campus in Tacoma.  I am continually asking people what they weigh because it baffles me what people really weigh and associate that with clothing sizes! I just bought my first EVER pair of size 10 pair of pants! Buying a medium or some even small shirts is totally amazing.  I have been doing CURVES for over 2 years and know that has helped on my journey to a healthier me!  I've lost 70# and 4 feet of my former self! 
Thanks for the support...

Susan

If these success stories motivate you to want to make a positive change in your life, please contact us at the Obesity Surgery Center today.

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