A 50th To Remember

How Lap Band Has Changed Gary Dillinger

Gary Dillinger gave himself a 50th birthday gift that is certain to keep on giving for years to come.  As a matter of fact, this gift might very well be considered the gift of life.
 
On July 2, 2007, Gary checked into Holzer Medical Center, where the Holzer Weight Loss Solutions team performed the lap band procedure, one of America's most successful and minimally invasive weight loss alternatives.
 
When Gary initially visited Holzer Weight Loss Solutions (HWLS), he weighed around 400 pounds.  Because Gary was so obese prior to the procedure, physicians and staff believed he was too high a risk to safely perform the procedure.  They recommended that Gary try losing weight prior to surgery.
 
"I was nervous about trying to lose weight before having the procedure.  Obviously, I wanted to have the lap band because I didn't think I could lose weight on my own.   I had tried dieting and everything else, but it was not successful.  When I knew that I would be able to have the surgery if I was strict with my diet and could lose a significant amount of weight on my own, I became very motivated.  I actually lost around 50 pounds before I ever had for the actual surgery," Gary explained.
 
Although Gary was able to change his eating habits with the help from the HWLS staff, he still felt compelled to have the lap band procedure.
 
"It was great for me to see that I could do it on my own if I wanted.  But, because my knees were so bad, I was not able to exercise which made long term weight loss difficult.  I opted for the lap band after I lost the 50 pounds on my own.  It was the right choice and losing the weight ahead of time helped me prepare for the change in eating habits that has to take place following the procedure.  I'm thankful that I conditioned myself ahead of time so the aftermath of the procedure was not so drastic for me."
 
Since July 2, Gary has lost 61 pounds.  Including the initial weight loss prior to the lap band procedure, Gary has lost over 100 pounds total!
 
"It's amazing to dig through clothing I wore ten years ago, just to be able to find something that fits me again.  The feeling of knowing this is just the beginning and that my energy level will continue to improve the healthier I become, is just great," Gary stated.
 
Not only has Gary, his wife, and two sons noticed the change, but his two grandchildren are enjoying Gary's new outlook on life as well.
 
"I have two grandkids and love to take them four wheeling.  I actually have so much more energy now than I've had in years.  It's great to feel like doing something besides sitting in front of the TV."
 
Gary also has noticed that his work and other life activities have become easier since the procedure.
 
"I'm a mechanic and to be able to climb up on things when necessary and just move around the work area easier is truly a nice change. We also volunteer with FFA and I do a lot of fundraising events with a traveling food booth we take to fairs and festivals.  It's really interesting because I do so much of the cooking and serving of the food, but now I'm so aware of what I eat and when I eat that it doesn't even bother me to avoid eating while I'm working the booth!"
 
The way that others are noticing the changes in Gary is also shocking.  Gary shared the story of how his brother didn't even recognize him at one point.
 
"We were at a function and I had my back turned to my brother.  He looked right at me and had no idea it was me," Gary laughed. "It's a good feeling to see others respond so positively.  I'm really appreciative for the way HWLS has given me a chance to change my life."
 
When asked if he had any advice for others thinking about having the procedure, Gary was quick to share some words of wisdom.  "Get your priorities straight ahead of time.  Know that you’re doing this because you are dedicated and not because you think it is a quick fix.  It will not be a good experience if you don't take the time to listen to staff at the weight loss center. Start making changes before the procedure.  It is not a cure, but a choice that you make when you are ready to work hard to change your life."

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