“THIS IS JUST THE BEGINNING ”

The Story of Angel Hale, Holzer’s First Lap Band Patient .

“I tried everything and absolutely nothing was working,” Angel explained. “I counted calories, went walking everyday, participated in Weight Watchers, tried the Adkins diet, and I even went as far as hiring a personal trainer! My family doctor worked very closely with me to find an option that would work, but it seemed like we exhausted every possibility and I had nothing to show for it.”
 
Angel Hale has always struggled with her weight.  From the time she was a small child she describes her weight as an uphill battle and a constant concern.
 
“It’s not like I was unwilling to admit that I needed to lose weight.  I was tired of being fat. I wanted to live a healthier life, a happier life. I wanted to look forward to getting out of bed in the mornings. I believe I’ve taken steps on numerous occasions to address the problem, they just never seemed to be the right steps.”
 
It was after six months of dieting, exercising and simply feeling like a failure that encouraged Angel to begin researching other, more drastic weight loss options.
 
“My family doctor suggested the lap band procedure.  Obviously I was apprehensive and worried about the risks associated with the procedure.  But when I think about the health risks that are associated with obesity, it just made total sense.”
 
Because Angel’s mother is employed by Holzer, she referred Angel to Holzer Weight Loss Solutions where she learned about the bariatric surgery, lap band and the medical weight loss alternatives.
 
“I was thrilled to learn that the lap band procedure was going to become an option! It’s much lower risk than the bariatric procedure and much less invasive as well.  I knew immediately that it was the right choice for me,” she explained. “Being the first one to actually have the procedure done at Holzer not only makes me feel blessed to have the opportunity, but also makes me feel like a role model for other people who need to do this for themselves, but may be apprehensive.”
Since Angel had the procedure done on May 1, 2007 she has already lost 20 pounds!
 
“It’s an amazing feeling to know that the life and the body that I have always wanted and dreamed of is literally just a matter of months away!”
 
Angel is very aware of everything she eats now.  She limits her eating throughout the day, weighs and measures everything and focuses on eating smaller, healthier meals.
 
“I eat a lot of fruits, vegetables and lean meats.  The best part is that I feel full much more quickly and the desire to overeat is not there like it was before.” Angel says that she still has a long way to go to reach her weight loss goal, but feels like it will happen now.
 
“Ultimately I’d like to get down to about 135 pounds. My goal was to lose anywhere from 100 to 120 pounds.  Right now I’m just so pleased to actually see that the weight is coming off and that my goal is no longer just an unrealistic dream.”
 
It has not all been easy.  Angel is quick to remind anyone considering the lap band procedure to think about it very extensively before jumping in head first.
 
“I never thought this would be a walk in the park, but it is extremely trying at times.  The results are fabulous and that is what keeps me motivated, but it is terribly difficult to completely change this aspect of your life overnight.  It takes time to get used to eating the right way and sticking with it.  The procedure just makes it easier than doing it on your own.”
 
With tears in her eyes Angel shares her appreciation to her parents and the staff at Holzer Weight Loss Solutions.
 
“You just don’t know how much you value the people in your life that care about you and love you until you do something drastic like this.  My parents have been so supportive. They are so happy and proud to see me taking the initiative to finally enjoy my life.  And the staff at the weight loss center are wonderful listeners and extremely helpful with any and all of my concerns.  We are so lucky to have them in our area.”
 
Angel encourages anyone who has struggled with their weight to consider visiting the physicians and staff at the Holzer Weight Loss Solutions.

“This is my life and I want to live it to the fullest.  Now I feel like the possibilities are endless!”

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