WENDY

I just wanted to tell my story about gastric banding and how it changed my life.

I had a problem with my weight for as long as I could remember. Diet after diet all my life. In 1995, I suffered from severe depression. My weight was as high as it has ever been. Low self esteem, depression and many tablets…life was a living hell! I gained 30 kgs during this time and I had had enough.

I was referred to Dr Brancatisano. He explained the laparoscopic gastric banding with all the pros and cons up front. I felt that he was one who truly understood the trauma of being obese. I had the banding done in April 2002. This was the best thing I have ever done. I may not have been his star patient, but as I began to lose weight, it gave me the confidence to persevere with the band.

My Weight is now 42kg less. My self-esteem has improved and so has my depression. The band has taught me to change my eating habits slowly. I still go to restaurants and still enjoy the occasional drop of red wine. I now have a personal trainer who I see twice a week and walk at least one other day. I have never done this before and I actually love going.

I would like to thank Dr Brancatisano from the bottom of my heart for having the insight to know what living hell obese people suffer.

Thank you for ever,

Wendy