Weight Loss Success Stories and Surgical Patient Experiences

The experiences found here are from actual weight loss surgery patients. Their lives have taken new directions, and
their success stories will fill you with hope if you are considering weight loss surgery for yourself or a loved one.

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At a weight of 242 pounds, having lost weight and regained it and then some, over and over, since the birth of my
second child in 1981, with a strong family history of morbid obesity, and my own development of the early phases
several degenerative conditions related to or exacerbated by obesity, I wanted to get off the weight-loss rollercoaster
once and for all.  I researched the surgical options for about a year, considered trying ONE MORE DIET on my own, and
finally decided that I needed the permanent tool to take the weight off, get healthy, and stay that way.  A co-worker had
surgery by Dr. Nunn one and 1/2 years previous to my decision and spoke very highly of him and his team.  I contacted
Detroit Bariatrics via their website and immediately heard back from Rochelle.  My biggest fear was that I would not
qualify for surgery, since I had (and I laugh here) "only about 90 pounds to lose".  I was elated when Rochelle told me
that my weight and my history qualified for lap band surgery!  Finally, I was going to get the weight off once and for all
before that weight loss roller coaster took me up even higher.  My journey to the lap band surgery went so very
smoothly and quickly.  Surgery was over in "no time" and I was ready to get up and walk out of the hospital in a matter
of hours, although I did have to spend the night at the hospital due to the time my surgery was performed and the
distance I lived from the hospital.  I cannot say that I really experienced any pain following surgery, Dr. Nunn takes such
good care of that with the On Q pain ball!  The first 4 weeks after surgery went very smoothly, and I had none of the
bumps in the road that I had anticipated.  Eating was not a problem, I strictly followed the dietary "rules" and lost 15
pounds in the first 8 days!  By 3 months, I have reached an "official" weight of 197 and am in what the weight loss
surgery people call Onederland!  I am struggling a bit now with my willpower, until the band gets to the optimal fill level,
but I have faith that it will come.  Rochelle and Stephanie are good cheerleaders and bring me back up when I am
struggling with feeling I am a "failure".  I fall of the wagon every few weeks, but they get me back on.  All in all, I cannot
find words to say how happy I am with my decision to have the lap band by Dr. Nunn.  I look forward to a lifelong
connection with him, Stephanie and Rochelle, in good health.

P.R., Lap Band Surgery 6-20-2007
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My experience thus far with Rochelle Gayeski  and Dr. Nunn have been outstanding! They have addressed all my
concerns and I feel very comfortable with my decision and ready to get going to my new life.  The  amount of time spent
on the approval through surgery date next week has been unreal, very quick.!


   Rochelle has a personality of an angel and I would refer anyone to the office, her diligence handling the insurance
was amazing! I cannot wait to get feeling better and starting loosing and have the relief of worry about my health
underway, I am only in the early 40's, this is way too young to feel this way.


 My surgery was on a Monday, and after the initial check in, it was smooth sailing from there.  I returned to my room
after recovery area, and I was sore but comfortable, the nurses managed any discomfort I had.  Dr. Nunn was superb,
as usual, explaining  what to expect, and taking great care of me.  Everyone was on top of every aspect of my stay,
 Rochelle made a visit the day of- and the day after, she is the glue that keeps things together for the entire process.  
Very organized staff keeps your questions answered and worries to a minimum.

 The surgery recovery is fine, I would say in about a week to 10 days, you cant even tell you had anything done. I am
down 16 pounds in 2 weeks, I am not hungry, although temptation is everywhere with food, I still am holding my own. I
would do it again in a minute

G.D.
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   In August of 2006 I searched the Internet in hopes of finding some type of weight loss option, other then fad diets,
and diet pills. I came across Dr. Andre Nunn’s web page and within days I received a call back from LaDon at the office.
She spoke very highly of the surgeries and the Dr. This was very important. There just so happened to be a seminar the
next day, she also scheduled me an appointment to see him, an hour before the seminar. I saw Dr. Nunn, and was
immediately impressed with him. He is very personable, kind and his manner is more than 100%. I felt very comfortable
with him. He explained my options to me, and voiced what he thought was best for me based on my medical issues and
history.

   Of course there were hoops that we had to jump through in order to get this surgery done, because insurance
company’s don’t always see the benefits of this type of surgery just the cost. I was initially denied by insurance
company for the lap-band procedure. However, then there was a little angel in the office at Dr. Nunn’s, by the name of
Rochelle. I contacted her about 2-3 months after my denial from my insurance company. (I never stopped thinking that
the lap-band was the best decision for me). I contacted her and had asked her about when I should start re-doing all the
stuff and hoops that I had already done. She said to me what do you mean you were denied? She said, "Let me see
what I can do." AND THAT SHE DID, within days she had me an approval. Now mind you this woman had never met me,
never spoke to me on the phone, and she went above and beyond her call of duty and went for it. The day she called
and gave me my approval was one of the best days of my life, because I knew at that point that my life was gong to get
better. I could never thank Rochelle enough for the gift that she gave me.

   My surgery was scheduled for 2 weeks later. I had my surgery on January 17, 2007. It was scary going in to this
because right before surgery, I realized that my life as I know it, is over for good. But then I realized that was okay,
because the life I was living was not healthy, I was taking my own life with food. I wanted to live, I wanted to be here
for my children, my husband, my family, and friends. This surgery has changed my life, I feel better, I exercise
everyday, where before it hurt to exercise. Now I enjoy food, in a good, and healthy way. Vicki the dietitian at the office
teaches you how to eat right, and how to read labels which no one has ever taught me. This whole thing is a learning
experience, and it’s not easy changing your life in such a drastic way, however you are now giving yourself a life, a
healthy long life.

A.T. (see A.T.'s pictures in the photo gallery)
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   I tried on my own to lose weight and keep it off with various weight loss plans and programs.  Each one was
unsuccessful in one way or another.  Eventually, my weight climbed up to 429 pounds, for my 6' 1" frame.  I developed
diabetes requiring 210 units of insulin along with pills.  Also, high cholesterol, blood pressure and sleep apnea.  All of
these co-morbidities required treatment or medication, which was very costly.

   On May 4th, 2006, I had Gastric Bypass surgery by Dr. Nunn.  I had minimal pain and discomfort the same day after
my surgery.  I have, from that day, followed every direction that I was given to help me heal an change my life for good.  
I am no longer on ANY medication what-soever!  My weight is now 210 pounds and I have never felt better.  The
changes in eating habits were an adjustment for me, but I couldn't be happier. My advice to anyone considering this
surgery is to follow and listen closely to everything Dr.Nunn and his great staff tell you to do. Good Luck!!

M.B. (see M.B.'s pictures in the photo gallery)
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   After spending so many years struggling with my weight and the related health issues it caused, I decided to take
charge of my life and get the help I needed. Upon my first conversation and seminar with Detroit Bariatrics I knew that
they wanted to help me succeed and would be a key factor in my encouragement for the Lap-Band system. Everyone
on their staff provided such wonderful support and understanding that I never once doubted my decision. Dr. Nunn
makes you feel comfortable from the moment you meet him and has provided exceptional follow-up care. Detroit
Bariatrics has greatly improved my life and I will be forever grateful!

S.S. (see S.S.'s pictures in the photo gallery!)
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I am proud to say that I am a Lap Band Patient. I sometimes refer to myself as a "Bander" or say "I'm with the Band!" I
have struggled with my weight since childhood (and can remember weighing 130 pounds in the sixth grade).

I had heard about gastric-bypass, but when I found out about the Lap Band, I really felt that it was the best choice for
me.  I was comfortable with the fact that the band is adjustable and the surgery could be reversed if necessary.  I
anxiously filled out the paperwork to see if I qualified for the surgery and was told on April Fool's Day of 2004 that I
qualified.  (My BMI was 36) and would be having surgery that June.  As I was wheeled into surgery on June 3rd, 2004, I
christened it my "Re-Birthday".

After surgery, my weight loss was slow the first three months.  However, I knew with the
Lap-Band I would be successful and determination grew within me to lose the weight and start a new, healthy life.  I
began jogging, lifting weights, yoga, Pilates and swimming.  I drank water like it was going out of style! I was extremely
disciplined in my eating habits and did all that my surgeon told me to do. By May of 2005, I weighed 162 pounds.
Although my ideal weight was 155, I felt really good at 162 and maintained it for two years.

On April Fools Day of 2006 (That day is so lucky for me!) my best friend and soulmate proposed marriage.  I immediately
ran out and bout the perfect dress which happened to be strapless.  With our wedding date in October 2007 quickly
approaching, I became truly inspired to reach my goal weight of 155 and christened my new work out plan "Operation
Hot Bride".

    With the aide of Dr. Nunn and Rochelle Gayeski, I became even healthier in my eating patterns and have began
building muscular arms with the aid of a personal trainer.  On March 22, 2007, I weighed in with Rochelle and weighed
155 on the dot bringing my weight loss to 101 pounds. She and I jumped up and down and screamed with excitement!
She was so happy for me.. She started crying! It has been a long journey, but the Lap-Band has been crucial in my
transformation from the heavy caterpillar that  I was into the beautiful butterfly that I am today!

R.E.H. (See Her pictures in the photo gallery!
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   I HAD BEEN DECIDING FOR SEVERAL YEARS WHETHER OR NOT I WAS GOING TO GO THROUGH WITH  BARIATRIC
SURGERY OR NOT. IN 1999, I HAD DECIDED TO GO TO BARIATRIC CENTERS IN YPSILANTI,THREE DAYS BEFORE I
WAS TO HAVE SURGERY THEY DECIDED NOT TO GO THROUGH WITH IT. I THOUGHT THAT WAS SIGN FROM THE MAN
UPSTAIRS MAYBE IT WAS NOT THE TIME TO DO IT THEN.

   THEN IN MAY 2006, I WAS PLAYING ON THE INTERNET, LOOKING FOR INFORMATION ON THE LAP- BAND
SURGERY, WHEN I DISCOVERED DR. ANDRE R. NUNN WEBSITE.
I CALLED TO FIND OUT THE INFORMATION, AND ATTENDED THE INFORMATIONAL MEETING. I WAS VERY IMPRESSED,
IT SEEMED AS IF HE (DR. NUNN) KNEW EVERY QUESTION I WANTED TO ASK BEFORE I ASKED IT. NEXT, I MADE THE
APPOINTMENT FOR THE INITIAL CONSULTATION. I HAD NO IDEA WHAT I WAS GETTING MYSELF INTO I JUST KNEW I
NEEDED SOME HELP. DR. NUNN EXPLAINED EVERYTHING TO ME THOROUGHLY. (KEEP IN MIND I AM STILL ON THE LAP-
BAND SURGERY) I WENT BACK IN THE OUTER OFFICE TO SET UP WHATEVER APPTS THAT WERE NEEDED  AND
WEIGHING IN 470 LBS, WHEN ONE OF THE OFFICE STAFF (MS. RICHARDS) TOLD ME THAT  I WAS NOT GETTING A
LAP-BAND, I WAS GOING TO HAVE THE GASTRIC BY-PASS. I REMEMBER SAYING TO MYSELF  "WHO IS SHE AND
WHY IS SHE EVEN TALKING TO ME" BUT NOW I AM EVER SO GRATEFUL TO MS RICHARDS FOR JUST TELLING ME
LIKE IT WAS.

   JULY 19, 2006, THE FIRST DAY OF THE REST OF MY LIFE (SURGERY). I REMEMBER BEING A LITTLE NERVOUS BUT
DR. ANGELA FOUNTAIN (PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT) WAS A GUARDIAN ANGEL, SHE WAS THE FIRST THING I SAW
BEFORE THEY PUT ME TO SLEEP AND THE FIRST THING I SAW WHEN I WOKE UP. SHE PROMISED ME SHE WOULD BE
THERE FOR ME AND BELIEVE ME SHE WAS. I FELT LIKE I WAS A CELEBRITY THE ENTIRE TIME I WAS IN THE HOSPITAL.
I DIDN'T WANT OR NEED ANYTHING. THE ENTIRE HOSPITAL STAFF WAS SIMPLY AMAZING.

   BECAUSE OF  MY DECISION TO HAVE THE GASTRIC BY-PASS SURGERY, (DR. ANDRE R. NUNN, MS RICHARDS, .
ANGELA FOUNTAIN, VICKIE ERICKSON (DIETITIAN) ), I HAVE LOST ABOUT 200 LBS IN 9 MONTHS, AND I DO NOT TAKE
BLOOD PRESSURE OR ASTHMA MEDICINE ANYMORE. IF I HAD TO ALL OVER AGAIN I DEFINITELY WOULD.

THANK YOU DR, NUNN FOR GIVING ME MY LIFE BACK

E.R.-W. (See Pictures in Photo Gallery)
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   After being in the hospital every month with health issues such as kidney stones, diabetic with insulin, high
triglyceride over 1800, high cholesterol and sleep apnea I new it was time to do something.  Doctors were telling me I
could have a stroke anytime with my blood counts reading high and I have to eat right and loose weight.  (Easy for them
to say)

   I tried all kinds of diets, weight watchers and diet pills these did not work for me and then one day in Jan. 2007, I was
at work  had my small TV on at my desk and seen the advertisement of the Lap Band.  I called Dr. Nunn’s office and they
put me through to Rochelle’s voice mail.  I left a message and the next day she called me back.

   Rochelle Gayeski was a very nice and sweet person, was very understanding, explained that I had to do paper work
and come to a seminar.  On Feb. 8, I met Dr. Nunn in his office and then later that day my husband and son went with
me to the seminar after the seminar and talking with Rochelle and Dr. Nunn I made the decision that I wanted this done.  

   Rochelle called me a few days later and she had informed me that my insurance denied me.  I had to get letters from
my family Doctor, test results and also do a letter explaining why I want this surgery.  This was sent to the insurance
office by Rochelle and it wasn’t long when Rochelle called me and said my insurance needed a second opinion so we
set this up with a few other things they requested and by the second week of February I was scheduled for Feb. 28 to
have the Lap Band.

   On Feb. 28, 2007 I went through the surgery had a few problems because I had a lot of scar tissue removed before
the Lap Band was placed.  After surgery I had a slow start I was very hungry, couldn’t tolerate the foods that I was to
have and also had a slow recovery but with Rochelle’s help (My Angel, My Friend) she walked me through.  Rochelle
was so wonderful that there was many of times I’ve called and emailed her with questions and concerns almost every
day sometimes twice a day and not once did she get upset with me.  Rochelle always told me “You're not a bother, that’
s what I am here for”


   It has been 8 weeks today and I lost 40.5 lbs.  I am in one- (1) size smaller pants and two (2) sizes smaller in shirts.  I
am also off most of my medicines.  I no longer have to take insulin shots, Cholesterol or triglyceride medication.  I would
highly recommend this Lap Band procedure.

   Thank You Dr. Nunn for being such a good, understanding, caring Doctor.
   Thank You Rochelle for always understanding, caring and being there for me.

   S.C.
   Apr. 19, 2007
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What can I say about the man who has completely changed my life. I was reborn July 7, 2004 and was one of his firsts.
The quality of care I received from Dr. Nunn and his staff is unmatched. There is no need to look any further, that's if
you wanna look and feel healthy. I have referred many patients and they all have come back to me expressing how
delighted they were with The Detroit Surgical Center and some are now forever grateful to me as well. I did have minor
complications so it's not always a cake walk, but I would do it again in a heart beat. No matter what time day or night Dr.
Nunn and his staff where there for me and I could not be more greatful for their love and support(you won't be just
another pay check). They will never blow off your concerns make you feel silly or bothersome. The compassion they all
have is unreal and in humble times (trust me there will be some) this quality they hold will prove to be more precious than
gold.- T.H. (see pictures in photo gallery)
313-745-7454
DETROIT SURGICAL SPECIALISTS, PC
Testimonials
Are you interested in Bariatric Surgery, or just want to learn more?
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