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    • Jennifer's Story - Gastric Sleeve
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  • Frank's Story - Gastric Sleeve
  • Allison's Story - Gastric Sleeve
  • Lolita's Story - Gastric Sleeve
  • Trinette's Story - Gastric Sleeve
  • Elsa's Story - Gastric Sleeve
  • Rubina's Story - Gastric Sleeve
  • Rebecca's Story - Gastric Sleeve
  • Maria's Story - Gastric Sleeve
  • Jean's Story - Gastric Sleeve
  • Lori's Story - Gastric Sleeve
  • Danielle's Story - Gastric Sleeve
  • Margarita's Story - Gastric Sleeve
  • Jackie's Story - Gastric Sleeve
  • Michaele's Story - Gastric Sleeve
  • Rogelio's Story - Gastric Sleeve
  • Julie & Patrick's Story - Gastric Bypass/Gastric Sleeve
  • Sheena's Story - Gastric Sleeve
  • Sarah's Story - Gastric Sleeve
  • Neil's Story - Gastric Sleeve
  • Derrick's Story - Gastric Sleeve
  • Therese's Story - Bariatric Surgery
  • James' Story - Gastric Sleeve
  • Jeremy's Story - Gastric Sleeve
  • Robert's Story - Gastric Sleeve
  • Maria's Story - Gastric Sleeve
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  • Angelika's Story - Gastric Sleeve
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  • Janet's Story - Gastric Bypass
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  • Martha's Story - Gastric Sleeve
  • C.M.'s Story - Gastric Sleeve
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  • Chuck's Story - Gastric Bypass
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  5. Kristen's Story - Lap Band Revision

Kristen's Story - Lap Band Revision

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Phone: (310) 825-7163

Lap Band Conversion to Gastric Sleeve - Patient Story

Surgery: Lap Band Revision - Total Lost: 104 pounds lost so far*

*Weight loss results can vary depending on the individual. There is no guarantee of specific results. Read full disclaimer >

Kristen After
Kristen Before

"I have more energy than I've had my entire life!" —Kristen

I've been struggling with weight since childhood. I got a lap band in 2008 at 235# and got down to 180#, but stopped losing weight after 5 months. I regained up to 270# in less than a year. I struggled with that for more than a year, vomited with all my meals, and realized I've failed. I was concerned about my health. I couldn't just sit at a restaurant and eat a meal.

I decided to come to UCLA to get evaluated. I was crying, ashamed of regaining all the weight, but Dr. Chen reassured me that none of this was my fault. I decided to opt for the revisional surgery despite the statistics. I was told repeatedly that I'm at an advanced age, I suffered from obesity the majority of my life, and that I'm a vegan. If anything, the staff kept my expectations realistic. Dr. Chen and Lauren the dietitian were very supportive of my being vegan, and I also found the support group very encouraging.

Dr. Chen is one of the warmest doctors I've worked with and my #1 cheerleader. I felt incredibly well prepared for before and after surgery. After surgery, I was no longer waking up with daily back pain and no longer suffered from sleep apnea. My blood pressure went back to a normal range, my cholesterol decreased 40 points, and my triglyceride levels dropped in half. I no longer suffer from the nausea and vomiting caused by the lap band, and now I can eat anything I want and not deprive myself.

I followed all dietary recommendations to the letter and chose to maximize my first 6 months after surgery with exercise. I'm 44 years old and can do a handstand and even bench press the amount of weight I've lost. I have more energy than I've had my entire life!

Kristen Before
Kristen Before
Kristen After
Kristen After

Contact Us

To schedule a consultation with UCLA Center for Obesity and Metabolic Health, call us at (310) 825-7163 or
fill out our online form >

For a physician referral, please call (800) UCLA-MD1 (825-2631).

* Weight loss results can vary depending on the individual. There is no guarantee of specific results.

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