Daniel.Tup

Before a DIsney Vacation Cruise through the Panama Canal in 2006, I had to purchase pants in a size 44 – a long way from the size 36 of my dreams. Looking at the trip photos of myself at 5’10’ and 265 pounds, To say I was shocked is an understatement.

Health issues were also a concern. As prostate cancer survivor, I was having problems with my knees, became short of breath easily, and was at risk for diabetes with a family history of the disease. Years of yo-yo dieting had left him with the sense that I was on a slow march to the 300-pound mark.

I turned to the Internet, where research on weight loss surgery led him to Dr. Santiago Horgan – a renowned LAP-BAND® surgeon who was joining UCSD Medical Center as Director of the Gastric Band Program. I underwent gastric lap-band surgery at UCSD with Dr. Horgan on Feb. 15, 2007, recently went trouser shopping again. “My goal was to be in 36s,” he says. “Now, I’m in 34s.” He has reached his goal weight of 190 pounds, the same as he weighed in high school.

I reached goal in the Fall of 2007, but in the fall of 2010 was sick and had to have fluid removed. I had been in the green zone for the entire time. I had went back once for a fill but have been hoping that I could do it on my own. I have gained back 25lbs but have decided to take a stand and contacted the center to take charge and relize we all have our issues and this is mine.