I was extremely overweight throughout my 20’s. I’m 5’2″ and weighed 230lbs. I wore a size 20 pant and an XXL top. I couldn’t cross my legs. I couldn’t walk for 10 minutes straight without getting tired. I suffered from acid reflux. Poor eating habits and lack of exercise caused me to pack on the pounds.

I tried diet pills, fad diets and Jenny Craig. Nothing worked. As my 31st birthday was approaching, I decided enough was enough. I kept hearing about the lapband and I did a lot of research on it. I remember going to the lapband orientation at the Beverly Hills Physicians office in Oxnard, and, I remember the first time I met Dr. Misra. I thought, wow, this is the doctor to do my procedure. Dr. Misra performed the lapband surgery on me at Cedars Sinai on October 8, 2010.

It has been a long journey and a struggle at times. I had my ups and downs. It took me a long time to figure out how to eat and what to eat, even though Dr. Misra explained it to me several times. (I can be stubborn.) Every appointment I had with her, I felt like she was on my side. She supported me through this journey, and always had kind and encouraging words.

Starting to see progress!

Dr. Misra even made time to see me a few months back at the Thousand Oaks office, even though I did not have an appointment. The look on her face when she saw me was priceless. She was so proud of how far I had come.

Today, I hit the “100lbs lost” mark and now weigh 130lbs. I now wear a size 6/8 and S/M top.

I see the lapband surgery, or any other bariatric surgery, as a tool to help you lose weight. It doesn’t curb your cravings. It doesn’t fix or change your relationship with food. It does limit how much you can eat at one time but you still have to make the decision to eat the right foods.

My weight did not come off over night. It took time. It took determination. It took hard work. I would not be where I am if it wasn’t for Dr. Misra.

My final step in my journey to have skin removal surgery around my abdomen. I had a consultation with a doctor she recommended around the beginning of 2014.

Unfortunately, I could not afford it back then. Now that I am only doing temp work, I definitely cannot afford it now. I’ve been trying to save money to have it done. One day, it will happen. Until that day, I’m going to keep on fighting the good fight. I have a new lease on life and I plan on living it to the fullest. Thank you, Dr. Misra, for being an amazing doctor who truly cares about her patients success. I could not have done this without her.

Sincerely,

Kelli Anne