LAP-BAND® Surgery “Changed How I Live”

Tina Cline knew first-hand the dangers of obesity. Limb amputations for overweight, diabetic patients and hip and knee replacements are common procedures in the orthopedic department where Cline works as a nurse.

So when Cline’s weight ballooned to 244 pounds and she had problems moving around, she knew she had to do something.

“I didn’t want to be the person to have a hip or knee replacement,” said Cline, 45, of Acworth.

It got so bad that Cline could no longer physically care for herself. Even simple talks became difference.

“If I walked up a flight of stairs, I’d have to go rest and catch my breath,” Cline said. “I could not do the things I should have been physically able to do.”

So Cline opted for LAP-BAND® surgery at Piedmont. She’s lost 25 pounds so far, but still has about another 100 pounds to go.

“It’s really changed how I live,” Cline said. “I thought I would feel deprived or have less energy because I was eating less. It’s the other way around: I have more energy.”

Cline used to take frequent naps, eat restaurant food late at night and fall asleep. She no longer naps, cooks at home and doesn’t nap daily. She is also off diabetes and cholesterol medications.

More importantly, Cline hopes to serve as an example to her 15-year-old daughter, who has Type 2 diabetes and struggles with her weight.

“I’m hoping that she’ll see that you can lose weight with hard work,” Cline said.

Register to attend one of our weight-loss seminars for more information about bariatric surgery.