Testimonials

Hi, my name is Joanne. I just wanted to share my story about my experience with the Gastric Sleeve. I had my surgery on December 27, 2010. The first two weeks were really hard. I didn't think I was going to make it! I did. My family supported me by reminding me of the end results. Slowly, I lost the weight. The more I lost the more excited I became! I have gone down three pant sizes. I started at a size 22 and have gone down to a size 14. At one point I had back and knee problems, and high blood pressure. Now I feel great! I've lost 45 pounds in the past 3 ½ months and look forward to losing the rest.

This is my diet routine so far:
Breakfast (at work): 1 egg with beans or a slice of turkey bacon.
Snack: Strawberries or apple
Lunch and Dinner: small healthy meals (including a protein and a vegetable)
Snack: Wheat crackers and cheese

Things that I drink: Slenderize Fuze, Special K Protein water, Crystal Light, Tea, Water

This is my exercise routine:
I exercise every other day. I joined the YMCA and do 1 hr of cardio on a machine and then do 1hr of Zumba. The days I stay home, I either bike ride for 30 minutes or walk for 1 hour.

I want to thank Dr. Rincon and his staff for all the hard work it took to help me have this surgery.

When I was younger my parents took me to numerous physicians because I was underweight. But that all changed around the age of ten when I developed immune problems and had to take steroids on and off through adolescence. Steroids and poor eating habits contributed to my fast weight gain. By the age of nineteen, I had allowed my weight to balloon to 298 lbs. This was simply unacceptable on my small 5'4" frame. I was wearing a tight size 24 and uncomfortable in almost everything I did. I couldn't go to amusement parks or concerts, and even the desks in my college classrooms were a tight squeeze. I have always enjoyed sports and dancing so I tried adopting different diets- Weight Watchers, Jenny Craig, Dr. Phil. None of them worked. I even lost about 90 lbs on the Adkins diet in 2004, only to gain back 75 lbs in 2005.

By the end of 2005 I was back up to 274 lb and was completely miserable. I was having severe reflux, asthma, back and joint problems. Then I heard about the Lap Band procedure and contacted Dr. Rincon. I needed help in losing the weight, but the radical gastric bypass procedure just wasn't for me. I immediately liked Dr. Rincon because he was very direct about his expectations of me and he was very candid about complications, risks, and lifestyle changes that I would have with the Lap Band procedure. I had Lap Band surgery in March 2006 and lost 80 lbs in the next 6 months. As of September 2006 I have about 50 more lbs to go but I have no doubt that I will meet my goal with Dr. Rincon's help. I'm not going to lie; it hasn't been entirely easy with the Lap Band.

The Lap Band really is only a tool. I have had to fight to change poor eating habits and have doubled the amount of time that I used to exercise. But the Lap Band has alleviated the feelings of deprivation and hunger that came with dieting in the past. I'm not always hungry so I can take the time to make good food choices. I finally got the help that I needed and have decided now that nothing tastes as good as being thin.

- Kristin

After getting past 40 years old, I started developing conditions caused by my morbid obesity, things like diabetes, sleeping apnea, high blood pressure and joint pains. I couldnt go up a flight of stairs without losing my breath, my life was miserable and I had tried all the popular diets and programs available, Atkins, low calories, low fat, Weight Watchers, T.O.P.S., Overeaters Annonimous, even acupunture, to name a few. All of these we good for a few months, but I gained all the weight back plus more. I had always been interested in weight loss surgery but also, I was scared. After a lot of research, I decided that the Lap Band was the best solution for my existing condition. It was not an easy decision, because I knew I had to make major changes in my lifestyle but it was now or never. At least I can live the other half of my life as a healthy person.

When I got to meet Dr Rincon, I was very down and out, weighting a whooping 369 pounds and having a BMI of 63.3, but I was determined to give the best of my effort to make this work. He was very thorough in explaining all the pros and the cons and the risks involved with this type of surgery. At first I was kind of upset because he told me he wouldnt perform the operation on me unless I lose 50 pounds.. I couldnt understand why.. so I asked him, he explained me that this was for my own benefit, to lower the risks during surgery, in that very moment I understood that Dr Rincon was a very responsible doctor that really cared for his patients and not someone that would just do the surgery just because I wanted to have right away. Thanks Dr Rincon!! .

Those 8 weeks pre op were hard, I learned a new way of eating, measured everything, learned that basics of Lap Band rules, and did a lot of exercise, which by the way, I dislike but is soo important in this whole process. I did got to lose my required weight and had my surgery. I considered myself lucky.. I have had no pain, no nausea, just a bit of discomfort very common in any kind of surgery. In three months I had lost 60 pounds, this includes the weight Ive lost pre op. One thing I have very clear in my head is that the Lap Band in only a tool... not a magic wand, you still need to do your part and believe when I tell you that whoever says " Weight loss surgery is the easy way out" does not know what they are talking about. We are the only one responsible for the success or fail of the band, Dr Rincon was the angel that gave me that tool. I still have a long journey ahead of me, but with Dr Rincon's help, my effort and motivation, I will make it to the end. My only regret? not taking this decision earlier in my life.

- Marivonne

Dr. Rincon, A New Life Of Hope

It was a week before Thanksgiving in 2010.  I had just left my family doctor with disheartening news.  I sat in the wheelchair that I had lived in for the past 3 years (I could not walk more then 10 feet) looking at the leaves falling and feeling the late fall breeze in my face.  I had arthritis in my knees and one hip.  I had high blood pressure.  I was a diabetic.  I had a chronic cough where I could not talk.  I weight over 440 pounds.  Now my doctor told me that I would loose both legs if I didn’t do something fast.  He suggested gastric bypass surgery. 

I contacted my insurance company about what I needed and was promptly told that gastric bypass surgery was not covered.  I called around and talked to several doctors and friends that had this done and was told that with the hospital stay the cost would run as low as $35,000.00 and as high as $50,000.00.  This was beyond my means.  I began to think and plan on living what life I had left, without legs.  My wife and I asked God for help.

My married daughter looked on line for a surgeon in South Texas that I could afford.  The internet named Dr. Jorge L. Rincon, M.D. as the most successful bariatric surgeon in Texas and that Dr. Rincon offered a program that was affordable. 

Armed with new hope, my wife called Dr. Rincon’s office.  She talked to Monica about our needs.  Monica explained the program and set an appointment for us to meet with Dr. Rincon.  Two days later, we met with Dr. Rincon.  The Doctor explained what would happen, time in the hospital, recovery time, and what to expect for the next year.  He laid out the total cost for the pre-operation visits, the operation, hospital stay, medications, and follow ups. Dr. Rincon also required that I meet with Lucy Villarreal, RD (registered dietitian) and Dr. Larry Etter, Licensed Professional Counselor for pre and post bariatric patients. 

Lucy explained what foods I needed to eat to help promote weight loss, what foods would be harmful to me, how much I could eat, the time frame it took for me to eat, and how often I would eat.  She explained that I should eat a lot of protein, such as meat, chicken, pork, beans, etc.  She also said that I could have veggies and even some potatoes.  We went over all can-haves and the better-leave alones.  By the end of our session, Lucy took the fear away of not having a normal life after the operation and replaced it with me getting excited about setting new and real goals for eating and drinking.  I started seeing hope for a real live.  I felt God leading me.

Next I proceeded to Dr. Etter’s office where he would determine if I was capable of handling what was facing me or would I need counseling or even go a completely different way beside surgery.  Dr. Etter was both extremely pleasant and encouraging.  He made me look at what I wanted for my life and helped me to face what it would take to achieve those goals.

After talking with Lucy and Dr. Etter, I felt a weight lifted off of me.  I felt real hope for the first time in years.  I could make plans about my future because I would soon have a future. 

The next step took us back to Dr. Rincon where we talked over when we would do the operation.  I wanted to wait until after the Christmas and New Year holidays.  Dr. Rincon thought that was a good idea.

The day before the surgery, Dr. Rincon’s staff called with encouragement.  The next day I checked into the hospital and was given the royal treatment.  Dr. Rincon was there telling me everything was ok.  I remembered hearing his reassuring voice as I went under.  I awoke in recovery to see the smiling face of my beautiful wife.  She told me Dr. Rincon had just left after checking me out and gave directives on how I was to be treated.  For the next 3 days Dr. Rincon checked on me at least 2 to 3 times a day.  On the third day, I was released to go home for my continued recovery as laid out by Dr. Rincon and his staff.  It was very simple to follow and even easier to do. 

I have people ask me “Was it worth all that you have gone through?”  First of all God brought Dr. Rincon and his wonderful staff of caring professionals together with my wife and me.  This alone has made it the right thing to do.  But just knowing this man was enough to change my life for the better and bring hope where there was despair.  Dr. Rincon reminds me of the family doctor that I grew up with, caring, an open heart, and also a friend. 

The question still remains, Was It Worth It?  Before the 2nd day in the hospital, I went from taking 9 different pills to ½ a pill for blood pressure (and that was for only 2 days).  My diabetes was gone, my high blood pressure was soon (2 more days) to be no more, my knees and hips no longer were filled with pain, I could talk again without the chronic coughing, and I even lost the desire for all tobacco after 30 years of use.  I am no longer in a wheelchair or even use a cane.  But most of all, I still have both my legs. 

During the next 6 weeks I lost 53 pounds and 5 inches.  At the end of 9 weeks, I am down 8 inches in the waist and 65 pounds.  I love my check-ups and keep looking forward to the next one because Dr. Rincon and staff get so excited when I come in.  I can now get on and off my motorcycle by myself, swinging a golf club again, and play with my grandkids.  My wife and I smile and laugh everyday.

Yes this is worth it. We also give thanks to Dr. Rincon and his staff and to God for putting us in Dr. Rincon’s hands.  What a true blessing this has been.  I wish to tell all who would hear me that Dr. Rincon I trust completely with my life and my health.  I will honor him the rest of my life because his skills and commitment to me has saved my life and through him, God has been honored.

Sincerely,
- G
La Vernia, Texas

I guess my story begins 20 years ago. I never had a weight problem growing up. I was an athlete in Jr. High and High School and was very active. I played basketball, and had high ambitions of going pro. Being 6' 4", I was being watched by college scouts. During a tournament I tore my A.C.L, and that was the beginning of my struggle with my weight. I never fully recovered from that operation when I had to have another. I had 4 operations within 5 years, on both knees. Each operation I would gain 20 - 25 pounds. Then children came along. I gained 70 lbs with my first one, and my last child I was already so overweight that I practically starved myself for 9 months, so that I wouldn't gain weight.

I have tried every diet that is in existence, from Weight Watchers to Adkins, the cabbage craze to diabetic diets. Sure, ever one of them worked..for a few weeks. Then back on the roller coaster I had ridden for years. Four (4) years ago I started researching lap band surgery and read everything I could get my hands on.

After being hospitalized twice in the last 4 years because of my lung problems, I decided it was time to do something, before it killed me. I was diagnosed with asthma 5 years ago, and the weight gain was doing nothing but make it worse. The arthritis in my knees was so overwhelming that I could hardly walk anymore. I had favored my knees for so long that I began to have lower lumbar degeneration, and was put on painkillers. I was also given a permanent handicap placard for my car. At 37 I was parking in the Handicap zones.

I found Dr. Rincon via the web. I believe to this day that I was directed to him for a reason. I live in the Houston area, and believe me there are plenty of surgeons here, but I chose to go to Dr. Rincon.

I decided that I wanted to get the ball rolling before I turned 40, which is a short year away, so I bit the bullet and went for my first visit in May. I had no idea how much I weighed, due to the fact that I couldn't weight on any scale, even doctor scales. I was too embarrassed to let them put the counterweight on the scales so that I could weigh. When I stepped on the scales and they told me I weighed 381 lbs, my heart broke, and I wanted to run and hide.

On June 26th 2006, I had my surgery. It has been life changing on many levels, emotionally, spiritually, and for sure physically. Dr. Rincon is my hero. He saved my life. I have never had a doctor to be as attentive and show true concern. He has given me the tool I have needed for so long, to make myself well again.

I am now 5 months post op and have lost appx. 65 pounds. I went from a very tight 26/28 pant to wearing 18/20. I am also working with a personal trainer three (3) days a week to get myself fit. I am far from finished, but it has been a very exciting ride so far and I am SO excited about the future. I can assure you this.if I had to do this all over again, I would in a heartbeat, and I wouldn't do it without Dr Rincon. I will never forget him for what he has done for me. He has given me a new lease on life.

My new goal...Once I am finished with the weight loss and fitness training, I am going to the police academy. Being fit, and healthy, nothing will stop me from fulfilling my dreams.

Dona           
Houston, Tx

CELEBRATING MY NEW LIFE! And it's fantastic
I can do things now I never thought would again be possible for me. Now, at age 72 I feel invincible. Two years ago my cardiologist suggested I check on gastric bypass surgery because of the strain 317 pounds was putting on my heart. My blood pressure was way too high. I'd already worn out both knees carrying the extra weight and had to have them replaced. As often as not I'd sleep in the recliner chair because it was hard to breathe laying down. I had a thyroid imbalance and uncontrolled diabetes. That required me to take 14 meds a day for the various ailments. Pretty pitiful. Then I met Dr Rincon and my life changed.

He taught me so much and rescued me by performing the gastric bypass surgery which gave me a chance at a new, much improved lifestyle. DR RINCON IS MY HERO! I feel I owe him my life. I lost over 100 pounds and have kept it off. No longer do I have to take all those medicines. I'm down to only two. Before the surgery I could hardly walk, now I do the treadmill almost daily and have so much energy. He is a constant source of encouragement.

If you are considering making a change in your life to feel better, look better, be healthier and happier, I sincerely recommend you call Dr Rincon. If you'd like to talk to me about my experience, he will give you my number.

- Patti

I should have written this months ago, but I been so busy enjoying my new life that I placed this important task aside. In October 2005 I made the decision to do something about my weight I was some where around 245 lb. wore a size 22/24 (2x), had high blood pressure and couldn't walk a flight of stairs without gasping for air - I had stopped stepping on scales for over a year. I guess if I didn't know the number it made me less obese. To sum it up I felt like a walking Jell-O I just wobbled with every step. I made an appointment with Dr. Rincon and my husband and I went, he was clear from the start that weight loss surgery desions were mine and no one else's. He is matter of fact, honest and very candid about the surgery pros and cons, but most importantly he is very caring about his patients.

At first, I thought he had way too many hurdles to jump through before the surgery. learn to eat slowly, exercise (what!) I was getting weight loss surgery no need for that. I was wrong eating slow helped me with the band and making it work for me. Exercise is the most important part of my new life it has helped me tone up mentally and physically. I now use exercise instead of food as a release for what ever sent me to food before. Dr. Rincon has been there every step of the way for me. you don't often find a physician that genuinely cares about patients, but Dr. Rincon does. This summer was the most amazing I saw family and friends that I had not seen for over a year.. Some did not recognize me. My children came to me and told me how happy they are, they said they had not seen me laugh or smile in so long and now they say they can't believe how happy and outgoing I am.

Surgery was December 22, 2005 and I am now 10 months post op - I weigh 154 lbs, have normal blood pressure, can run a flight of stairs and not gasp for air. I wear size 10 slacks and a med blouse. I am so glad and lucky that Dr Rincon was my surgeon he has truly been an angel for me. his support has been beyond belief. He helped me save my life and I will forever be grateful. You can not go wrong with him as your surgeon.

- Doris

Dear Dr. Rincon:

I cannot express enough the thanks and gratitude I feel towards you and all the help you have given me in obtaining my Lap Band Procedure. After trying for two years and getting no where with my insurance company, you gave me the opportunity to regain my life back.

Never in my wildest dreams did I ever figure I would be so lucky to find such a warm, caring, and wonderful doctor as you, who would go out of his way to help me. I especially appreciate the fact that you would call me and not leave it up to a staff member. That showed me that you are a very compassionate man and want to get to know your patients. It especially meant a lot to me, especially since I am in Wisconsin. You and your staff have treated me so wonderfully and I can't thank you enough for all you have done. You have given me a new lease on life!!!

I only wish there was a way that I could repay all the kindness you have given me over the past couple of months. I just hope all your patients realize what a wonderful and caring physician that they have; and how lucky they are to have found you.

After being overweight all my life, I know now that with this wonderful tool that you have given me, I can be on my way to a healthy weight for the first time in my life!! I am already seeing the results, which makes me feel wonderful! I mean, to think that two weeks prior to surgery I weighed 305, then two weeks later, after being on your recommended diet, I was down to 296, and now, 6 weeks post-op, I am down to 268 lbs, well, all I can say is Wow!!! I know that I have a long way to go yet, but now I know that it's a dream that can really come true!!! Never did I think I would enjoy going to a gym to work out as much as I am. And it's been a wonderful way for my sister and I spend some quality time together.

Again, thank you Dr. Rincon, for all you have done not only for me, but for my family. Because I am losing the weight, I have a better chance of being around for a long time for my children and my husband!!

Thank you for all you have done for me!!

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