I started my journey at 5'11" and 360 lbs. This was the highest weight I had reached in my life. As an attorney and nurse practitioner I have a busy professional and personal life. Food was a comfort for me, but had become the enemy. My body compensated in negative ways to the 120 pound weight gain I sustained over 14 years. My weight affected every aspect of my life; from tying my shoes, to the inability to sit in booths in restaurants and the difficulty and embarrassment of sitting in a plane seat with a belt extender. A fellow attorney referred me to Dr. Sherman Yu. After a long period of contemplation, I finally decided to do something about it for myself and for my family. Dr. Yu's surgical technique and his office and bedside manner were and are exceptional. I now have my life back. The transformation has been a game changer. I was 360lbs on my initial visit, 337 lbs on the day of surgery, and I now weigh 280 lbs just 3 months post-surgery. Everyone is amazed at the change in my appearance at this early stage of my journey. I already look and feel much better. I have more energy and have a new lease on life. The transformation has been life-changing. There is no magic bullet for weight loss, but Dr. Yu and his staff have been phenomenal. I no longer have the food cravings that I once had and am back in control of my life. I have lost 12 inches off my waist and my blood pressure, cholesterol and glucose have normalized. I no longer snore or require a CPAP machine. My target goal is to lose 50 -70 more pounds over the next year and I am confident that I can do it thanks to Dr. Sherman Yu. This transformation has allowed me to get on rides at the amusement park with my daughter, sit on planes with confidence and without embarrassment, and to have people see the results while on house calls, in the courtroom and on my television show. I have begun an exercise program, and share my life with my spouse and family in profound ways. As a television personality I am inspiring others on Latin TV to lose weight, and in many instances, explore laparoscopic surgery. My colleagues in law and healthcare are proud of me and glad that I will live a longer and healthier life in order to continue to serve others in my community. Thank you Dr. Yu and his fine staff for giving my life back. Joe Flores, JD, APRN