• Mitiku Belachew, MD is not only the inventor of the LAP-BAND System, but also the first surgeon ever to place a LAP-BAND in Sept of 1993. He lives and practices surgery in Huy, Belgium. He is also my mentor and spiritual godfather.

• Lee Grossbard, MD has one of the most successful LAP-BAND practices in the United States. He is considered one of the top experts and travels frequently proctoring other surgeons and as an invited speaker to LAP-BAND seminars around the US. He is also a personal friend and admirable example to follow.

• Franco Favretti, MD is a pioneer in Gastric banding. He paved the way for the success of the LAP-BAND around the world. He practices at the Obesity Center of the University of Padua, Italy.

• Roberto Rumbaut, MD is another famous name from Mexico. He is the leader in LAP-BANDing in Mexico and is a band patient himself. He is credited with teaching numerous surgeons worldwide the technique and has one of the busiest LAP-BAND centers in Monterrey, Mexico.

• John Dixon, MD has been with the LAP-BAND since the beginning, and is the author of numerous studies on the benefits of the LAP-BAND. He is credited with scientifically proving all the major health benefits and advantages of the LAP-BAND.

• Jaime Ponce, MD, also a Latin name, is a top leader in LAP-BAND surgery in the United States. He has developed a number of techniques and instruments and travels around the US proctoring other surgeons. He has a very successful practice in Dalton, Georgia.

• Terry Simpson, MD, author of the book, Weight-loss Surgery, a Lighter Look at a Heavy Subject, is also a recognized weight-loss surgeon in his field. He is one of a handful of surgeons that perform the Biliopancreatic Diversion in the United States.

• Arturo Martinez, MD, a Bariatric Surgeon, has designed and implemented a number of safety protocols and surgical techniques related to the LAP-BAND surgery. He practices with me at Obesity Control Center in Tijuana and Cancun, Mexico.

• Velma Moreno Bandy is president of V&V enterprises and is considered an expert in the field of reimbursement and insurance coverage on the LAP-BAND.

• Bart Bandy is Junior Vice President of Inamed Health and has been with the company since the birth of the LAP-BAND. His dedication to perfection created an initial learning protocol followed around the world and has proved the major determining factor for success with the LAP-BAND around the world. His philosophy: safety and efficiency.

• Vern Vincent shares the credits for helping design the LAP-BAND and implementing its use. He has traveled extensively around the world, teaching others the techniques of the LAP-BAND and still actively works on design and innovation at Inamed Health.

• Sandy Johnston is a successful LAP-BAND patient and now actively helps others reach their weight-loss goals. She has proven to have wonderful insight on the way we think about food and losing weight. She also did a lot of the legwork with investigation and finalizing this book.

• My Patients. Most of all, I would like to thank all of my patients, who provide me with a feeling of fulfillment that I cannot describe. Each one of them has taught us how to help others succeed with the Lap-Band, and it is thanks to them that we have completed this book. I truly have the most wonderful people in the world as patients and I feel a personal connection with each and every one of them. I would especially like to thank those that courageously shared their stories in this book in order to help others who suffer from this disease, Cynthia Jones, Dr. Lee Grossbard, Gayle Muller, Rick Rush, Carolyn Williamson, Shanae Scott, Teresa Quinoa, Lisa Geraci-Ruppert, Dan Lester and Sandy Johnston. We can all say we have the “LAP-BAND for LIFE”!