"I met Dr. Mark Paya at Bariatric orientation seminar in July 2004.  I went to see him for a consultation and together we discussed my alternatives for weight loss. Dr. Paya was extremely thorough in his discussion and I asked him many questions. He answered all of them, and I had a feeling that I could succeed with bariatric surger.

As in the case with many bariatric patients, I had been obese for over 20 years and tried many food programs along with exercise routines. I could lose some weight, but I could not maintain the weight loss. On September 3, 2004, Dr. Mark Paya performed the Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery.

His care after the surgery was superb. I saw him both days while I was in the hospital. It has been 2 months since my surgery. I have used this surgery as a tool. I have been compliant with the food program and the exercising. This surgery has changed and improved my life. I have experienced excellent weight loss, increased energy, and more confidence. I am continuing to see Dr. Paya for follow up visits. We are both pleased with my success. I am willing to talk to anyone about this surgery that is interested. "

..........................................................................................................................................................................J. Cole.

"Ican highly recommend the lap-band procedure and Dr. Paya as the surgeon to perform it. I have just finished the eight-week post surgery and have lost 28 pounds with and side effects. This procedure marks the beginning of a major lifestyle change for me. I am not hungry and am easily able to manage small food portions.

Although my weight loss is slower than if I had gastric bypass, the surgical procedure is far less invasive with fewer possible side effects. In any case rapid weight loss is not my goal. I view the band as an aid in getting my eating habits under control. Another plus is that I can have the band adjusted at any time if I begin to feel hungry or don’t get full after a small meal. "

..........................................................................................................................................................................C. Miller

"Ihad to write you, in addition to telling you numerous times, how thrilled I am with the way you and your team handled my bariatric surgery. The thorough preparations, mentally and physically, enabled me to maintain a positive and excited attitude throughout. I can’t say enough about how helpful, kind and supportive your staff was and continues to be. Any fears were subsided by your confidence, skills, professionalism and compassion.

Although I am only six weeks out, the excitement and exhilaration I am feeling of an improving mental and physical image is beyond words. The pounds are flying off and everyone is noticing, especially me. Throughout my life, I have been through every diet program, every fad, every pill only to regain every pound, plus more. Thanks to you, those days are over and I have finally begun my “rebirth.” Thank you again for all your support."

..........................................................................................................................................................................L. Reines

"I spent over 20 years fighting the bulge through many diets and exercising. Besides your basic “lack of self esteem”, both of my knees, Left ankle and lower back had succumbed to the pressure of all that extra weight. I decided to take it to what I had hoped would be the final step towards ending my misery and attended a seminar hosted by Dr. Paya and the West Hills Hospital. I felt confident after leaving the seminar that the people involved here were much more than your average professionals, they cared.

I did some serious reflecting and thinking, so that if I were to do the procedure, I would be doing it without an ounce of reservation. I wanted to guarantee myself success, never to fail at weight loss again. I decided that the laparoscopic banding procedure was best for me, so I proceeded to get a private consultation with Dr. Paya. We proceeded with the surgery on Jan. 17, 2005, which was only 3 weeks ago. One week after surgery I was out walking a mile a day. The second week I started doing 2 miles a day.

I can't remember when I've ever been so optimistic about my future. Thank you Dr. Paya, Debbi (Dr. Paya's right hand) and Marcy (Bariatric coordinator). Oh yeah, did I mention that I've lost 39 lbs in this first 3 weeks?"

..........................................................................................................................................................................J. Cowen

"How do you thank a team of members enough after they give you a life? Dr. Paya has saved me. Four months after surgery, I’m down 50+ lbs, engaged, eating just about anything I want in very small portions, and I’m satisfied! This is the best I have felt and the happiest I have been in my life."

..........................................................................................................................................................................T. Brood

"I had surgery done by Dr. M. Paya I would like to share with you that I am very happy with services provided by Dr. Paya and all his staff. From the very first time I met Dr. Paya I was sure that everything would go fine. I strongly recommend anyone who is thinking to do the surgery to meet with Dr. Paya. He is always ready to answer all your questions and give you a professional advise. Thank you very much."

..........................................................................................................................................................................Angel I

"At 51 years old, I never realized how my weight effected my life; every single aspect of it. My experience with Dr. Paya and the gastric lap banding has turned my life around. I have now got the self-esteem I only though others could possess. I have a dream job and have met a kind, loving and wonderful man, all because I decided to take this step to taking care of myself and creating a healthy future for myself… All thanks to Dr. Paya and his wonderful staff."

..........................................................................................................................................................................Robin T

"Excellent experience overall. Dr. Paya is very knowledgeable and addressed all my concerns prior to the surgery. The surgery and hospital stay went very well. Dr. Paya was available before and after the surgery. Dr. Paya’s office staff is more than excellent. They were very understanding and available all the time to answer any questions and support my care."

..........................................................................................................................................................................Ed E.

As many obese people have fought with their weight all their lives, I too have had an uphill battle to no avail. I had tried every diet imaginable and had not been successful long term. I finally reached a point in my life where I decided that I had to take action. That’s when my journey to weight loss surgery began.

From the first time that I visited Dr. Paya’s office to the follow-up after surgery, I have been utterly impressed with his professionalism and awesome staff members. The entire experience has been life changing and weight altering! I would highly recommend Dr. Paya to anyone who is interested in having weight loss surgery. He really seems to understand the concerns of his patients and is genuinely concerned for our health and well being. I have lost 61 pounds in 3 months and I owe it all to him. Thank you Dr. Paya and staff for giving me my life back!